Executive Director

Texas Choral Directors Association (TCDA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, seeks applications for the position of Executive Director (ED). Reporting to the TCDA Executive Board, the Executive Director provides strategic leadership and oversees the daily operations of TCDA, the organization’s programs, full-time and contract staff, and financial management in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws. The ED is responsible for fostering relationships with vendors and donors that promote the art and artistry of singing and support the pursuit of excellence within the choral music profession. Critical skills include a comprehensive understanding of nonprofit association management, planning and leading an annual professional development conference, executive leadership, and daily operations.

The successful candidate possesses a combination of effective communication skills and visionary leadership. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is a constant within the organization, playing an essential role in building and maintaining institutional knowledge, management, and leadership of the organization. Because board members rotate every two years, the Executive Director serves as a connecting thread for the organization, facilitating the onboarding and training of new board members and guiding board members to carry out their duties and expectations successfully, according to nonprofit procedures and policies. The Executive Director will be crucial in working with the Board of Directors to guide the future of TCDA.

General Responsibilities

Works with the Board of Directors to fulfill the mission of TCDA.

• Lead TCDA in a manner that supports and guides the association’s mission and goals as defined by the Board of Directors, the strategic plan, and the membership.
• Work in collaboration with the Board of Directors, supporting each member in their respective roles, and providing all information necessary for the Executive Board to make informed decisions.
• Lead key aspects of the organization’s communication plan including emails to members, website messaging, and assisting with preparation for messaging via social media.
• Keep the board fully informed of the “state” of the organization, including but not limited to providing financial reports, updates on program registration and planning, communication with key vendors and stakeholders, and other areas as relevant.
• Work with the American Choral Directors Association in ways that support and foster cooperation with TCDA.

Financial Management

• Maintain the fiscal integrity of TCDA with transparency, honesty, and compliance, to include fiscal management and operation within the approved budget.
• Meet monthly with a CPA firm and bookkeeper to ensure financial accountability, and IRS compliance in reporting, and accounting procedures.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to present a proposed annual budget and provide financial statements that accurately reflect the financial condition of the association.
• Implement maximum resource utilization and maintenance to ensure the financial health of the association.
• Facilitate scheduled audits of TCDA’s financial records, making audit reports available to the Executive Board and the membership.

Work in collaboration with the Board and committees to facilitate the strategic plan and ensure TCDA can successfully fulfill its mission and goals.

Works with the Board of Directors to Plan and Execute TCDA Programs

• Work closely with the Board of Directors to plan and execute all programs that support the mission and goals of TCDA, including but not limited to, the Annual Summer Convention, Winter Conference, and High School Leadership Days.
• Manage all associated operations surrounding the Summer Convention, including clinicians, vendors, state-wide choir participants, and performing groups.
• Negotiate contracts for Summer Convention facility and hotel room rates that are in the best interest of TCDA. These negotiations are currently in collaboration with the Texas Bandmasters Association (TBA) and the Texas Orchestra Directors Association (TODA).
• Negotiate with vendors and potential sponsors for goods and services to support the convention and other programs.
• Manage the TCDA storage facility.

Serve as Information Systems Administrator

• Secure and implement the information systems for association use; leverage nonprofit discounts and software, currently available through TechSoup, etc.
• Software TCDA currently utilizes:
  • Memberclicks – Association Management System (AMS)
  • Cadmium – Comprehensive convention planning software
  • WordPress
  • Quickbooks – Financial Planning/Management software
  • Google Suite for nonprofits
  • Slack
  • MS Office – Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Cognito Forms
  • Adobe Suite
  • Canva
  • OPUS – Choir audition software and database

Manage Auditions for Two State-Wide Honor Choirs

• Collaborate with appropriate VP to configure choir audition software and choir databases for registration and communication purposes.
• Manage communication with choir participants and their sponsoring TCDA members.
• Manage participant placement, reporting to the Elementary and MS/JH VPs, and inquiries from teachers, parents, and participants.
• Ensure choir participants complete all necessary forms and payments.

Manage the honor choir scholarship applications and recommendations, and communicate with recipient families.

Manage Additional TCDA Staff and Daily Operations of the Association

• Hire, train, manage, and retain high-quality professional staff, which currently includes one additional full-time staff member, the Membership Coordinator.
• Review and approve agreements and contracts entered on behalf of TCDA including for board meetings, catering, and all items related to annual meetings and/or events.
• Perform annual personnel evaluations of staff members with a performance improvement plan, if necessary.

Develop strong relationships with stakeholders and potential donors to build and support partnerships and sponsorships.

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred. Specific association management, business management experience may be substituted in place of a college degree.

Minimum Qualifications

• Capability to work from home with office space and reliable Wi-Fi and cell service.
• Proficiency in Quickbooks or similar bookkeeping software, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and database management.
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations, including legal practices, IRS compliance, and financial accountability of a Board of Directors.
• Financial management skills with demonstrated successful experience managing organizational budgets.
• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• Can represent TCDA in a positive, professional manner.
• Familiarity with and/or interest in learning language and processes associated with activities related to choral music.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with organizational software previously listed
• Strong communication skills with demonstrated examples
• Experience in Advancement and Development with demonstrated examples of establishing successful donor relationships to solicit sponsorships, scholarships, and major gifts
• Experience working cooperatively and building relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Experience managing multiple committees and programs simultaneously and in an organized manner
• Experience in planning and serving as the executive of a convention or major event
• Previous experience working with volunteers and a Board of Directors
• Strong work ethic and self-starter who can work non-traditional hours (including evenings, weekends, and holidays due to volunteer board availability)

Possession of a computer or laptop designated for TCDA work that can manage multiple applications at once, including capabilities for virtual meetings using a webcam, microphone, and audio system

Physical Demands

• Lift, move, and organize boxes of approximately 20 lbs
• Maintain an organized storage room in a storage facility, including boxes of paper goods
• Transport boxes of materials for distances of approximately two or more city blocks using a two-wheel or pallet dolly
• Extended periods of standing and/or walking

Advanced Qualifications:

• High-level strategic thinking and planning skills, with the aptitude and skills to envision and lead TCDA’s future
• Collaborative leader with exceptional interpersonal skills
• A visionary with experience leading organizational change

Location and Travel

• This position is a work-from-home position in Austin or surrounding central TX communities
• The ED must be accessible to the TCDA PO box and storage facility
• The ED will meet in person with the full board several times throughout the year, per budgetary decisions
• Preparation for the annual summer convention traditionally takes place at a physical location in Austin, TX.
• Some local/regional travel is required, as well as occasional statewide travel. Required travel includes being present throughout TCDA’s annual Summer Convention, the Winter Conference, at least one HSLD location, and possibly 2-3 in-person board meetings, locations TBD.