Executive Director Position Profile
SoundCorps, a private non-profit arts organization in Chattanooga, invites applications for the position of Executive Director. The successful candidate will provide visionary and innovative leadership for the organization and will ensure operational excellence in delivering on its commitments for all constituents.
Mission and Vision
SoundCorps is dedicated to building the local music economy with a vision of establishing Chattanooga as one of America's great music cities.
Position Summary
SoundCorps is a nonprofit arts organization working in the fields of entertainment, equity, skills, and opportunity. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for SoundCorps’ staff, programs, expansion and execution of its mission. S/he will develop deep knowledge of the field, core programs, operations and business plans. The ideal candidate is comfortable with rapid change, brings community voice to the table and effectively engages with local and regional stakeholders to help build careers for music industry professionals in Chattanooga and Hamilton County, improving the quality of life for community members and visitors alike.
The Executive Director has the overarching responsibility to ensure that SoundCorps:
- Leads with an active vision for its long-term future, a cohesive and clear mission that will fulfill the vision, and strategic goals and objectives that deliver measurable progress on that mission guided by continuous evaluation and fresh thinking.
- Creates and nurtures a wide range of strategic partnerships and relationships at the local, regional, and national levels, reflecting the nature of the work that requires high level cooperation, collaboration, information sharing and combined resources.
- Manages its programs, assets, and finances with operational excellence and fiscal stewardship to achieve desired community impacts.
- Continues to be properly resourced, managed, and in compliance with all laws and grant requirements from both a financial and human capital perspective.
- Provides clear communication and effective support for the Board of Directors, the Board’s Executive Committee, and SoundCorps staff and contractors.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Strategy & Planning- Participate with the Board of Directors in developing a vision and strategic plan to guide the organization
- Develop an operational plan which incorporates goals and objectives that work towards the strategic direction of the organization
- Draft policies for the approval of the Board and prepare procedures to implement the organizational policies; review existing policies on an annual basis and recommend changes to the Board as appropriate
- Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of the organization's programs and services
- Ensure that the programs and services offered by the organization contribute to the organization's mission and reflect the priorities of the Board
- Monitor the day-to-day delivery of the programs and services of the organization to maintain or improve quality
- Oversee the planning, implementation, execution and evaluation of special projects
- Work with the Board to secure adequate funding for the operation of the organization
- Research funding sources, oversee the development of fund raising plans and write funding proposals to increase the funds of the organization
- Participate in fundraising activities as appropriate
- In addition to the Chair of the Board, act as a spokesperson for the organization
- Represent the organization at community activities to enhance the organization's community profile
- Communicate with stakeholders to keep them informed of the work of the organization and to identify changes in the community served by the organization
- Establish good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, funders, politicians and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the organization
- Identify, assess and inform the Board of Directors of internal and external issues that affect the organization
- Act as a professional advisor to the Board of Director on all aspects of the organization's activities
- Foster effective teamwork between the Board and the Executive Director and between the Executive Director and staff
- Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Board as appropriate and jointly with the Board when appropriate
- Provide support to the Board by preparing meeting agenda and supporting materials
- Ensure that the operation of the organization meets the expectations of its clients, Board and Funders
- Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organization
- Ensure that personnel, client, donor and volunteer files are securely stored and privacy/confidentiality is maintained
- Determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery
- Oversee the implementation of the human resources policies, procedures and practices including the development of job description for all staff
- Establish a positive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations
- Recruit, interview and select staff that have the right technical and personal abilities to help further the organization's mission
- Ensure that all staff receives an orientation to the organization and that appropriate training is provided
- Implement a performance management process for all staff which includes monitoring the performance of staff on an on-going basis and conducting an annual performance review
- Coach and mentor staff as appropriate to improve performance
- Discipline staff when necessary using appropriate techniques; release staff when necessary using appropriate and legally defensible procedures
- Work with staff and the Board (Finance Committee) to prepare a comprehensive budget
- Identify and evaluate the risks to the organization's people (clients, staff, management, volunteers), property, finances, goodwill and image and implement measures to control risks
- Ensure that the Board of Directors and the organization carries appropriate and adequate insurance coverage
- Ensure that the Board and staff understand the terms, conditions and limitations of the insurance coverage
- Approve expenditures within the authority delegated by the Board
- Ensure that sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed
- Administer the funds of the organization according to the approved budget and monitor the monthly cash flow of the organization
- Provide the Board with comprehensive, regular reports on the revenues and expenditure of the organization
- Ensure that the organization complies with all legislation covering taxation and withholding payments
Qualifications
The ED will be thoroughly committed to SoundCorps’ mission, vision, values and strategic plan. All candidates should have proven leadership, coaching and relationship management experience. Concrete demonstrable experience and other qualifications include:- Must have a proven track record within the music industry. He/She must display a passion for the music industry and have the ability to relate to the artistic and creative side of the business.
- Advanced degree, ideally an MBA, with at least 10 years of experience; track record of effectively leading and scaling a performance- and outcomes-based organization and staff; ability to point to specific examples of having developed and operationalized strategies that have taken an organization to the next stage of growth
- Unwavering commitment to quality programs and data-driven program evaluation
- Excellence in organizational management with the ability to coach staff, manage and develop high-performance teams, set and achieve strategic objectives and manage a budget
- Past success working with a Board of Directors with the ability to cultivate existing board member relationships
- Strong marketing, public relations and fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills
- Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable and innovative approach to business planning
- Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people
- Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven and self-directed
Technical Skills
- Expert (Administrator) skill with common email management and word processing software including Google apps (Gmail, Google Drive) and Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Expert (Administrator) skill with website content management systems (CMS)
- Intermediate skill with customer relationship management (CRM) Software
- Intermediate skill with social media platforms
- Intermediate skill with media editing and creation programs (Adobe Creative Suite, Blackmagic ATEM Software and livestreaming hardware)