About Music for Minors

Music for Minors (MFM) has been a vibrant force for music education in the Bay Area for nearly 50 years, enriching the lives of thousands of students—especially in underserved communities where access to the arts is limited. By partnering with schools and districts across San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Contra Costa Counties, MFM delivers a dynamic, CA standards-based curriculum that not only teaches music but fosters cognitive, social, and emotional growth.

Founded in 1976, MFM offers high-quality, culturally responsive music instruction. Our digital-based curriculum delivered by experienced teaching artists is a powerful celebration of the world’s musical diversity, featuring songs from 44 countries and regions, each bringing its own unique rhythms, languages, and traditions into the classroom. Through original-language songs, translations, and rich cultural context, we ignite students’ curiosity and deepen their global understanding.

At the heart of our program is the goal to empower students—strengthening musical literacy, cultivating inclusivity, and inspiring a lifelong love of music that lasts long after middle school. We are shaping the musicians, leaders, and creative thinkers of tomorrow, giving children the tools to express themselves and discover their potential through the universal language of music.

Position Summary

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.

Key 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.

Fundraising & External Relations

• 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.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications

Required

• 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

Preferred

• Advanced Degree: Masters 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.
• Passion for the Arts: Strong commitment to the impact of music education.
• Data-Driven Leadership: Skilled in using data and feedback to assess and improve program effectiveness.

Position Details

• 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: EDsearch@mfm.org
Subject line: MUSIC FOR MINORS ED SEARCH
We are seeking a local candidate. We regret that we are not able to offer relocation assistance.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Music for Minors is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equity and inclusion and encourage applicants from all backgrounds.