Executive Director

For more than 40 years, the Wausau Conservatory of Music (WCM) has provided exceptional music education and performance opportunities to students and families throughout Central Wisconsin. We are now seeking an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking Executive Director to lead the Conservatory into its next chapter.
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Wausau Conservatory of Music and works in partnership with the Board of Directors, faculty, and staff to advance the organization's mission and ensure its long-term success.
This is an opportunity for a leader who believes deeply in the value of music education and enjoys both the big-picture work of moving an organization forward and the day-to-day work of making that vision happen. The next Executive Director will build upon WCM's strong history while helping the organization continue to grow, evolve, and respond to the needs of its students and community.

We are looking for a hands-on leader who can combine strong organizational leadership with a genuine commitment to music education.
The successful candidate will be someone who can build relationships, lead people well, think strategically, manage the practical realities of a small nonprofit organization, and represent the Conservatory enthusiastically within the community.
Important experience and abilities include:

• Leadership experience in a nonprofit, arts, educational, business, or related organization
• Strong organizational and personnel leadership skills
• Experience with fundraising, donor development, grants, or other forms of fund development
• Financial management experience, including budgeting and financial reporting
• Ability to work effectively with a Board of Directors
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience developing community partnerships and representing an organization publicly
• Ability to lead change while also recognizing and preserving what an organization does well
• Commitment to high-quality, accessible music education
• A strong understanding and appreciation of, or meaningful experience with music, music education, or the performing arts
• Demonstrated integrity, initiative, sound judgment, and a collaborative leadership style

A degree in arts administration, nonprofit management, business, music or music education, or a related field, is required. A master’s degree is preferred. Relevant professional and leadership experience will be strongly considered.

Working in partnership with the Board of Directors as well as working closely with a staff of three and WCM's faculty, the Executive Director provides strategic and day-to-day leadership for the Conservatory, The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring the organization is financially healthy, well-managed, mission-focused, and positioned to serve students successfully for the long term. Key areas of leadership include organizational operations, staff and faculty support, financial management, fundraising and development, enrollment and programming, community partnerships, and Board collaboration.

Our mission is to provide exceptional music education and performances that enrich and improve the musical life of our students and our communities.
Founded in 1981, the Wausau Conservatory of Music is a non-profit community music school serving children and adults throughout Central Wisconsin.
WCM offers traditional and Suzuki instruction, individual lessons in more than 15 instruments, as well as early childhood classes, ensembles, summer camps, music appreciation, and community programming. The majority of students are K-12 in age. One in four students receives tuition assistance.
Our faculty includes…