Executive Director

Job Summary

ECCHO Live started with a simple idea: to bring the resources most needed directly to the people working in the touring industry. In 2011, Chris Lisle and Erik Parker created the inaugural Fall Workshop at Belmont University, a one-off event designed to serve and educate their colleagues in the touring music industry. With over fifty industry professionals in attendance, the workshop was a success, and it quickly became clear that the need was far greater than anyone imagined. From that first workshop, the program grew rapidly, guided by a philosophy that has always stayed the same: meet people where they are. Over time, ECCHO Live expanded to include mental health services, financial coaching, and now full year round programming, including on-site support at festivals and events, so help is accessible. Today, ECCHO Live is governed by a board of professionals from within the live events and touring industries, keeping an ear to the ground to ensure that programs are created from the inside out, by people who truly understand the challenges and rewards of life in the gig.

This is a pivotal moment to join ECCHO Live as the organization transitions from its founder-led beginnings into a new era of professional leadership. The Executive Director will build on the founder’s vision while establishing the systems, revenue streams, and partnerships that will carry ECCHO Live into its next chapter. This leader will serve as the organization’s chief executive, chief fundraiser, and most visible ambassador to the touring and live music community.

Job Responsibilities

I. ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT 20% of Time

Provide day-to-day executive leadership and serve as the primary leader for organizational operations, culture, and direction.

Hire, supervise, mentor, and evaluate all staff; cultivate a high-performing, mission-centered organizational culture.

Oversee all programs, operations, and administrative functions of ECCHO Live, ensuring quality, consistency, and alignment with the mission.

Collaborate with the All Access On-Site (AAOS) Program Coordinator, providing joint oversight and mutual support on logistics and coordination.

In coordination with the board, manage organizational risk, legal counsel needs, and insurance requirements to ensure appropriate coverage for all ECCHO Live programs and activities.

In coordination with the board, develop and maintain policies and procedures governing organizational operations.

II. BOARD RELATIONS & COMMITTEE ENGAGEMENT 15% of Time

The Executive Director serves as a non-voting resource to the Board of Directors and all standing committees, ensuring alignment between governance and operations.

Board of Directors

Maintain a transparent, responsive, and productive working relationship with the full Board of Directors.

Prepare and deliver monthly written updates to all Board members covering programs, finances, fundraising, and organizational priorities.

Executive Committee

Collaborate on long-range strategic planning and organizational direction.

Present emerging opportunities, risks, and priorities for executive-level guidance.

Finance Committee

Develop the annual organizational budget and multi-year budget projections for committee review and Board approval.

Provide regular financial reporting, variance analysis, and fiscal forecasts.

Ensure compliance with all financial policies, procedures, and legal/regulatory requirements.

Fundraising Committee

Co-develop annual fundraising strategies, goals, and timelines with the committee.

Lead implementation of fundraising campaigns and stewardship activities.

Report fundraising progress and pipeline status at each committee meeting.

Events Committee

Provide executive direction and operational oversight for all ECCHO Live events, including the annual Fall Workshop, monthly Day Off events, quarterly Networking Nights, and any new events.

Coordinate logistics including venue, catering, speaker coordination, scheduling, signage, and staffing.

Develop and execute event marketing plans for each unique event.

Wellness Committee

Partner with the committee to develop, implement, and maintain ECCHO Live’s programming and initiatives in the mental and physical health space.

Ensure wellness values are integrated across all organizational programs and communications.

III. FUNDRAISING & DEVELOPMENT 20% of Time

The Executive Director holds primary responsibility for the organization’s revenue generation and donor stewardship, working in close partnership with the Fundraising Committee and Board.

Major & Annual Gifts: Individual Giving

Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors at all giving levels.

Develop and manage an annual giving program, including recurring donor campaigns and year-end appeals.

Maintain a personal portfolio of major gift prospects; conduct regular donor meetings and relationship touchpoints.

Sponsorship & Corporate Partnerships: Corporate Sponsorship

Research, identify, and engage prospective corporate sponsors aligned with ECCHO Live’s mission and audience.

Maintain consistent, value-driven communication with existing sponsors to ensure satisfaction and renewal.

Develop and execute the annual sponsorship program, including benefit packages, proposal development, and fulfillment reporting.

