Executive Director 

 

Summary

The Executive Director of Indiana Fiddlers’ Gathering, Inc. is a pivotal member of the organization, overseeing IFG programs and activities, assisting the Board in development efforts, and managing a range of operational responsibilities.  

 

The role is a part-time, salaried position, with variable hours and workloads depending on deadlines, meeting schedules, and event dates. The Executive Director reports directly to the Executive Committee (officers) of the Board of Directors.

 

About the Indiana Fiddlers’ Gathering

What began in the summer of 1972 as a small gathering of musicians, their friends and acquaintances, and a few onlookers, has grown to a renowned three-day celebration of traditional music. Musicians of all stripes and like-minded enthusiasts now come by the thousands from across the country and beyond to join our annual celebration of traditional music’s fellowship and camaraderie.

 

The IFG mission is to preserve and present the traditional music of Tippecanoe County, Indiana and the Midwest, as well as other regional styles of music, specifically in settings that foster the survival of the oral tradition of this music and promote community interest and participation.

 

With an engaged and enthusiastic membership and volunteer base, the support of arts organizations, and the generosity of sponsors and donors, the Indiana Fiddlers’ Gathering has grown in scope to include activities and programs such as teaching under-served students as part of an after-school arts program, a music scholarship program, and additional concerts and community outreach programs. 

 

The IFG is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit based in historic Battle Ground and maintains an office space in downtown Lafayette.

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Responsibilities

1. Active engagement with Board of Directors, committees, volunteers, donors, members, and funders, including attendance at regular and ad-hoc meetings.

2. Overseeing and managing the planning, organization, and execution of the annual Indiana Fiddlers’ Gathering festival.

3. Overseeing education and outreach programs, with cooperation of the Board and relevant committees.

4. Researching and preparing grant proposals and other funding applications.

5. Assisting the Board with the development of annual budgets and managing day-to-day fiscal operations.

6. Working with the Board of Directors on any fund-raising events or activities, primarily through securing sponsorships and cultivating and stewarding membership.

7. Assuring all requisite forms and applications are filed with the appropriate agencies for all necessary permits, memberships, licenses, financial records, etc.

8. Maintaining and refining tracking systems for volunteers and Indiana Fiddlers’ Gathering membership.

9. Preparing publicity materials and social media campaigns.

10. Receiving and responding to day-to-day communications, including telephone, postal, and electronic (email and social media).

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Experience and qualifications

1.  Demonstrated commitment to the IFG mission, or to similar cultural/performing arts programs or organizations.

2. Leadership skills, with proven ability to work with and motivate others.

3. Professional experience requiring administrative or operational skills, preferably with a volunteer, not-for-profit, public service, or similar organization.

4. Highly effective written and verbal communication skills.

5. Proven organizational abilities, including planning, delegating, and attention to detail. Ability to work independently and solve problems.

6. Knowledge of fundraising strategies and donor relations unique to the non-profit sector. 

7. Proficiency with Google Suite applications and QuickBooks preferred; familiarity with Donor Snap or similar donor databases a plus.

8. Previous experience working with volunteers and knowledge and understanding of festival or similar event planning not required but highly valuable. 

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Location and hours

The role allows considerable flexibility, however the Executive Director will need to be available occasionally during evenings and weekends in order to schedule and attend meetings with the Board, committees, sponsors, partner organizations, and others. Regular visits to Battle Ground and Lafayette are required throughout the year to perform administrative tasks. The late June festival requires a greater time commitment and regular presence in Battle Ground in the late spring and early summer.  

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How to apply

Submit a cover letter and resume to EDsearch@indianafiddlersgathering.org.