Executive Director

Executive Director

kp Companies is partnering with Walker West Music Academy to identify a bold, visionary, and community-rooted leader to serve as its next Executive Director.

This is a defining moment for Walker West. With a fully paid, state-of-the-art facility at 650 Marshall Avenue and nearly four decades of cultural impact, the organization is uniquely positioned to expand its reach, deepen its community impact, and elevate its presence across the Twin Cities and beyond.

The next Executive Director will not simply steward the organization—they will build its future.

This leader will be responsible for driving enrollment growth, expanding earned and contributed revenue, strengthening organizational infrastructure, and positioning Walker West as a premier destination for music education rooted in the African American cultural experience.

Serving as the chief executive and public face of the organization, the Executive Director will work in close partnership with the Board of Directors, faculty, staff, and community stakeholders to translate momentum into long-term sustainability and scaled impact.

The ideal candidate brings a builder mindset, pairing strategic vision with operational discipline, and a deep commitment to cultural stewardship, community connection, and artistic excellence.

Key leadership priorities include:

• Drive student enrollment growth and expand program participation
• Increase and balance earned and contributed revenue streams
• Strengthen organizational infrastructure, systems, and team performance
• Elevate Walker West's visibility and reputation across the Twin Cities and beyond
• Deepen community relationships while honoring legacy and cultural roots
• Partner closely with the Board of Directors on strategy and governance

THE ORGANIZATION – WALKER WEST MUSIC ACADEMY

Mission

Walker West Music Academy ignites community through the transformative power of music by providing exceptional music education rooted in cultural expression and access.

Overview

Located in the historic Rondo neighborhood of Saint Paul, Walker West Music Academy has served as a cornerstone for music education, cultural preservation, and artistic excellence since its founding in 1988.

Founded by Reverend Carl Walker and Grant West, the Academy was built on a powerful vision: to provide exceptional music education in a safe, nurturing, and culturally grounded environment.

Today, Walker West is nationally recognized for its excellence in jazz, gospel, strings, and improvisational music, and for its deep roots in the African American cultural experience. More than a music school, it is a vibrant, intergenerational community where professional artists cultivate talent, inspire creativity, and foster a lifelong connection to music.

In 2023, Walker West completed a transformative $14 million capital campaign to acquire and renovate its permanent home at 650 Marshall Avenue. This 16,000-square-foot facility includes a 200-seat performance hall, digital recording lab, and expanded teaching studios—positioning the organization to serve three times as many students as ever before.

With its facility fully paid for and a strong foundation of community trust, Walker West is poised to enter its next phase of growth, impact, and long-term sustainability.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Growth & Strategic Leadership 30%

• Lead and execute a clear strategy to significantly grow student enrollment and program participation
• Expand Walker West's reach and relevance within the Twin Cities arts and cultural ecosystem
• Identify and pursue new earned revenue opportunities while strengthening existing programs
• Position Walker West as a premier destination for culturally rooted music education
• Translate organizational vision into actionable, measurable growth plans

Fundraising, External Relations & Revenue Development 30%

• Serve as the primary fundraiser and external ambassador for Walker West
• Develop and execute strategies to grow both contributed and earned revenue streams
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, foundations, corporate partners, and community stakeholders
• Elevate Walker West's visibility, reputation, and brand presence locally and nationally

Organizati…