Operations / Administration Executive Director
Job Description
The Suzuki Association of the Americas, Inc. (SAA) is the organization officially licensed by the International Suzuki Association to support, guide, and promote Suzuki education in North, Central, and South America.
The SAA, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1972. Its membership of approximately 7,000 is a coalition of teachers, parents, educators, and others who are dedicated to making music and early child- hood education available to all children throughout the Americas through the Suzuki Method TM.
The SAA is governed by a Board of Directors under the Policy Governance model and managed by a staff based in Boulder, Colorado. With the International Suzuki Association (ISA) and other regional associations in Europe, Asia, and the Pan-Pacific area, the SAA promotes and supports the spread of Dr. Suzuki’s Talent Education.
The Suzuki Method TM is based strongly on the philosophical insights of Shinichi Suzuki (1898- 1998), a Japanese violinist and pedagogue. He believed that every child has incredible potential, and that talent is learned, not inborn. Through starting at a very young age, creating a home and lesson environment for nurturing the potential of each child, Suzuki students can reach a high potential, enjoy the learning process, develop fine character, and gain life-long skills through the experience.
Developed for violin, the Suzuki Method TM now also includes bass, brass, cello, early childhood education, flute, guitar, harp, organ, piano, recorder, viola, and voice. Through pedagogical training for specific instruments, the Suzuki Early Childhood Education program, and Suzuki in the Schools training, teachers and parents are encouraged to nurture and support children from birth onward.
The SAA’s primary objectives include:
- Promote Suzuki music education beginning from birth
- Educate teachers on implementing the Suzuki Approach
- Provide accurate information about Suzuki education to parents, families and the public
- Set guidelines and criteria for Suzuki-based pedagogical instruction
- Support a community of teachers committed to lifelong learning.
These goals are primarily achieved through ongoing teacher development programs, regular publications, summer institutes, and conferences.
Executive Director Position Overview
The SAA Board of Directors now seeks a committed, dynamic Executive Director to lead our next chapter of development and service.
In the process of pursuing and achieving SAA’s mission, vision, and strategies, the Executive Director also manages the day-to-day activities of the organization, including oversight of staff, programs, and publications. The Executive Director leads the preparation and monitoring of annual budgets and participates actively with the Board in proactive financial decision-making to support effective achievement of SAA’s mission.
The Executive Director is a key spokesperson for SAA, representing its interests in a wide variety of forums and with many constituents regionally, nationally, and internationally. The Executive Director operates with integrity and employs a leadership and communication style that is inclusive, encourages participation, elevates trust, and builds quality relationships while moving SAA’s strategic priorities forward.
The Executive Director manages a staff of five dedicated professionals and an annual operating budget of approximately $1 million.
Qualifications
Leading SAA effectively requires an executive who feels keenly connected to our values and the core precepts of the Suzuki Method TM. Qualified candidates will have proven leadership experience, a drive to serve members, and vision for the future with an appreciation of our rich history and traditions.
Specific qualifications for this role include the following:
Commitment to Mission
- Demonstrated commitment to SAA’s mission and ends statements with an understanding of SAA’s educational goals and ability to ensure balanced programming with a range of perspectives presented.
- A deep interest in the Suzuki philosophy and in expanding knowledge and support for this pedagogical approach.
Strategic Leadership
- Strategic, down-to-earth leader with proven ability to translate strategies into measurable operating plans and objectives.
- Strong, effective leadership, management, and organizational skills; proven commitment to high performance, superior quality in all products, and accountability. capable staff and continue to enhance their development.
- Proven skills in philanthropic fundraising and ability to manage grant application processes successfully.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
Operations Leadership
- A preference for working in an environment that is collegial, collaborative, and focused on lifelong learning with open dialogue at all levels.
- Experience in working with or on a governing board and with other active, committed volunteers to achieve goals and deliverables. Experience with the Policy Governance model of nonprofit leadership preferred.
- Ability to work effectively with highly capable staff and continue to enhance their development.
- Overall general business experience and organization development skills.
- Strong understanding of budgets and issues that impact financial results.
- Excellent judgment, integrity, and comfort with delegating responsibilities appropriately.
Membership & Outreach
- Persuasive communication skills and excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills.
- An ability to actively perceive and initiate opportunities to engage with all members, program attendees, and others interested in SAA’s work.
Personal Qualities
- Decisiveness and a willingness to take appropriate risks.
- Good facilitation and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to identify opportunities, take initiative, and be adaptable and resilient.
- Ability to avoid partisan conflicts or stalemates.
- Proven ability to build long-term relationships with variety of constituents, stakeholders, and supporters.
Other
- Advanced ability to communicate (or fluency) in multiple languages, especially Spanish, Portuguese, and/or French is highly preferred.
- Advanced degree or relevant industry experience strongly preferred.
- Ability to travel regionally, nationally, and internationally regularly.
We seek a leader who is decisive, a good listener, a team builder, and who can manage a complex business. The next executive for SAA must value working closely with board, staff, and members and be an excellent, clear communicator in a variety of settings and media. The SAA and its members will be best served by a leader who can deliver excellence, outstanding member service, and a sustainable future for the organization.
Salary & Benefits
The salary range for the Executive Director position is $105,000 – $120,000. Fulltime staff members of the SAA receive access to a package of healthcare and retirement benefits as well as paid time off.
