Executive Director

Executive Director

The MusicianShip transforms lives through the power of music. We provide high-quality, accessible music education and performance opportunities to young people across the Washington, DC area, with a deep commitment to historically underserved communities. Our work builds not only musicianship but confidence, discipline, and opportunity for the next generation.

Position Overview

The MusicianShip seeks a mission-driven, entrepreneurial Executive Director (ED) to lead a growing organization dedicated to expanding access to high-quality music education for students across Washington, DC. With annual revenues of approximately $1.1 million and a funding model heavily reliant on grants, the ED will play a critical role in strengthening financial sustainability, deepening community partnerships, and scaling program impact.

The Executive Director serves as the organization's chief strategist, fundraiser, and operational leader, working closely with the Board of Directors, staff, music educators, and community stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a clear strategic vision aligned with the organization's mission and growth ambitions
• Partner with the Board to refine long-term priorities, including program expansion, funding diversification, and organizational capacity
• Serve as the primary public-facing ambassador and spokesperson for the organization in the DC and DMV music education arena

Financial Management and Sustainability

• Oversee a budget of approximately $1.1M with strong fiscal discipline and transparency
• Proactively manage cash flow in a grant-dependent funding environment, including timing gaps between revenue and expenses, in coordination with the Board's Finance Committee
• Lead efforts to diversify revenue streams, including individual giving, corporate partnerships, earned revenue, events, and foundation grants
• Ensure compliance with all financial, legal, and grant reporting requirements

Fundraising and Development

• Lead all fundraising strategy and execution, with a focus on grant acquisition and stewardship, individual giving, and earned income opportunities
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with foundations, donors, and institutional partners
• Support and leverage the Board in fundraising activities
• Develop a more predictable and resilient funding model over time

Program Oversight

• Ensure high-quality delivery of music education programs that meet community needs, with day-to-day execution led by the Director of Education and Community Programs
• Ensure program effectiveness and outcomes are evaluated, incorporating data and feedback into continuous improvement
• Explore opportunities to expand programs across the DC educational arena, including charter, private, and home schools, while maintaining program quality

Team Leadership and Culture

• Lead, manage, and support a small, dedicated team, fostering a collaborative, performance-based, and mission-driven culture
• Oversee hiring, performance management, and professional development
• Build organizational capacity appropriate to growth ambitions

Community and External Relations

• Build strong relationships with schools, educators, community organizations, and local stakeholders
• Advocate for the importance of arts education in historically underserved DC communities and surrounding areas
• Represent the organization in public forums, partnership convenings, and select events

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in nonprofit management, education, arts administration, or a related field
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, particularly with grants, individual donors, and institutional funding
• Experience managing budgets and navigating cash flow challenges in small to mid-sized organizations
• Strong strategic thinking combined with hands-on operational execution
• Proven ability to lead and develop small teams
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

Preferred

• 5+ years of experience in nonprofit management, education, arts administration, or a related field
• Direct experience in arts education or youth development
• Familiarity with the Washington, DC philanthropic and education landscape
• Experience diversifying revenue beyond grants

Leadership Profile

The ideal candidate is:

• Mission-driven, with a passion for equitable access to arts education
• Financially savvy and pragmatic, particularly in managing constrained resources
• Entrepreneurial and resourceful, able to build while operating
• A strong relationship builder who can engage funders, partners, and the community
• Comfortable balancing strategic leadership with day-to-day execution

Reports To

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors through the Board Chair.

Location and Schedule

This is a full-time, salaried position based on-site and in person in Washington, DC. The role requires occasional evening and weekend availability for events, performances, and donor engagements, along with local travel across the DC and DMV area.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: $95,000–$130,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition to salary, The MusicianShip offers a comprehensive benefits package.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a resume and a cover letter through our Breezy application portal. Your cover letter must address your experience and qualifications being sought. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The MusicianShip is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to maintaining a nondiscriminatory, harassment-free, diverse work environment. We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law in any of our programs, activities, or employment practices.