Serve as a brand ambassador within the music industry, cultivating relationships with artists, promoters, venues, and industry organizations.

Grant Funding: Grants

Research and identify foundation, government, and corporate grant opportunities.

Write, submit, and manage grant applications and reporting requirements.

Maintain a grants calendar to ensure timely submissions and compliance with funder requirements.

Fundraising Events: Events-Based Fundraising

Design and execute fundraising events and campaigns in coordination with the Events and Fundraising Committees.

Develop sponsorship tiers and recognition opportunities for event partners.

Stewardship & Records: Donor Database & Stewardship

Maintain and grow the organizational donor and subscriber database.

Ensure prompt acknowledgment and recognition of all gifts.

Develop a comprehensive donor stewardship plan that builds long-term loyalty and giving capacity.

Long-Term Revenue: Planned Giving & Endowment

Introduce and cultivate conversations about legacy giving and planned gifts as the organization matures.

Support the Board in building reserve and endowment strategies as appropriate.

IV. EXTERNAL AFFAIRS & COMMUNICATIONS 20% of Time

Serve as the primary public-facing spokesperson and brand ambassador for ECCHO Live across all platforms and in all community settings.

Oversee all communications channels, including the ECCHO Live website, email newsletters (MailChimp), and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube), ensuring consistent, mission-aligned content.

Direct the creation and scheduling of regular digital content—including social media posts, email blasts, and website updates—in coordination with staff.

Develop and execute event marketing plans to build audience and drive participation for each ECCHO Live program.

Create and manage ECCHO Live brand assets and event signage in alignment with organizational brand standards.

Lead advocacy and public relations efforts that elevate ECCHO Live’s visibility and reputation within the touring and live music industry.

Cultivate and sustain strategic partnerships with industry organizations, peer nonprofits, venues, artist management, and community stakeholders.

Represent ECCHO Live at industry events, conferences, and community convenings.

V. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT & COMPLIANCE 15% of Time

Develop and manage the annual organizational budget and multi-year budget projections in partnership with the Finance Committee and Board.

Monitor cash flow, account balances, and financial performance; present regular financial updates to the Board and Finance Committee.

Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and reporting requirements applicable to nonprofit organizations.

Manage organizational insurance requirements and ensure ECCHO Live and all programs maintain appropriate coverage.

Secure and manage relationships with legal counsel for organizational and program legal needs.

Maintain sound internal financial controls and fiduciary practices.

VI. STRATEGIC PLANNING & MISSION ADVANCEMENT 10% of Time

Partner with the Executive Committee and full Board to develop, implement, and evaluate the organization’s strategic plan.

Conduct ongoing environmental scanning to identify trends, opportunities, and risks relevant to ECCHO Live’s mission and the touring industry.

Set annual organizational goals and track performance metrics, reporting outcomes regularly to the Board.

Champion innovation and continuous improvement across all programs and organizational functions.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in nonprofit management, arts administration, or a closely related field.

Demonstrated success in fundraising, including individual giving, corporate sponsorship, and grant management.

Strong financial management skills, including budget development and fiscal oversight.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to represent the organization credibly with diverse audiences.

Experience working with or reporting to a nonprofit board of directors.

Self-directed and highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfort with digital platforms including social media, email marketing (MailChimp), and website management (Wix or similar).

Genuine passion for the touring and live music industry and its workforce.

Ability to travel locally, regionally, and occasionally nationally as needed.

Preferred:

Experience in the music industry, touring sector, or a related creative industry organization.

Existing relationships within the touring professional community.

Experience developing and executing event marketing and sponsorship programs.

Additional Information

Benefits

Salary and Benefits:

Annual salary range between $100,000 – $120,000 based on experience.

$500/month health stipend.

PTO and Holidays

How to Apply

ECCHO LIVE has engaged Nonprofit Leadership LLC to lead this executive search. Interested candidates should submit a current résumé and a personalized cover letter sharing their nonprofit experience and connection to the live events and touring industry. Applications should be sent via email to View email address on us.fitly.work. Candidates will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a deadline of August 19, 2026.

Details

• Date Posted: August 11, 2026
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Accounting / Financial Management
• Service Area: Arts / Culture
• Salary Range: 100,000-120,000