Executive Director

OVERVIEW

Pianos for People is an award-winning organization that inspires successful futures by providing free access to the transformational power of the piano.   For families and individuals with limited resources, we break down financial barriers and leverage the piano as a gateway to empowerment, community and self-esteem.

In an environment of support, inclusiveness and equity, we do this in four ways:

Inspiration:  Free Pianos
Education:  Free Lessons and Workshops
Community:  Free Special Events
Enrichment:  Free Summer Music Camps

Pianos for People currently has over 200 regular weekly piano students in St Louis, Ferguson and other partnership sites throughout the St. Louis area. The organization has delivered over 400 quality donated pianos to new homes; has over 160 youth participating in free summer programs; and reaches many more through our community music events. Since its inception in 2012, Pianos for People has grown exponentially and has reached over 10,000 people through its various programs.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director, under the direction of the Board of Directors, provides overall leadership for the small but growing organization with particular emphasis on strategy, fund-development, financial management and administration. The Executive Director has the authority to direct the implementation of the organization’s programs and services and is responsible for the management of a small staff.   The role requires a proactive, energetic person who enjoys a varied, hands-on role across multiple levels.  The Executive Director must at all times support the mission, philosophy and values of Pianos for People and act in accordance with the highest ethical and professional standards.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1.       Fund Development

• Proactively build and maintain positive relationships with current and potential funders, including private donors, charitable foundations, public funders, and other community groups;
• Manage potential sources of funding, and prepare and present proposals and grant applications;
• Oversee other fundraising efforts including special events and a major giving campaign;
• Assure the highest standards of stewardship with donors and sponsors and ensure that commitments to all grantors are acquitted appropriately.

2.       Administration. The Executive Director ensures the fiduciary, legal and ethical well-being of the organization by overseeing its administration and will:

• Facilitate the organization’s strategic plan;
• Manage the fiscal year budget and strategic initiatives approved by the Board of Directors;
• Ensure that Pianos for People adheres to applicable federal/state/local laws, as well as the organization’s by-laws;
• Adhere to approved nonprofit accounting practices;
• Procure and manage administrative support resources including office space, supplies and equipment; and
• Provide necessary support for the Board of Directors, including:
  • Organizing and attending Board and Board committee meetings;
  • Regularly communicating with Board members regarding program developments and Board-related activities; and
  • Generating reports as requested by the Board and other authoritative bodies.

3.       Human Resources. The Executive Director shall:

• Oversee the human resource requirements of the organization and assess personnel needs in accordance with the organization’s budget, personnel policies and procedures;
• Ensure that all employment laws are adhered to;
• Directly supervise the administrative staff, including a full-time Piano School Director, part-time Development & Events Coordinator and part-time Piano Donations Coordinator.

4.       Program Oversight. The Executive Director shall guide the development, direction and support of quality programs and will:

• Assure that vision, mission and strategy are well understood at all levels of the organization;
• Assure that a high-performing, diverse team culture evolves based on goals related to quality and continuous improvement;
• Oversee the execution of the programs;
• Ensure that the programs are evaluated annually and achieving their objectives; and
• Continue to explore additional initiatives that will improve the outcomes of the organization’s programs.

5.       Marketing and Public Relations.

• Develop promotional and marketing tools for programs as well as fund-development and special events;
• Develop and write proposals and materials for sponsors and donors;
• Develop and execute marketing efforts including donor-relation events, strategic partnerships, awareness campaigns and promotional opportunities; and
• Oversee the website, social media and external communications, including media relations.

6.       Facility Management.

• Oversee maintenance and management of the Cherokee Street facility to ensure a safe, secure and enjoyable environment for learning.
• Work closely with the ownership of the Ferguson piano school building to ensure a safe, secure and enjoyable learning environment at that location.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to the President of the Board of Directors.

Primary working relationships:  Supervises small staff, including:  Piano School Director, Piano Donations Coordinator (P/T) and Development and Events Coordinator (P/T).  In addition, there are currently 17 part-time piano teachers, who report directly to the Piano School Director.

REQUIRED AND PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

The successful candidate must:

• Demonstrate a passion for Pianos for People’s mission. Musical knowledge is an asset but not required;
• Have attained a bachelor’s degree or higher (required);
• Have at least 3-5 years of nonprofit experience in a managerial capacity, showing experience and expertise with progressive leadership roles in nonprofit management, including collaborating with a Board of Directors, implementing strategy, overseeing financial and legal administration, program oversight, and managing staff;
• Have a proven track record of raising funds and donor relationships, with experience in the successful execution of special events;
  Have experience in grant-writing and reporting;
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity and outreach to underserved populations;
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong attention to detail and follow-through; exceptional organizational and time management skills; strategic thinking; the ability to co-ordinate and prioritize multiple tasks and complete projects in a timely manner while maintaining high levels of performance;
• Be proficient in a Microsoft Office environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is a full-time, exempt position that includes paid personal time off.  The Executive Director will be based at the Cherokee Street location in south St. Louis.  This position would suit flexible hours, as the ED office is also used as a teaching studio from 3:30 pm Monday – Thursday.  The role occasionally requires time commitment outside of traditional work hours to meet with potential donors, attend fundraising and other community events.

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY

Applications should consist of a detailed cover letter addressing the expectations of the position as outlined in this profile; a current resume demonstrating relevant administrative responsibilities and accomplishments; and a list of three professional references with contact information and detail explaining your working relationship with each. References will not be contacted without explicit permission from the candidate.

Send to Jim Messina @ jim.messina@librix.com