Leadership Music Executive Director
The Opportunity
Leadership Music stands at an exciting and pivotal moment in its history. In 2029, the organization will celebrate its 40th anniversary milestone that offers an opportunity to honor its remarkable legacy while shaping its future.
The next Executive Director will lead the organization during a period of significant transformation within the music and creative industries, marked by increasing consolidation, changing business models, and rising operational costs. This leader will have the opportunity to:
Preserve and enhance the excellence of the flagship leadership program.
Deepen engagement among more than 1,500 accomplished alumni.
Strengthen the organization's long-term financial sustainability.
Expand Leadership Music's impact and visibility across the creative industries.
Foster innovation while honoring the values and traditions that have defined Leadership Music for nearly four decades.
Position the organization for continued success and relevance well beyond its 40th anniversary.
Leverage Leadership Music's unique position as a Nashville-based national organization with a global alumni network to expand its influence and impact across the creative industries.
This is a unique opportunity for a visionary, relationship-driven leader to steward one of the music industry's most respected leadership organizations into its next chapter.
About Leadership Music
Founded in 1989, Leadership Music is a Nashville-based national nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating a forward-thinking community of leaders who impact the creative industry. Through its flagship leadership program and a network of more than 1,500 alumni living and working across the United States and around the world, Leadership Music fosters informed dialogue, meaningful relationships, and lifelong connections among leaders representing all facets of the creative community.
Position Summary
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of Leadership Music and is responsible for advancing the organization's mission to cultivate a forward-thinking community of leaders who impact the creative industry.
Working in partnership with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides strategic leadership, organizational management, financial stewardship, fundraising oversight, and program direction while serving as the organization's primary ambassador.
The Executive Director leads and supports the staff, works collaboratively with volunteers and alumni leaders, and ensures the continued excellence and sustainability of the organization and its programs
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Provide visionary and strategic leadership to advance the mission and long-term success of Leadership Music.
Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and implement strategic priorities and organizational goals.
Position the organization to remain relevant and impactful amid the changing landscape of the creative industries.
Identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and collaboration while honoring the organization's legacy and values.
Program Leadership
Oversee and protect the integrity and excellence of Leadership Music's flagship educational program and related initiatives.
Provide direction and guidance, with a collaborative mindset, to volunteer leaders, committees, and advisors to develop and deliver meaningful educational experiences.
Ensure program content reflects emerging issues, trends, and opportunities within the creative industries.
Champion the participant experience and maintain the high standards for which Leadership Music is known.
Alumni Engagement
Foster meaningful relationships with more than 1,500 Leadership Music alumni.
Develop opportunities for alumni engagement, mentorship, networking, and lifelong learning.
Encourage alumni participation in programs, committees, events, and philanthropic efforts.
Strengthen and nurture the sense of community that distinguishes Leadership Music.
Fundraising & Resource Development
Ensure the organization is financially stable through:
Partnering with the board and alumni, lead all fundraising activities, including individual giving, corporate sponsorships, grants, and special initiatives.
Cultivate and build relationships with donors, partners, and industry stakeholders.
Develop strategies to diversify revenue streams and ensure long-term financial sustainability.
Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to achieve annual fundraising goals.
Navigate any challenges due to economic or industry shifts.
Financial & Operational Management
Oversee the organization's financial management, budgeting, and fiscal planning.
Establish and maintain sound business practices, financial controls, and operational efficiency.
Develop and manage annual operating budgets and provide regular reporting to the Board.
Oversee contracts, technology, facilities, insurance, and organizational systems.
Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements applicable to nonprofit organizations in accordance with the bylaws.
Board Relations & Governance
Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors and its committees.
Support effective governance practices and facilitate board engagement and development.
Provide the Board with timely information and recommendations regarding organizational opportunities and challenges.
Partner with board leadership to establish and implement strategic priorities.
External Relations & Industry Leadership
Serve as the chief ambassador and spokesperson for Leadership Music globally.
Build and maintain strong relationships across the music and creative industries.
Represent Leadership Music within the nonprofit, civic, and industry communities.
Increase awareness of Leadership Music's mission, programs, and impact.
Strengthen relationships with alumni and industry leaders regardless of geography and identify opportunities to further engage the organization's global community.
Staff Leadership
Lead, mentor, and support staff in a collaborative and positive work environment.
Foster a culture of teamwork, excellence, inclusivity, and continuous improvement.
Ensure effective communication and professional development opportunities for staff.
Qualifications & Experience
The ideal candidate will possess:
Senior leadership experience in nonprofit management, the music industry, higher education, or a related field.
Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor cultivation, and relationship management.
Experience working effectively with boards, volunteers, and diverse constituencies.
Strong financial management and budgeting experience.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
Experience leading teams and managing organizational operations.
A deep appreciation for leadership development and community building.
Knowledge of and passion for the music and creative industries.
Desired Leadership Attributes
The successful candidate will be:
Diplomatic and emotionally intelligent.
Warm, welcoming, and highly relational.
Collaborative and open-minded.
A skilled listener and consensus builder.
Strategic and forward-thinking.
Passionate about educational programming and leadership development.
Deeply committed to alumni engagement and lifelong community building.
Innovative, adaptable and comfortable navigating change.
An exceptional ambassador and relationship steward.
Mission-driven and committed to preserving the values and culture that make Leadership Music unique.
Compensation & Benefits
Leadership Music offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including salary and benefits.
Resumes and letters of interest should be sent to EDSearch@leadershipmusic.org . Resumes will be accepted through October 13, 2026.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Leadership Music is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds.