Executive Search

Executive Director Client Overview The American String Teachers Association (ASTA) has retained Sterling Martin Associates to search for its next Executive Director. The position is located in Fairfax, Virginia. Founded more than 60 years ago, the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization for string and orchestra teachers and players. ASTA helps its ~9,400 members to develop and refine their careers. With a mission to enrich lives through the joy of teaching and playing stringed instruments, ASTA's members range from students to budding student teachers to artist-level performers and educators. Student membership is open to any full-time student attending a public, private, or parochial school, college, or university. Membership in ASTA also includes membership in one of the organization’s 48 state-based chapters. An additional 49 student chapters are housed in colleges and universities through the country. ASTA is governed by a 10-member board that meets three times a year. The staff comprises 11 talented professionals. ASTA’s budget is in the $2 million range. The organization is located in an attractive, office condominium complex in Fairfax, VA. ASTA offers an array of services, including annual professional development opportunities, instrument insurance, an award-winning scholarly journal, discounts on publications and resources, and access to a collegial network of colleagues throughout the string profession. ASTA’s annual four-day conference – the organization’s signature event – includes more than 200 educational workshops and master classes, reading sessions, and mini-learning academies, as well as juried research poster and best practice sessions. The annual National Orchestra Festival and National Solo Competition are two performance elements of the Conference. The

1

American String Teachers Association (ASTA) | Executive Director | Position Description

2014 conference was described as being “… an engaging and enlightening experience …” by one of the nearly 2,100 attendees. For more information, please visit www.astaweb.com.

Executive Director The Executive Director is the chief staff officer of the organization and reports to the Board President, with a close working relationship to ASTA’s Executive Committee and the Board of Directors in general. The Executive Director is the voice and face of ASTA in all internal and external activities such as board meetings, the national conference, and advocacy settings. The Executive Director manages and directs the execution of the organization’s strategic plan and takes responsibility for ensuring that activities and initiatives set by the Board of Directors are effectively carried out.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities Under the broad supervision of the President of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee and Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the following activities: • Working with the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and staff to execute the ASTA Strategic Plan and to ensure that the necessary financial resources are in place to achieve the Plan’s goals. • Presenting (in cooperation with the Finance Committee) an annual budget and overseeing all accounting functions, including those necessary for auditing, budgeting, financial analysis, capital asset and property management, and payroll in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. • Developing a plan for resource development with an eye toward diversifying the organization’s revenue streams. • Serving as the “face” of ASTA at conventions, with the media, in ASTA’s advocacy activities and at political events, in formal and informal collaboration with other organizations, and related activities. • Inspiring and mentoring the staff as well as directing human resources. This includes: o Employee recruitment. o Performance management and assessment. o Maintaining competitive compensation practices. o Applying board-approved employee policies and benefits in accordance with federal and state requirements. o Motivating, inspiring, and leading the staff in achieving position-appropriate objectives related to the Strategic Plan. • Continuing to build the ASTA membership base and enhancing member services by: o Working with the Deputy Director to develop annual marketing objectives and campaigns to meet those objectives. o Conducting ongoing reviews and analysis of member benefits. o Overseeing production of the AST Journal and the String Research Journal. 2

American String Teachers Association (ASTA) | Executive Director | Position Description

