The International Bluegrass Music Association in Nashville is in search of an Events Director for the organization, which functions as a non-profit trade group for the professional bluegrass industry.
This position will be responsible for the planning and execution of several of IBMA’s largest programs, specifically their large, annual World of Bluegrass convention and its associated events (IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards, IBMA Bluegrass Live!), plus Leadership Bluegrass, Kids on Bluegrass, and others each year.
As they say in the job description:
“The position manages event strategy and logistics from start to finish, coordinating teams, production partners, ticketing systems, and operational processes to ensure seamless live and hybrid experiences.
The ideal candidate will bring at least three years of experience in event management, preferably within nonprofit organizations, along with strong organizational, communication, and project management skills. The position requires the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment, proficiency in Microsoft Office and database systems, and exceptional attention to detail. An interest in bluegrass music and an understanding of the broader music industry is considered a plus.”
Executive Director of the IBMA, Ken White, says that this is a crucial position within the association.
“IBMA’s events are central to how we serve and strengthen the bluegrass community. We are looking for someone who brings both strategic thinking and strong operational experience to help us continue delivering meaningful experiences for our members and the global bluegrass industry.”
Also in the job description:
Responsibilities:
- Oversee planning and event scheduling for World of Bluegrass and IBMA Events, including Leadership Bluegrass, Kids on Bluegrass, and others
- Plan, schedule, and promote office events, including meetings, recordings, orientations, and training sessions with cross-functional teams to deliver large scale events in the space of live music
- Ensure that all deliverables for event production are fulfilled on time and at the highest standard
- Identify and eliminate duplication, outsourcing opportunities, streamlining, centralizing, business improvement processes, association improvement processes, and/or vendor selection
- Coordinate with Executive Director on establishing calendar of member events
- Deliver quality experiences and exceptional customer service to members and guests
- Foster key partner and vendor relationships to deliver the best experience for members
- Manage financial processes including budgeting/tracking in partnership with Executive Director
- Foster relationships with production teams, respond to inquiries and special requests
- Set up and maintain virtual/hybrid events as necessary
- Work with Executive Director to set budgets, monitor spending, and process expenses
- Design and build applications and forms to support IBMA events; assist customers with purchases and group sales
- Assist team transition from existing processes/system to redesigned process
- Build a strong knowledge of processes, collaborate with the downstream team to troubleshoot errors, and continuously seek ways to improve how our teams work together
- Assist Executive Director to coordinate planning for conference and showcasing events; showcase acts and conference session moderators; application/proposal processes, and registration
- Work with Executive Director on streamlined processes for event scheduling, box office management, application process, ticketing, and logistics
- Collaborate with IBMA team and partners regarding event branding, marketing, sponsorships, app and website development, and youth programs
- Oversee special projects and track progress towards association goals
- Maintain merchandise and online merchandise store
- Act as IBMA team liaison for assigned member committees and task forces; prepare minutes and report to Executive Director
- Contribute to company culture and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external partners using strong interpersonal skills
- Prepare regular reports as assigned by Executive Director
- Performs duties as assigned at IBMA World of Bluegrass
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications/Skills:
- Excellent customer service and responsiveness skills
- Experience using software applications in support of business operations
- Ability to support and track project progress
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; attention to detail
- Experience working with deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Education/Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
- Three+ years of related experience in event management; non-profit organizations preferred
- Proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and databases
- Exceptional time, task, and resource management skills
- Strong problem solving, critical thinking, and verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to plan for and keep track of multiple projects and deadlines
- Interest in bluegrass music and stakeholders, as well as an overall understanding of the broader music industry a plus
No mention of salary is found in the official job description, but one imagines that it will be commensurate with experience, within IBMA’s budget for the position.
Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter to Director White by email.
