Executive Director

Objective

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, managing key volunteers, independent contractors, and leading 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 triennial composition contest, ongoing concert series and education/outreach programs.

1. Management and Financial Administration:

A. Organizational Management

Strategic Leadership:
Enhance the USAIHC’s global and local reputation by furthering the mission and vision of the USAIHC. Lead with ideas and action as the organization's executive leader. Create and maintain a positive, team-oriented inspirational tone for the entire organization. Serve as the primary liaison for board members, sponsors, and external partners.

Strategic Plan ):
Implement the strategic plan's six key Goals and Objectives: I. Organizational capacity and Governance; II. Financial Sustainability and Philanthropy; III. Artistic Excellence and Competition Programming; IV. Community Engagement, Partnerships and Promotion; V. Brand Visibility and Global Outreach; VI. Education and Outreach

Operational Leadership:
Demonstrate effective office management, technical expertise, communication, and problem-solving skills. Oversee day-to-day office operations, managing all digital and physical systems to ensure a seamless workflow. Maintain organized records and handle sensitive financial or personnel data with utmost discretion.

Marketing, Communications & Engagement:
Create and implement strategies to enhance the USAIHC’s reputation as a leading global platform for the harp. Manage outreach to the Bloomington community and global audiences through strategic social media and digital communication. Prepare professional correspondence, briefing materials, and presentations for key stakeholders.

Team Management:
Hire and manage a seasonal staff of approximately six (6) individuals during competition periods and work closely with paid student coordinators. Direct a network of volunteers who coordinate and implement competition activities from competitor transportation to venue staffing.

B. Financial Management

Financial Acumen:
Serve as the organization’s financial executive overseeing all aspects of the budget and finances. Manage a three-year budget including in-kind support from global sponsors. Oversee financial contractors such as a CPA and/or bookkeeping services. The organizational budget is a three-year cycle of approximately $125,000 in non-competition years and $350,000 in competition years.

Fundraising:
Secure grants, manage donations, and oversee endowment growth to support our programs. Conduct periodic social media fundraising campaigns.

Contract Negotiation:
Lead negotiations and establish deliverables for major contracts, including exclusive sponsors such as Lyon & Healy and the Jacobs School of Music (JSOM).

2. Core Program Responsibilities:

The ED provides the dynamic leadership necessary to execute the following initiatives:

Triennial Solo Harp Competition:
Direct all aspects of our 10-day world class event in Bloomington, Indiana. Manage over 40 international competitors, a distinguished seven-member international jury, and harp logistics. Manage the competitor application process. Manage the jury scoring system. Coordinate with and support the host families and transportation services.

Ruth Inglefield Composition Contest:
Manage our…