Job Title: Executive Director
Organization: Kids in Concert
Location: North Kitsap, Washington
Reports To: Board of Directors
Position Type: Full-Time
Kids in Concert (kidsinconcert.org) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and inspiring children through music education and performance. By offering high-quality, accessible music programs, the organization provides young people from diverse backgrounds with the opportunity to develop musical skills, creativity, teamwork, and confidence. Through various outreach initiatives, after-school programs, and performances, Kids in Concert fosters a love for music while building self-esteem and a sense of community. The organization’s core mission is to make music education available to all children, particularly those who may not otherwise have access, and to cultivate future generations of passionate, well-rounded individuals.
The Executive Director will play a crucial leadership role in guiding the strategic direction, overseeing operations, and ensuring the sustainability and growth of Kids in Concert, while staying aligned with its mission and vision.
We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment where all employees feel valued and respected. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply, as we believe that diversity in all its forms drives innovation and strengthens our team. We are committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, promotes equity, and ensures inclusion for all employees, regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or background.
Position Overview:
The Executive Director (ED) will provide dynamic and strategic leadership to Kids In Concert with a primary focus on fundraising, donor cultivation, and resource development. The ED will be responsible for building a robust financial foundation that supports the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability. This role will be in partnership with the Kids In Concert Artistic Director in support of the Board of Directors. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated, results-driven professional with significant experience in nonprofit leadership and a proven track record in fundraising and development. Additionally, the ED will have a background in music and/or a passion for music education.
Key Responsibilities:
Fundraising and Development:
- Lead and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to meet and exceed annual revenue goals, including individual donations, corporate sponsorships, grants, and special events.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, foundations, corporate partners, and community stakeholders.
- Create and execute major gift strategies, identifying prospects, cultivating relationships, and securing major gifts to support long-term sustainability.
- Oversee grant writing and management processes, including the identification of funding opportunities, preparing proposals, and ensuring timely submission of reports.
- Design and implement donor recognition programs and ensure that all donors are appropriately thanked, acknowledged, and kept informed of the impact of their contributions.
Leadership and Strategy:
- Provide leadership, guidance, and mentoring to staff, volunteers, and board members to foster a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility for fundraising and development.
- Develop and execute strategic plans that advance the organization’s mission and financial objectives, ensuring alignment with the overall organizational goals.
- Serve as a primary spokesperson for the organization, representing its mission, vision, and values to the broader community, donors, and the media.
- Work closely with the Board of Directors to develop fundraising priorities, engage board members in fundraising efforts, and provide regular updates on financial performance.
- Collaborate with the executive team to support and strengthen the organization’s board of directors by identifying, recruiting, and onboarding new board members, ensuring effective governance, and facilitating ongoing board development and training to enhance their contributions to the organization’s mission and strategic goals.
- Participate regularly in the Kids In Concert after-school program to maintain a connection to staff, volunteers and especially, the students.
Financial Management:
- Manage the organization’s accounting functions, including budgeting, financial reporting, expense tracking, and ensuring compliance with applicable financial regulations and institutional policies. This includes supporting overall financial planning and analysis process.
- Oversee the organization’s budget and financial performance, ensuring that fundraising efforts are aligned with financial needs and goals.
- Track and report on the effectiveness of fundraising activities, ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Monitor fundraising trends, donor behavior, and other key metrics to inform strategy and ensure the long-term financial health of the organization.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Build partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and individuals to enhance the organization’s visibility and expand fundraising opportunities.
- Organize and participate in community outreach efforts to build awareness of the organization’s work and increase support from diverse constituencies.
- Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, philanthropic organizations, and influential community members, to secure support for organizational programs and initiatives.
HR Compliance Responsibilities:
- Assist in ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local HR regulations, including but not limited to labor laws, equal employment opportunity laws, and workplace safety standards.
- Ensure that all HR records and employee handbooks are up-to-date, accurate, and in compliance with relevant legal and organizational standards.
- Aid in conducting staff training on policies related to workplace compliance, including anti-discrimination, harassment prevention, and employee rights.
- Collaborate with the executive team to support the timely and accurate reporting of compliance-related data.
Qualifications:
- Experience: Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience in a nonprofit organization, with at least 5 years focused on fundraising and development.
- Fundraising Expertise: Proven success in leading comprehensive fundraising campaigns and achieving revenue targets through individual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, and events.
- Leadership Skills: Strong leadership abilities with experience in managing and motivating staff, board members, and volunteers. Demonstrated ability to engage diverse stakeholders and work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively present to large groups, engage with high-net-worth individuals, and develop compelling case statements for funding.
- Relationship Management: A demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, and community leaders.
- Strategic Thinking: Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with the ability to develop and implement long-term fundraising plans and assess their effectiveness.
- Fundraising Software & Tools: Proficiency in donor management systems, CRM software, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Familiarity with fundraising platforms and online giving tools is a plus.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
Personal Attributes:
- Passionate about the organization’s mission and able to inspire others to get involved.
- Proactive, results-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
- Flexible, innovative, and able to solve problems creatively.
Compensation:
- Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and experience to kirsten@kidsinconcert.org. Please include references and any relevant fundraising success stories that highlight your impact.