The Hopeless Music Academy will create and operate unique programming for youths ages 14 to 18 interested in learning about professional careers in the music industry. The Academy will host after-school and summer workshops and courses, employment training, internships and mentoring covering skill areas such as musicianship, songwriting, music production, music business including A&R, marketing, sales, digital and operations.
Hopeless Music Academy (HMA) is an organization created by the Hopeless Foundation and New Directions for Youth. Hopeless Foundation is the non-profit arm of Hopeless Records, the independent record label that has thrived as a beloved home for independent music for nearly 30 years, well known for their success with artists like All Time Low, Avenged Sevenfold, Taking Back Sunday, Yellowcard, Sum 41, Neck Deep, The Wonder Years and Stand Atlantic. With a nearly 50-year history, New Directions for Youth is the North Hollywood based 501(c)(3) serving over 3000 low-income youth and families annually in underserved areas of Los Angeles with holistic prevention and intervention programs including counseling, job training, academic support and youth development.
Position Summary
The Program Director will work closely with the HMA board and translate the board's vision into an actionable strategy and plan.The role will formulate programs, attract resources, and will launch and run effective programs, and build on their measurable results to benefit youth.
The Program Director reports to the HMA board and works on-site full-time at the sponsoring organizations' offices and facilities in Van Nuys, CA and North Hollywood, CA.
Specific Responsibilities
the direction of the leadership of the Hopeless Foundation and New Directions for Youth, and the board of directors of the Hopeless Music Academy, develop a strategic and operational plan for the Academy.
expertise in the music industry and in programing for youth development to build a network of relationships and expertise that can contribute to shaping, funding and operationalizing the Academy.
key programs and write plans and timelines for each. Take into account learning & development objectives and youth safety in each initiative.
and recruit necessary resources including volunteers, teachers, guest speakers, and host companies for teaching, internships, mentorship, scholarships and job placement.
closely with New Directions for Youth to match students to each program.
and operationalize each program, starting with betas, measuring success and outcomes and iterating for improvement and scale.
documentation, curricula and policies for each program so they are focused and repeatable, and result in consistent delivery.
a communication strategy that connects with families on social media and in the community to generate a flow of deserving youth applicants who are interested in music and a good fit to benefit from the programs.
optimize programs to ensure that youth participants and their families, as well as volunteers, internship hosts, teachers, mentors, partner colleges, job placement organizations and other stakeholders have a learning, rewarding experience.
closely with partner organization New Directions for Youth to ensure that best practices are implemented around compliance and youth protection.
evolving needs of low-income youth in the region and continuously improve and grow the program.
closely with the Academy's founders and board, and contribute to mission and values drafting, strategic planning, and board formation, governance, composition and recruitment.
Qualifications
or more years of experience in developing and managing programs in a non-profit or youth education setting.
experience in the music industry is a plus.
or structured volunteer experience that demonstrates an understanding of and passion for youth development.
of the unique needs of low-income youth a plus.
experience or demonstrated understanding of the music industry and music professions.
verbal and written communication skills.
self-reliant and resourceful individual, with an ability to apply an entrepreneurial spirit to a not-for-profit setting.
management, project budgeting and organizational skills.
networking, outreach and CRM skills.
writing, fundraising or sponsorship sales experience a plus.
of diversity and ability to work inclusively and equitably across cultures required.
to speak additional languages is a plus.
recruitment, onboarding and management experience preferred.
for Hopeless Music Academy's mission and comfort level in functioning as a department of one initially, leveraging matrixed and volunteer staff is required.
experience or potential to manage as small team as organizational growth needs and budget permit.
level of integrity and work ethic.
Compensation
Competitive salary, incentive and benefits will be offered, commensurate with the role and the final hire's experience. Depending on the knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, education, network and location of the final hire, the base salary is anticipated in the range of $67,000 to $87,000.
Equal Opportunity & DEI
Hopeless Music Academy is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, age, or any other status protected by law. Further, the company strives to create a diverse, welcoming, equitable and inclusive environment for all applicants, employees, volunteers and partners.
Contact
EnterGain is the exclusive recruiter on this project. If you are interested in being considered for this role, please apply directly to this posting. To recommend a qualified candidate, please contact one of the team via email at EnterGain and include "Program Director, Hopeless Music Academy" in the subject line.
Disclaimer
The job description above is intended to set forth the general nature of the work that will be expected of the person who takes on this role. The job description is not, however, meant to be construed as an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities required for this role. From time to time, all personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities as needed.