Previously the director of marketing for the Kennedy Center and the National Symphony, McAuliffe joined the ASOL in 1992 as vice president for marketing and communications; he was promoted to his current position in 2001. At the organization, which represents hundreds of ensembles around the country, he has overseen various communications and advocacy efforts.

As the ASOL's public face, he is frequently quoted in newspaper articles, providing perspective on the troubles and successes of particular orchestras.

Henry Fogel, the president of the ASOL, said of McAuliffe, "I want to express appreciation for his amazing passion for, and dedication to, the cause of symphonic music in America and to the League's role in preserving that."