Executive Director

Company Description The USA International Harp Competition (USAIHC) is a triennial performance competition held at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington, Indiana. Founded in 1989 by Susann McDonald, world‑renowned harpist and pedagogue, the USAIHC is among the largest and most esteemed solo harp performance competitions in the world. Vision The USA International Harp Competition advances the harp on the world stage by setting the highest standards of excellence, inspiring the next generation of artists, and strengthening the global community that connects musicians and audiences through the harp. Mission The USA International Harp Competition exists to inspire, promote, and sustain artistic excellence while fostering a broader appreciation of the harp and its repertoire. We enrich international and community relationships by producing our harp competition, concert series, education programs, and composition contest. Role Description The Executive Director (ED) serves as the public face of the USA International Harp Competition (USAIHC) and is responsible for administering and executing organizational leadership and operations. To successfully run the USAIHC, the ED must balance high‑level arts administration with the specialized needs of an international musical competition. Reporting to the Board of Directors through the USAIHC President, this role involves engaging the board of directors and managing key volunteers, independent contractors, and student coordinators to fulfill the organization’s mission. The incoming candidate must be adept at strategic executive partnerships and comfortable consulting with the President and leadership weekly. This is a full‑time hybrid position (part remote, part in‑person on‑campus and in the Bloomington, IN, community). The ED acts as an executive leader and project manager for four key programs: the triennial solo harp performance competition, the ongoing concert series, education/outreach programs, and the triennial composition contest. Qualifications Education: A bachelor’s degree is required, while a master’s degree is preferred. The ideal candidate holds a Performing Arts or Business Administration degree or Bachelor of Music with equivalent business experience. Leadership Experience: At least three years of successful leadership and management experience, ideally within a nonprofit environment. Proven track record in an administrative or office management role, preferably within a nonprofit or arts‑focused organization. Industry Knowledge: A deep understanding of the classical music field, as well as new music programming, including familiarity with industry standards, competition structures, and the specific needs of musicians and academic partners. Familiarity with harpists, the harp community, and preferably harp manufacturers. Technical Proficiency: Highly experienced and comfortable with technology. Advanced computer and tech skills, including expert-level command of office productivity software (Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace) and financial/CRM tools. USAIHC uses Little Green Light, a cloud‑based donor management system. Fundraising: Experience in grant writing, direct fundraising, donor cultivation, and endowment growth is essential, as the organization relies on these to fund its triennial cycle. Financial Expertise: Experience overseeing nonprofit budgets. Work Ethic: Must be a proactive self‑starter capable of anticipating organizational needs and working with high‑level autonomy. A person of high character and integrity who can be trusted with confidential organizational information. Time Management: Exceptional ability to prioritize competing deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment. Communication: Fluent verbal and written communication skills with the technical expertise to bridge the gap between administrative and digital tasks. Conflict Resolution & Diplomacy: Serve as the sole point of contact between active competitors and the jury to ensure total impartiality during the competition. Nonprofit governance best practices: Demonstrate understanding of current best practices. Ability to translate policies into daily routine operations. #J-18808-Ljbffr USA International Harp Competition, Inc.