Description
The Executive Director is responsible for leading the operations, staffing, and community engagement for CMA
through the strategies and policies set cooperatively with the Board of Directors.
The Executive Director of Civic Music Association (CMA) reports to the Board of Directors and is charged with carrying out the mission of the organization. The Civic Music Association exists to engage, enrich and educate the central Iowa community through provocative, world-class musical performances by legends and rising stars. The Executive Director is responsible for executing the strategic direction of the organization, which includes leading donor engagement activities, providing overall leadership and management of the staff, events, and committees.
The Executive Director serves as the primary point of contact for the organization and reports to the board of directors. This position has executive responsibility for coordinating fundraising efforts (internally or through a contractor), donor and sponsor relations, promotion, securing artists and vendors, community relations and administrative operations. The Executive Director also serves as the primary spokesperson for the CMA to the public.
The Executive Director is responsible for building and maintaining community brand awareness about the organization and its mission, and to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders. This position will engage directly with city and community leaders, businesses, artists, industry professionals, volunteers, and vendors to understand and promote the interests of the organization.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
- Producing High Quality Concerts – Work with the programming committee to identify, select and book a variety of artists from across the country and locally to provide the donors and community with high quality, engaging performances.
- Vendor and Venue Relations – Continually seek out new vendor and venue opportunities that support a variety of programs and events to attract new and more diverse audiences, supporting the local community, businesses, and venues.
Execution of the CMA Vision:
We are searching for a highly motivated individual who can help support these efforts through the following:
- Provide mission and vision level leadership and leadership support in conjunction with the Board of Directors;
- Promote and enhance the culture of the organization through consistent and thoughtful communication;
- Identify opportunities to create and enhance organizational value to key stakeholders and the community;
- Work with the Board of Directors to develop, implement, and manage a strategic plan;
- Develop strategies to promote the brand and brand awareness of the CMA;
Operations
- Identify partners and leverage strategic partnerships to support the growth of CMA;
- Work with artist agents to negotiate contracts with artists, and secure vendors and venues to execute performances based on the type of concert experience and the artist’s needs.
- Develop and coordinate short- and long-term financial strategies for financial growth and sustainability;
- Be present for and provide planning, operational support, and infrastructure for events;
- Assist in the development an annual budget for board approval;
- Participate in Committees as determined by the board;
- Perform bank deposits and bank statement review in accordance with monthly financial procedures and prepare monthly financial statements and updates for board review;
- Perform and manage day-to-day administrative tasks, including email, mail, and phone correspondence, marketing material creation and approval, accounts payable and receivable, CRM updates, human resources and payroll, etc.
- Support Committee Chairs, volunteers, and related projects by attending meetings, providing resources, and managing back-office tasks and communications;
- Research and identify possible sources of unearned income via fundraising activities, donor development, corporate sponsorships, grant writing and grant reporting;
- Research and write all grants for the organization with the goal of securing 90% of all grants applied for. Continually look for new grant opportunities.
- Prepare and file requisite non-profit business and tax filings including biennial report and IRS Form 990.
Events, Communication & Marketing
- Facilitate marketing strategies to promote the mission;
- Provide concierge and hospitality services to artists, donors, and patrons.
- Attend industry meetings, conferences, and concerts regionally and nationally to represent CMA, garner new ideas, and learn about new artists and programs.
- Act as media contact and coordinate responses to media inquiries;
- Develop solid professional relationships with the board, community partners, and other area businesses and resources to facilitate knowledge-sharing and cooperation;
- Ensure the highest possible levels of customer service are maintained in all areas throughout the organization;
- Work with the board to ensure that marketing plans are adequate and that general institutional awareness and image plans are maintained;
- Ensure a sufficient level of board-approved communication is provided to donors and sponsors about the organization’s plans;
- Represent CMA within the community, serving on boards, service organizations, membership in civic organizations, etc., as feasible;
- In the event interns or volunteers are utilized, the Executive Director will oversee the direction of appropriate human resources.
Educational, Skills & Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree related to management, music, or arts, required
- Experience in non-profit management and/or event programming, preferred
- Demonstrated success in fund raising, strategic planning, and working with a Board of Directors
- Experience working with a volunteer board of directors and volunteers;
- Understanding of nonprofit board management / fiduciary responsibilities;
- Business or nonprofit organization management experience;
- Managing multiple, diverse interests and constituencies;
- Event management and program development capabilities;
- Demonstrated leadership, outreach, and structured relationship-building abilities;
- Fundraising and sponsor relations experience;
- Strong financial acumen and experience with developing and managing budgets;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills;
- Effective public speaking and media relations;
- Strong marketing, public relations, and sales skills;
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office software, QuickBooks, social media platforms, email marketing, surveys, and customer relationship management (CRM) software;
- Self-directed with strong time and task management skills;
- Ability to maintain staff and board confidentiality and navigate sometimes difficult and challenging discussions.
Equal Employment Statement
CMA is dedicated to equal employment and advancement opportunities. It is the CMA’s policy to hire and promote qualified individuals on the basis of their qualifications, interest and aptitude, without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected group under applicable state, federal or local law.