•

•

o Working with the Publications Committee Chair to market and promote publications. o Advising State Chapters on legal, financial, and programmatic issues. o Motivating enthusiastic allegiance and cooperative programming between ASTA and its 48 State Chapters. Working with staff, board, and committees to plan, market, and carry out the annual National Conference, National Orchestra Festival, and Solo Competition by: o Negotiating and reviewing favorable contracts for all major partners and vendors associated with carrying out these events. o Ensuring that each event has a clear and detailed marketing plan and that the plan is carried out to achieve maximum member participation. o Establishing goals for corporate sponsorships and program advertising income, and putting in place and executing a strategy to meet those goals. o Overseeing the creation and maintenance of an outstanding database of members, member-prospects, and vendors that includes a history of activity. o Communicating with keynote performers and speakers when appropriate on behalf of ASTA’s President. o Overseeing the conference site selection process. o Advising the Conference Planning Committee on key programmatic issues when needed and requested. o Ensuring that the conference and other events contribute to the financial health of the Association by ensuring that full cost-accounting is done on every major program, creating a business plan with threshold targets of profitability, and developing a bailout plan for programs that fail to meet the targets. o Evaluating and monitoring programs to ensure they continue meeting the needs of members. Developing and enhancing strategic collaborative relationships with other organizations and the media by: o Continuing the collaborations with the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Jazz Educators Network (JEN), Chamber Music America, International Society of Bassists (ISB), Americans for the Arts, League of American Orchestras (LAO) and others, including list exchanges, ad exchanges, and other partnership ideas that emerge. o Develop new collaborations with other organizations that influence the quality and funding available to support string education in the school systems – the National School Boards Association, the National PTA, the National Education Association, the National Governors Association, the National Association of State Legislators, among others. o Serving as ASTA’s representative to the Music Education Policy Roundtable (MEPR) and Americans for the Arts and working with MEPR members to promote effective music education policy. o Creating a Congressional Caucus on Music Education and sponsoring an annual “concert briefing” to emotionally drive home the idea of the value of music education. 3

American String Teachers Association (ASTA) | Executive Director | Position Description

o Working with ASTA’s President to enhance organizational visibility with other education arenas. o Working with ASTA’s communications associates to develop specific promotional strategies around key ASTA programs and events. o Working to ensure that ASTA’s printed materials and website are consistent with the organization’s image and mission. o Responding to requests from the trade and national media. o Generating publicity for string and music education issues. o Serving as an advocate for strings and string education.

Requisite Background and Experience | Desirable Qualities and Characteristics Qualified candidates for the position of Executive Director will be expected to understand, embrace, and advance ASTA’s mission; qualified candidates will have executive presence and the ability to be the face of the organization, both internally and externally. All candidates will also be expected to present the following: • Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in the arts, arts administration, or business. • Advanced degree preferred. • Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation preferred. • Familiarity with music or music/arts education a plus. • Knowledge of the public policy process a plus. • Demonstrated experience administering and building national conferences. • Experience building alliances and relationships with a chapter-based organization a plus. • Experience overseeing technology management and upgrades such as website design, database management and social media. Digitally savvy. • Experience working in a staff leadership role with volunteer board officers and leaders. • Knowledge of nonprofit governance and operations, including leadership experience serving as a board or committee member. • High level of attention to planning, execution and details. • Understanding of marketing and image building and brand development. In addition, ASTA has set forth the following performance expectations: • Leadership o Proven success leading, inspiring, motivating, and managing a professional staff and working with a diverse board in a geographically dispersed organization. o Personal creativity and strategic vision, coupled with an ability to listen to others and learn from their ideas. • Management o Ability to generate trust, organize people into effective teams, and motivate them. o Evidence of an ability to include staff in planning, decision-making, and process improvements.

4

American String Teachers Association (ASTA) | Executive Director | Position Description

• •

• • •

o Proven success motivating and inspiring staff dedication and independent informed decision-making. Delegation o Ability to delegate work assignments and give authority to work independently. o Set expectations and monitor outcomes. Communications o Evidence of being able to communicate clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing, in positive or negative situations. o Sophisticated presentation skills and an ability to conduct productive meetings. Problem solving o Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner and experience gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing complex and diverse information skillfully. Judgment o Ability to makes timely decisions and exhibit sound judgment. Planning/organizing o Prioritizes and plans work activities. o Evidence of effective time management and ability to develop realistic action plans. o Ability to juggle multiple activities efficiently and with ease.

Compensation | Benefits | Availability The American String Teachers Association offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, commensurate with experience. The position is available immediately. ASTA is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer that is committed to a diverse workforce.

For more information, please contact:

Sterling Martin Associates

1025 Connecticut Avenue, NW | Suite 1000 Washington, DC 20036

David S Martin

Managing Partner p. 202.327.5485 [email protected]

Leigh Beal

Senior Associate o. 510-529-4560 | m. 347-804-4237 [email protected]

5

American String Teachers Association (ASTA) | Executive Director | Position Description