Executive Director: Lead a Vibrant Music Ecosystem

Join to apply for the Executive Director role at Music Columbus This range is provided by Music Columbus. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Base pay range $100,000.00/yr - $120,000.00/yr The full position profile can be viewed here: https://bit.ly/MusicColumbusEDprofile. About Music Columbus Music Columbus cultivates a thriving, sustainable music ecosystem where people can prosper in the business of music while contributing to Columbus’ overall cultural and economic growth. We are musicians, songwriters, music business professionals, educators, business and civic leaders from all walks of life brought together by our love of music. We are dedicated to the belief that through the support of music, we can create richer, happier, more vibrant lives and economy for the people of Columbus. As the leading nonprofit organization championing the growth and sustainability of Central Ohio’s music industry, Music Columbus equips musicians and music businesses with the tools they need to succeed. We also provide people access to live, local music to connect musicians with audiences and to make music a defining part of what makes Columbus a vibrant place to live and visit. Pathway to Prosperity: Our Work Since our founding as the Columbus Music Commission in 2016, our programs have steadily evolved to meet the needs of our community and strengthen Columbus’ music and cultural ecosystem. Together, these initiatives form our Pathway to Prosperity: a connected framework that supports musicians and music professionals at every stage of their journey. By offering resources, mentorship, and hands-on experiences, we help individuals build sustainable careers in music while enriching the cultural and economic vitality of our region. Looking Ahead As we approach our ten-year anniversary, Music Columbus celebrates a decade of growth and impact while looking toward an even bolder future of music in Central Ohio. In the years ahead, we will expand access, invest in emerging talent, and continue championing music as a driver of cultural and economic vitality. With the strength and creativity of our community, we will help write our city’s next chapter. The Opportunity Music Columbus seeks a visionary, operationally focused, and mission-driven leader to guide the organization through its next phase of growth and deepen its impact across the Columbus region. In partnership with a committed Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) will play a pivotal role to shape and refine the organization’s mission, values, and vision, establish a clear direction for Music Columbus’ next chapter; set and execute strategic and operational plans; and build both public awareness and financial support. They will lead a dedicated team of professionals who are committed to elevating the region’s music community and will guide the organization to clarify its mission and chart a path toward greater cultural and economic impact. The Executive Director will assume this role at a critical moment. Columbus is a city whose music ecosystem is vibrant and emerging artists, educators, businesses, and civic leaders are increasingly recognizing music’s role in economic development, urban vitality, and cultural identity. At the same time, there are growing opportunities and challenges in supporting artists, engaging audiences, scaling programming, and strengthening the infrastructure (financial, operational, network) needed for sustainable growth. The successful candidate will be someone who can see ahead of emerging trends in the music industry and local creative economy and chart a course for Music Columbus to lead in those areas. The ideal candidate will bring steadiness and strong operational expertise to a creative, entrepreneurial environment, with the ability to translate big ideas into sustainable systems. They will demonstrate proven leadership, management, and fundraising experience; foster a collaborative and inclusive culture; and be inspired by the opportunity to guide Music Columbus’ sustainable growth. Together with staff, board, and community, the new ED will steward the next chapter of Music Columbus and elevate service to artists, expand opportunities across the music ecosystem, and ensure the organization remains a vital engine for creative, economic, and cultural growth in Columbus. Key Position Functions Work with the board and staff to clarify and articulate Music Columbus’ purpose, values, and long-term vision. Develop and implement strategic and operational plans that expand the organization’s impact on Columbus’ music ecosystem. Lead a committed team of staff, contractors, and volunteers in advancing programming and strengthening organizational infrastructure. Manage daily operations, ensuring financial stability, operational efficiency, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Play a critical role in fundraising efforts, cultivating donors, and securing financial support to sustain and expand the organization’s reach. Build strong partnerships with artists, audiences, educators, civic leaders, and community stakeholders to enhance the role of music in Columbus’ cultural and economic vitality. Key Position Responsibilities Leadership and Management Strategic Vision Board Engagement Public Relations and Outreach Qualifications Required Qualifications Strong nonprofit management and team management skills, with the ability to bring steadiness, structure, and accountability to a creative environment. Experience in strategic planning and implementation, with the ability to translate vision into actionable goals and measurable outcomes. Demonstrated success managing organizational or programmatic budgets of a similar size and scope to Music Columbus, with hands‑on experience in budget preparation, analysis, decision‑making, and reporting. Strong experience in fundraising including donor relations, corporate sponsorships, grants, and partnerships. Exemplary communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders such as artists, arts communities, funders, community leaders, and civic leaders. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a Board of Directors, fostering strong governance and partnership. Compensation Music Columbus is pleased to offer a competitive compensation and benefits package for this position. The target base salary is $100,000-$120,000, commensurate with experience, with eligibility for a performance‑based bonus. Application Process Benefactor Group is pleased to be assisting Music Columbus with this executive search. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. All applications are considered highly confidential. To be considered for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume in pdf format to: https://bit.ly/MusicColumbusEDApp. Please do not contact Music Columbus staff or board with questions or interest in the role. All inquiries about the position should be directed to Benefactor Group using the information below: To learn more about Music Columbus, please visit: https://musiccolumbus.com/. Seniority level Executive Employment type Full‑time Job function Other and Administrative Industries Musicians and Non‑profit Organizations #J-18808-Ljbffr