Career Center

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Executive Director at Wheatland Music Organization is a community-centered, and operationally minded Director focused on leading the organization. This Director stewards a deeply cherished cultural institution while continuing to modernize its operations, expand its community presence, and ensure the long-term sustainability of its programs and events. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors, leads a small professional staff, and an extensive volunteer network. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Community & Stakeholder Relations 

• Serve as the primary ambassador and public face of Wheatland Music Organization in the community and with partner organizations. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with performers, vendors, volunteers, patrons, and community partners. 

• Represent WMO at community events, festivals, and networking opportunities to increase visibility and awareness. 

• Foster the welcoming, inclusive 'Wheatland Way' culture that has defined the organization for decades. 

Programming & Events 

• Oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of the annual Wheatland Music Festival and all other organizational events, including attending said events.  

• Manage contracts for 500+ performers and vendors annually, transitioning processes from paper-based to modern digital systems. 

• Collaborate with the Operations Manager and volunteer leads to ensure seamless event execution. 

• Support the revival and expansion of programs past, current and future, and explore opportunities to grow community outreach. 

Fundraising & Development 

• Lead grant writing and grant management efforts to secure operational and programmatic funding. 

• Identify and pursue new fundraising opportunities to diversify revenue beyond ticket sales. 

• Cultivate donor and membership relationships to support the long-term financial health of the organization. 

• Work toward establishing a formal fund development strategy in partnership with the Board. 

Staff & Volunteer Leadership 

• Provide supportive and empowering leadership to a small staff team including an Operations Manager, Marketing Coordinator, and part-time support staff. 

• Partner with the Operations Manager to coordinate and recognize the contributions of 1,000+ volunteers. 

• Champion a culture of delegation, documentation, and shared institutional knowledge to strengthen organizational resilience. 

• Lead with a patient, steady approach to change, bringing staff, volunteers, and the board along thoughtfully. 

Operations & Financial Oversight 

• Develop and oversee the organization's operating budget in partnership with the Board Finance Committee. 

• Drive the modernization of organizational systems including ticketing, vendor payments, and administrative workflows. 

• Ensure compliance with all nonprofit governance, financial, and reporting requirements. 

• Keep the Board of Directors informed and engaged, attending monthly board meetings and serving on relevant committees. 

Physical, Mental and Visual Skills / Physical Environment 

• Physical Demands: Must be able to sit, stand, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers regularly 

• Work Environment: Office, outdoors, festival grounds including uneven surfaces 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

Wheatland Music Organization (WMO) is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when legally authorized to work). WMO encourages applicants of all ages. 

Required 

• 5 years of senior leadership experience within a mission-driven non-profit organization or demonstrated progressive leadership experience. 

• Demonstrated history of successfully leading a nonprofit organization, including board relations and strategic oversight. 

• 2 years of experience overseeing an organization’s budget and coordination of grant writing/management. 

• Strong community presence and relationship-building skills. 

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the warmth, humility, and people-first approach that the Wheatland community embodies. 

Preferred 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Nonprofit Management, Arts Administration, or a related field, or commensurate experience. 

• Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) Certification 

• Experience leading a music or performing arts organization. 

• Familiarity with QuickBooks or similar financial management tools. 

• Familiarity with event management, vendor relations, and large-scale volunteer coordination. 

• Experience with technology modernization to streamline operations and boost efficiency.