About the American Composers Forum ACF's mission is to support and advocate for individuals and groups creating music today by demonstrating the vitality and relevance of their art. We do this by empowering composers, modeling creative partnerships, and advocating for them through storytelling and connections. Working with an ecosystem of artists, programmers, presenters, teachers, funders, and audiences, we frame all of our work with a commitment to racial equity, believing that creating a fairer world for artists benefits all of us.
Founded in 1973 by composers Libby Larsen and Stephen Paulus as the Minnesota Composers Forum, the organization continues to invest in its Minnesota home while connecting artists and advocates across the United States, its territories, and beyond. ACF frames our work with a focus on racial equity and includes within that scope, but does not limit it to: diverse gender identities, musical approaches and perspectives, religions, ages, (dis)abilities, cultures, backgrounds, sexual orientations, and broad definitions of "American." Visit for more information. Job Description Job Title: Programs Associate
Classification: Exempt, full-time
Reports to: Director of Programs
Location: Flexible; Occasional travel required
POSITION SUMMARY The Programs Associate is a key member of program staff, facilitating activities, resources, and other support mechanisms for living artists. They play a pivotal role in supporting the Director of Programs: coordinating and executing various operational, communicative, and project management tasks. Reporting to the Director of Programs, this position helps to advocate for equitable fees, engagements, and awards for composers, and supports all of ACF's funding and mentorship programs. As outlined below, responsibilities include managing program communications, overseeing event production, assisting in program development and recruitment efforts, and actively contributing to artist advocacy efforts.
ABOUT THIS ROLE The successful candidate is committed to ACF's mission to support and advocate for today's music creators within a racial equity framework. They are comfortable with digital platforms and enjoy communicating with people from diverse cultural and musical perspectives. They demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills alongside a passion for supporting music creators and advancing racial equity in the arts. They should possess adept problem-solving skills, keen attention to detail, and a capacity for adaptability. Proficiency in technology tools and platforms is crucial for efficient collaboration. This role offers the flexibility of being hybrid or fully remote, contingent on location, with occasional travel requirements and participation in organizational meetings.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Programs Operations:
Support the Director of Programs in designing and reviewing program application systems, conducting panelist training, preparing reports, and coordinating meetings with partner organizations. Tasks may encompass administrative duties such as proofreading, drafting, creating slide presentations, basic video editing, and more as needed.
Assist in maintaining accurate program contracts and overseeing budgets and payments to contracted artists and vendors.
Facilitate and organize gatherings and discussions to solicit feedback for ACF, contributing to organizational strategy and direction.
Recruitment & Communications:
Collaborate with the communication team to monitor social media and webpage content related to programs.
Work closely with the Director of Digital Media to ensure the accuracy, engagement, and relevance of information on relevant pages of the ACF website.
Support recruitment efforts with the Artist Support Manager to attract and engage diverse artists and participants.
Assist in organizing and maintaining the Programs/Communication Google Drive folder to ensure the flow of updated, accurate, and complete information among relevant directors.
Project Management & Productions:
Aid the Director of Programs in managing advocacy programs, including event production and series coordination.
Collaborate with external partners in the event's development, pre-production, and post-production phases.
ACF Service:
Attend and provide support during ACF Board meetings and other community/advisory groups' gatherings.
Participate in weekly staff meetings, including all-staff, one-on-one, Programs area, and Communications meetings, as necessary.
Assist in designing, tracking, and reporting on impact metrics to achieve organizational and equity goals, contributing to the evaluation of ACF programs' impact.
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this full-time, exempt position is $45,000-50,000/year, depending on experience, plus a competitive benefits package including health insurance, dental insurance, FSA, flexible vacation time, and 403(b) retirement matching plan. We value the artistic and other life activities of our staff and operate in three different time zones; we welcome flexible work hours. ACF will remain a permanently remote/hybrid working environment.
ADA Specifications
This position is primarily remote, with occasional in-person requirements. This role entails utilizing standard office equipment. The physical demands outlined below are typical for successfully fulfilling the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally lift objects up to 20 lbs; stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; talk or hear. If unable to perform these duties, accommodations may be possible.
Location
A national organization, we value the opportunity to be based in Minnesota while operating as a remote staff living around the country. The person in this role will be expected to travel approximately 2-3 times a year for ACF program-related activities.
Qualifications A minimum of three years of relevant experience in music production, program management, arts administration, or related fields required, preferably in the nonprofit sector.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines with meticulous precision.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, coupled with proficiency in technology tools and platforms for streamlined collaboration and task management.
Additional Information HOW TO APPLY
Submit resume and cover letter describing why you are interested in this role at ACF on SmartRecruiters.com. We recommend uploading your cover letter as a PDF but it can be submitted as an email on this portal.
Please only contact ACF if you have difficulty with submitting your information.
Position is open until filled. Applications received before May 15, 2024 will be reviewed first. Three references will be requested from those invited to interview.
