[MUSICARES] Executive Director

MusiCares was established by the Recording Academy to safeguard the health and well-being of all music people. A four-star charity and safety net in times of need, MusiCares offers confidential preventative, recovery, and emergency programs to address financial, medical, and personal health issues.

OVERVIEW

MusiCares is seeking a visionary, mission-driven Executive Director to help lead the organization into its next chapter, working in close collaboration and under the direction of the CEO of MusiCares. As the dedicated health and human services charitable affiliate of the Recording Academy, MusiCares provides essential support to the music community through preventive, emergency and recovery programs, ensuring music professionals receive the care they need in times of crisis.

You will be responsible for working with the CEO to shape MusiCares’ long-term strategic direction while overseeing its daily operations, including leading a team of approximately 5 direct reports and 35 staff, driving program excellence, fundraising, partnerships, and advocacy initiatives to expand MusiCares’ reach and impact.

You are an experienced nonprofit leader with a proven track record in fundraising, team development, and program execution. You bring exceptional emotional intelligence, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to unite stakeholders around a shared vision. Equally adept at strategy and execution, you thrive in an entrepreneurial environment that values service, innovation, and teamwork.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership (ALL in partnership with the CEO)

  • Collaborate with the Board of Directors to set the overall strategic direction for MusiCares in alignment with the mission of MusiCares and the broader mission and values of the Recording Academy and its affiliates.

  • Execute the overall strategic direction for MusiCares.

  • Work with senior leadership to define organizational priorities and long-term goals.

  • Represent MusiCares at the national level, championing its impact and relevance in the music ecosystem.

  • Work on board engagement and with the board on governance and financial oversight.

Program Oversight

  • Ensure the effective development and delivery of MusiCares programs and services, including emergency financial assistance, health services, mental health initiatives, and disaster relief.

  • Continuously assess program outcomes and evolve offerings based on the changing needs of the music community.

Fundraising & Development

  • Lead all development efforts across the organization, including donor cultivation, major gifts, grants, and partnerships.

  • Collaborate with the Recording Academy’s partnerships, communications and marketing teams to amplify and align philanthropic opportunities and engagement.

Operations & Financial Management

  • Oversee the organization’s budget, financial planning, and resource allocation to ensure operational sustainability and program efficiency.

  • Foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and performance excellence.

Team Leadership & Culture

  • Manage, mentor, and inspire a team of professionals dedicated to service, impact, and innovation.

  • Cultivate an inclusive, mission-driven, and collaborative workplace culture.

External Engagement & Advocacy

  • Along with the CEO, serve as the spokesperson for MusiCares, building visibility and credibility with industry leaders, artists, donors, and media.

  • Forge partnerships with health organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies to expand services and amplify advocacy.


REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree in business, nonprofit management, or a related field preferred.

  • 10+ years of senior nonprofit leadership experience, including team development, performance management, and organizational growth.

  • Proven success in fundraising and donor cultivation with the ability to engage major donors, sponsors, and institutional funders - ideally leveraging an existing network.

  • Strong background in operational management and overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets.

  • Experience working with or supporting nonprofit boards with a collaborative approach to consensus-building and stakeholder engagement.

  • Must be skilled in leading through change with a track record of strategic planning, innovation, and organizational transformation.

  • Exceptional communication with strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.

  • Strategic and analytical thinking with sound judgment and a hands-on, entrepreneurial mindset.

  • Emotional intelligence with a diplomatic approach in navigating a wide range of relationships with empathy and professionalism.

  • Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

  • A team-first and inclusive leadership style with an innate ability to foster collaboration and a culture of accountability and mission-driven service.

The starting salary for this position is $297,200 to $341,775 per year, benchmarked against industry standards

Jaia Thomas