Description

THE OPPORTUNITY 

For more than 40 years, the Wausau Conservatory of Music (WCM) has provided exceptional music education and performance opportunities to students and families throughout Central Wisconsin. We are now seeking an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking Executive Director to lead the Conservatory into its next chapter. 

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Wausau Conservatory of Music and works in partnership with the Board of Directors, faculty, and staff to advance the organization's mission and ensure its long-term success. 

This is an opportunity for a leader who believes deeply in the value of music education and enjoys both the big-picture work of moving an organization forward and the day-to-day work of making that vision happen. The next Executive Director will build upon WCM's strong history while helping the organization continue to grow, evolve, and respond to the needs of its students and community. 

ABOUT THE WAUSAU CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC 

Our mission is to provide exceptional music education and performances that enrich and improve the musical life of our students and our communities. 

Founded in 1981, the Wausau Conservatory of Music is a non-profit community music school serving children and adults throughout Central Wisconsin. 

WCM offers traditional and Suzuki instruction, individual lessons in more than 15 instruments, as well as early childhood classes, ensembles, summer camps, music appreciation, and community programming. The majority of students are K-12 in age. One in four students receives tuition assistance. 

Our faculty includes more than 20 artist educators who are active throughout Wisconsin. WCM's facility, which is owned by the organization, provides teaching, rehearsal, and performance spaces – including the Caroline Mark Recital Hall – and serves as a gathering place for music education and performance in our community. 

Our annual budget of $750,000 is funded by tuition, fundraising, grants, and a strong endowment.

For further information visit: https://wausauconservatory.org/ 

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR 

We are looking for a hands-on leader who can combine strong organizational leadership with a genuine commitment to music education. 

The successful candidate will be someone who can build relationships, lead people well, think strategically, manage the practical realities of a small nonprofit organization, and represent the Conservatory enthusiastically within the community. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Working in partnership with the Board of Directors as well as working closely with a staff of three and WCM's faculty, the Executive Director provides strategic and day-to-day leadership for the Conservatory, The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring the organization is financially healthy, well-managed, mission-focused, and positioned to serve students successfully for the long term. Key areas of leadership include organizational operations, staff and faculty support, financial management, fundraising and development, enrollment and programming, community partnerships, and Board collaboration.

OTHER INFORMATION

This is a full-time, 12-month, exempt position based primarily on-site at the Wausau Conservatory of Music. The position includes flexibility for occasional work-from-home administrative days as organizational needs allow, along with PTO, retirement, and other employee benefits. 

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience. 

Some evening and weekend availability will be required for performances, events, meetings, and other Conservatory activities. 

TO APPLY 

Interested candidates should submit: 

        A letter describing their interest in the position and relevant qualifications 

        A current résumé

        Contact information for three professional references (references will not be contacted without the applicant's knowledge)

Application materials should be submitted in PDF format to: employment@wausauconservatory.org 

Application deadline: September 30, 2026 

Applications will be reviewed beginning in early October. Finalists should anticipate interviews in November. A successful background check will be required.

The successful candidate will begin on a mutually agreed-upon date. 

The Wausau Conservatory of Music is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ABOUT WAUSAU

Wausau offers affordable housing and short commutes; is a state-level all-season recreation hub (skiing, snowshoeing, bike and walking trails, boating, trails, parks, the Ironbull Summer Triathlon and the Wausau Winter Triathlon); has an accessible riverfront and a vibrant arts and culture scene (Grand Theatre, Conservatory, Ballet School, Woodson Art Museum, Center for the Visual Arts, Arts Coalition, Pro Musica and  Wausau Lyric Choirs, Central Wisconsin Orchestra, Wausau Community Theatre, River & Woods Theatre Company, Central Wisconsin Children's Theatre); and has a busy community events calendar (Farmers Market, Festival of the Arts, Concerts on the Square, Blues Fest, ChalkFest, Hmong Festival), and more. In addition, Wausau is home to excellent schools and is served by two large hospital systems. For more information, visit: https://www.visitwausau.com 

Requirements

Important experience and abilities include: 

        Leadership experience in a nonprofit, arts, educational, business, or related organization

        Strong organizational and personnel leadership skills

        Experience with fundraising, donor development, grants, or other forms of fund development 

        Financial management experience, including budgeting and financial reporting 

        Ability to work effectively with a Board of Directors 

        Strong communication and relationship-building skills 

        Experience developing community partnerships and representing an organization publicly

        Ability to lead change while also recognizing and preserving what an organization does well 

        Commitment to high-quality, accessible music education 

        A strong understanding and appreciation of, or meaningful experience with music, music education, or the performing arts 

        Demonstrated integrity, initiative, sound judgment, and a collaborative leadership style 

A degree in arts administration, nonprofit management, business, music or music education, or a related field, is required. A master’s degree is preferred. Relevant professional and leadership experience will be strongly considered.