ABOUT ACF

ACF supports and advocates for individuals and groups creating music today by demonstrating the vitality and relevance of their art. We connect artists with collaborators, organizations, audiences, and resources. Through storytelling, publications, recordings, hosted gatherings, and industry leadership, we activate equitable opportunities for artists. We provide direct funding and mentorship to a broad and diverse field of music creators, highlighting those who have been historically excluded from participation.

Our commitment to being a racially equitable organization guides us and our work. The ACF Board and staff engage in continued intentional learning about / practicing principles of anti-racism, and we support an ecosystem that is equitable as well as inclusive. To this end, we strive to build a community with racial equity at the center. We seek to attract candidates with similar priorities and strongly encourage individuals who identify as BIPOC and/or other underrepresented identities to apply. (Please click here to read our statement of commitment to racial equity.) 

ABOUT THIS ROLE

Reporting to the Managing Director, the Director of Artist Support is a key liaison to our primary constituency: artists creating music today. They oversee all funding programs, including the ACF Create and McKnight Composer Fellowship awards, and collaborates with the Manager of Artist Services to design and implement services and resources to empower living artists. The Director joins the ACF staff in activating opportunities for artists and is an important ambassador for ACF in artistic gatherings and conferences. In collaboration with other staff and Board, the Director helps to ensure that ACF is an inclusive space for diverse artists to feel welcome and connected to other artists and collaborators.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

•  As a key artist liaison, oversee programming that helps cultivate a sense of belonging at ACF.
• Oversee artist funding programs, including McKnight Composer Fellowship, ACF Create, and ACF Connect.
• Manage recruitment efforts to attract and engage with new/diverse artists and participants 
• Maintain communication with program alumni.
• Contribute to ACF’s storytelling: capture and communicate music creator testimonials and community impact stories; collaborate with ACF staff to share stories.
• Collaborate with Manager of Artist Services (and other staff) on the help desk, opportunities listings, webinars, and other activities designed to support and empower artists.
• Cultivate effective relationships with artists and external partners to both promote and inform ACF’s work.
• Maintain relevant pages on ACF website and ensure accurate, engaging information.
• Facilitate gatherings and conversations to seek feedback for ACF; contribute to organizational strategy and direction.
• Develop and manage program budgets.
• Collaborate with ACF staff to promote and fund programs.
• Attend Board meetings; support artist-centered committees.

Skills and Qualifications

A successful candidate is either a creative artist themselves, or has experience working closely with music creators, and is interested in how ACF can cultivate relationships and initiate programs to support artists in the context of today’s environment. They must have effective communication skills, program management experience, and ability to adapt plans to accommodate shifting priorities and diverse perspectives and approaches. 

The ideal candidate will have: 

• Track record of program leadership in the nonprofit sector.
• Strong planning and organizational skills, with proven ability to adapt to different environments.
• Knowledge of/interest in multiple musical approaches including Western Classical.Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to support an inclusive community.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Appreciation for music and those who create it; Knowledge of a variety of musical approaches as well as understanding of artistic processes.
• Knowledge of contracts and negotiation as well as music intellectual property issues a plus.
• Good computer skills; knowledge of MS Office applications necessary; database experience a plus.
• Commitment to racial equity and ACF’s mission and strategic plan.

Travel/Relocation 
A national organization, we value the opportunity to be based in Minnesota, where most of the staff lives. We invite applicants outside the area to only apply if they are willing to travel 6-8 times a year to St. Paul, Minnesota (when it is safe to do so). ACF is able to offer a modest moving package for those who wish to relocate. (Read more about the beautiful landscape and offerings of Minnesota – it’s more than snow!) For those who seek to work from a remote location, ongoing travel costs will be considered as part of the final offer package. Additional travel related to Board or program events (est. 4 times a year) is expected as well. 

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this full-time, exempt position is $70,000/year plus a competitive benefits package including health insurance, dental insurance, FSA, vacation, 403(b) retirement matching plan and pre-tax transportation program. We value the artistic and other life activities of our staff and welcome flexible remote and work hours. ACF will remain a permanently hybrid working environment.

HOW TO APPLY
Submit resume and cover letter describing why you are interested in this role at ACF on SmartRecruiters.com.
Please only contact ACF if you have difficulty with submitting your information.

Position is open until filled. Applications received by June 10, 2022 will be reviewed first.
Three references will be requested from those invited to interview.