Job Opportunity: Executive Director at Manhattan New Music Project
Position: Executive Director
Location: New York, NY
Organization: Manhattan New Music Project
About The Company:
Manhattan New Music Project (MNMP) is a nonprofit arts education and performance organization that
engages young people and adults in innovative programming throughout New York City. Founded in 1990
by composer Paul Nash, MNMP expands traditional musical boundaries using the arts as a catalyst to
develop exceptional projects in schools and performance spaces, ranging from breakthrough arts
programs for students with autism to the creation and performance of cutting-edge works in contemporary
American music.
On an annual basis, MNMP directly serves more than 3,000 New York City public school students
through in-school and after-school residencies, and provides professional development for over 200
teachers and administrators. We have partnered with over 100 public schools, and implement programs
across all five boroughs. Our teaching artists are among the leading practitioners in their art forms and
maintain a high standard of professionalism, classroom experience, and artistic merit.
Our effectiveness has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, which has awarded $9.6
million in support of our educational programs. Current projects include: Blank Page to Stage, a four-year
original musical theater creation program designed for English Language Learners, and general and
special education students (2008 – 2012; $1.1 million); Communication and Socialization through the Arts,
a three-year professional development program designed to address communication and socialization
skills of students with autism through arts-based approaches (2008 – 2011; $900,000); and Everyday Arts
for Special Education, a five-year program expanding the approaches piloted in CASTA to serve the
needs of students with a wide range of disabilities (2010 – 2015; $4.6 million).
MNMP produces approximately six concerts per year as part of three New York City-based concert
series. Concerts are performed in a variety of venues to reach and build new audiences, including public
parks, art galleries, and accessibly priced recital halls.
Annual Budget: $1 – 1.5 million
Job Description:
Manhattan New Music Project has grown significantly over the past five years. We are seeking an
Executive Director to leverage this growth and build and sustain our organization. Reporting to the Board
of Directors, the Executive Director will have overall strategic and operational responsibility. The ideal
candidate will lead the organization through vision, strategy, practicality, and innovation.
Key Responsibilities:
● Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic goals and growth targets
● Lead staff of six administrators and 37 teaching artists in day-to-day operations to deliver highquality
services to our education and community partners
● Create a comprehensive fundraising strategy that incorporates existing revenue streams and
generates new funding sources (foundation, individual, corporate, government)
● Assure the financial integrity of the organization and work closely with the Finance Committee to
monitor and report on financial performance
● Develop the annual budget with key staff and the board
● Support the development and operations of the Board of Directors; serve as an ex-officio on each
of its committees
● Oversee the management team and staff in the development of performance goals, setting
benchmarks, and conducting evaluations
● Cultivate relationships with volunteers, funders, Board members, organizational partners, and
constituents to promote the growth, relevance and viability of MNMP’s programs and services
Qualifications:
The Executive Director should have proven leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, with a deep
commitment to the arts and enthusiasm for MNMP’s mission and activities. Demonstrable experience and
other qualifications include:
● Senior-level management experience with a track record of effectively leading and scaling a
comparable-sized staff and organization
● Strong commitment to quality programs and program evaluation
● Excellence in organizational management with the ability to staff, manage, and develop highperformance
teams, set and achieve strategic goals, and manage a budget
● Thorough understanding of nonprofit accounting principles; experience managing government
grants and contracts
● Past success working with a board of directors with the ability to cultivate new and existing board
member relationships
● Strong marketing, public relations, and fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide
range of stakeholders
● Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator
● Ability to motivate and inspire people; ability to represent MNMP through speaking engagements
and networking at conferences and community events
● Results-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and creative
● Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, MA in Arts Administration or similar) preferred
How to apply:
This position offers competitive salary and benefits. To apply, please submit a cover letter with salary
requirements and resume to employment@mnmp.org with “Executive Director search” in the subject line.
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Manhattan New Music Project is an equal opportunity employer.
