Job Details

Music for Minors (MFM) seeks a mission-driven Executive Director (ED) to lead with operational rigor, financial discipline, and a deep commitment to transparency and ethical leadership. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the ED will oversee all aspects of MFM's $2M operations—advancing programs, supervising staff, ensuring fiscal health, and growing revenue—while embodying the values of accountability, collaboration, and equity. The ED is both a strategic thinker and hands-on manager who thrives on making systems more effective and teams more empowered.

About Music for Minors:

Music for Minors (MFM) has been promoting music education in the Bay Area for nearly 50 years, particularly in underserved communities. By collaborating with schools in San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Contra Costa Counties, MFM provides a dynamic curriculum that supports cognitive, social, and emotional development. Founded in 1976, MFM offers culturally responsive music instruction through a digital curriculum featuring songs from 44 countries, enriching students' global perspectives. The program aims to empower students by enhancing musical literacy, fostering inclusivity, and inspiring a lasting love for music, ultimately shaping future musicians and creative thinkers.

Qualifications

Leadership & Management: 5-7 years in senior roles within the arts, education, or nonprofit sectors, with a proven track record of leading teams, evaluating and scaling programs, and driving sustainable organizational growth.

Operational & Financial Management: Proven success in hands-on operational management, nonprofit budgeting, cash flow management, and rigorous financial oversight.

Fundraising: Experience securing funding through grants, donations, and partnerships.

Equity & Inclusion: Commitment to inclusive, accessible music education programs.

Collaborative Leadership: Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work across teams and manage multiple stakeholders.

Community Engagement: Proven ability to build partnerships with educators, donors, and local organizations.

Education: Bachelor's degree in a field related to the responsibilities of the role—such as music education, arts administration, nonprofit management, business, or a related area—or equivalent professional experience.

Location: Bay Area resident

Responsibilities

Organizational & Financial Leadership

Provide values-based, transparent leadership to support MFM's mission and culture.

Oversee day-to-day operations and long-term planning to ensure organizational excellence and sustainability.

Lead financial strategy and operations: build and manage budgets, ensure regulatory compliance, and oversee fiscal reporting.

Execute the annual solicitation, renewal, and negotiation of school partner agreements.

Establish and monitor internal systems that foster efficiency, accountability, and performance.

Staff & Board Management

Supervise, develop and mentor staff, fostering a respectful, high-performing team culture aligned with the organization's mission.

Facilitate clear and effective communication across a diverse, primarily remote team.

Collaborate with the Board of Trustees to shape strategy, ensure strong governance, and provide clear updates on program progress, risks, and resource needs.

Support Board decision-making by delivering key data, insights, and recommendations to align goals with the organization's mission and vision.

Drive fundraising in collaboration with the Director of Development and the Board, building support from individuals, foundations, and partners.

Serve as chief spokesperson; represent MFM's values and vision to external audiences with clarity and purpose.

Program Oversight

Support program leadership by providing strategic input, logistical coordination, and insight to ensure music programs are delivered effectively and equitably, in alignment with MFM's mission.

Ensure program excellence, equity, and responsiveness by upholding high standards in curriculum, teaching, and student engagement, while adapting programs to reflect the diverse needs and interests of students.

Use data and community feedback—including student progress metrics, and input from educators and partners—to evaluate program effectiveness and continuously refine offerings.

COmpensation and Benefits

Status: Full-time, exempt; hybrid schedule (home office, San Carlos office, field visits).

Compensation: $115 – 140,000 annually depending upon experience.

Benefits: Vacation, employer health and 401(k) contributions; sick leave per County of San Mateo.

To Apply

Submit resume, cover letter, and salary requirements in Word (.docx) or PDF format to: ...@mfm.org
Subject line: MUSIC FOR MINORS ED SEARCH

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