Executive Director

Overview:

The USA International Harp Competition (USAIHC) is a triennial performance competition held at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington, Indiana. Founded in 1989 by Susann McDonald, world-renowned harpist and pedagogue, the USAIHC is among the largest and most esteemed solo harp performance competition in the world.

Vision: The USA International Harp Competition advances the harp on the world stage by setting the highest standards of excellence, inspiring the next generation of artists, and strengthening the global community that connects musicians and audiences through the harp.

Mission: The USA International Harp Competition exists to inspire, promote, and sustain artistic excellence while fostering a broader appreciation of the harp and its repertoire. We enrich International and community relationships by producing our harp competition, concert series, education programs and composition contest.

Objective:

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the public face of the USA International Harp Competition (USAIHC) and is responsible for administering and executing organizational leadership and operations. To successfully run the USAIHC, the ED must balance high-level arts administration with the specialized needs of an international musical competition.

Reporting to the Board of Directors through the USAIHC President, this role involves engaging the board of directors, managing key volunteers, independent contractors, and leading student coordinators to fulfill the organization's mission. The incoming candidate must be adept at strategic executive partnerships and comfortable consulting with the President and leadership weekly.

This is a full-time hybrid position (part remote, part in-person on-campus and in the Bloomington, IN, community). The ED acts as an executive leader and project manager for four key programs: the triennial solo harp performance competition, the triennial composition contest, ongoing concert series and education/outreach programs.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Management and Financial Administration:

A. Organizational Management

· Strategic Leadership: Enhance the USAIHC’s global and local reputation by furthering the mission and vision of the USAIHC. Lead with ideas and action as the organization's executive leader. Create and maintain a positive, team-oriented inspirational tone for the entire organization. Serve as the primary liaison for board members, sponsors, and external partners.

· Strategic Plan (2026-2030): Implement the strategic plan's six key Goals and Objectives: I. Organizational capacity and Governance; II. Financial Sustainability and Philanthropy; III. Artistic Excellence and Competition Programming; IV. Community Engagement, Partnerships and Promotion; V. Brand Visibility and Global Outreach; VI. Education and Outreach

· Operational Leadership: Demonstrate effective office management, technical expertise, communication, and problem-solving skills. Oversee day-to-day office operations, managing all digital and physical systems to ensure a seamless workflow. Maintain organized records and handle sensitive financial or personnel data with utmost discretion.

· Marketing, Communications & Engagement: Create and implement strategies to enhance the USAIHC’s reputation as a leading global platform for the harp. Manage outreach to the Bloomington community and global audiences through strategic social media and digital communication. Prepare professional correspondence, briefing materials, and presentations for key stakeholders.

· Team Management: Hire and manage a seasonal staff of approximately six (6) individuals during competition periods and work closely with paid student coordinators. Direct a network of volunteers who c