Executive Director, Society for American Music

Job Purpose Founded in 1975 as the Sonneck Society, the Society for American Music (SAM) is a non-profit organization devoted to the study, teaching, creation, and dissemination of all musics in the Americas. As a scholarly, collegial, and inclusive organization, SAM servesa wide and diverse array of academics, librarians, composers, performers and members of the general public. SAM holds an annual conference and supports research, teaching, and the professional endeavors of its membership through regular programming, fellowships, awards, and subventions, and its flagship publication, the Journal of the Society for American Music. The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for the leadership, management, and day-to-day operations of the Society for American Music. The ED works closely with the Board of Trustees to develop and implement strategies for advancing the organization’s mission. A doctorate degree is preferred for this position, but candidates with appropriate professional experience are welcome. Primary Responsibilities The ED’s responsibilities fall into four main categories: executive, financial, administrative, and conference planning. Executive Responsibilities · Manage internal and external communications across all Society activities. · Serve as liaison between the Board, membership, and external partners, ensuring clear communication and alignment with the Society’s mission and strategic plan. · Advise the Board on organizational priorities, emerging issues, and best practices in nonprofit governance and management. · Support Board operations, including coordinating meetings, preparing materials, correspondence, and facilitating the implementation of Board decisions. · Oversee day-to-day operations, including the coordination of administrative functions, membership services, volunteer assignments, and organizational workflows. · Represent the Society in external organizations and professional contexts (e.g., ACLS, AMS) at online and in-person meetings. Financial Responsibilities · Oversee the Society’s financial operations, including the preparation of financial reports and the annual budget, in collaboration with the financial manager, bookkeeper, and treasurer. · Manage accounts receivable and payable, deposits, reconciliations, and budgeting, ensuring accurate recordkeeping and timely processing. · Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local financial and tax regulations, including required filings and audits. · Support fundraising and development efforts, including donor relations, campaigns, grant identification, proposal development, and reporting. Administrative Responsibilities · Manage incoming communications and inquiries through the Society’s website and other channels. · Maintain and update the website, including announcements, publications, committee information, and organizational resources. · Coordinate elections and online voting processes, including setup and communication. · Maintain organizational records and archives, including Board minutes and official documents. · Manage contract employees, coordinating tasks, communication, and deadlines. Conference Planning · Collaborate with the Committee on Conferences to select conference sites and negotiate hotel contracts, which includes yearly hotel site visits. · Support Local Arrangements and Program Committee chairs in planning and executing the annual meeting. · Oversee conference finances, including budgeting, registration processing, contract management, invoice payment, and post-conference reconciliation. · Manage conference logistics during week-long national conference, in coordination with the hotel and Local Arrangements Committee, including meeting space, transportation, and program production. Software used regularly by the ED: Office Suite; QuickBooks; membership management platforms; Zoom. This is a part-time position that may convert to full-time in the future. Location Remote with some travel within the Americas Starting Salary Compensation $55k - $65k, commensurate with experience and qualifications for a .6 FTE appointment Please include the following in your application Curriculum Vitae Cover letter connecting your experience to the primary responsibilities listed above Important Dates Search opens: Immediately Applications Due: June 15, 2026 Position begins: September 1, 2026 Please send application materials and any inquiries to: Dr. Trudi Wright, [email protected] (Search Committee Chairperson)