Executive & Artistic Director

Nashville Jazz Workshop

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Job Summary

Position Overview:

The Nashville Jazz Workshop (NJW) seeks an experienced, visionary, and mission-driven leader to serve as both Executive & Artistic Director, a combined role responsible for the overall strategic, operational, financial, and artistic leadership of the organization. This position reports to the Board of Directors and oversees all staff, programs, and artistic initiatives, ensuring that NJW continues to empower the jazz community through education, performance, and outreach.

About the Nashville Jazz Workshop:
The Nashville Jazz Workshop (NJW) is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching lives and building community through jazz education and performance. NJW provides world-class jazz instruction, concerts, and community engagement opportunities, serving both aspiring musicians and jazz enthusiasts.

Job Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

1. Governance & Board Relations

– Serve as primary liaison to the Board of Directors.

– Prepare quarterly board agendas, submit timely updates and reports, and communicate noteworthy developments between meetings.

– Aid in the recruitment and onboarding of new Board members.

2. Organizational Leadership

– Hire, supervise, and dismiss staff as necessary and appropriate.

– Organize institutional infrastructure and lead monthly staff meetings.

– Establish regular communication rhythms with the Director of Development, Director of Marketing, Director of Education, Associate Director, Technical Operations Director, and additional staff.

– Delegate responsibilities effectively to ensure organizational efficiency and growth.

– Maintain and update the organization’s operations manual.

– Represent NJW as spokesperson and public ambassador at major events or designate a representative when necessary.

3. Program Oversight & Community Engagement

– Coordinate NJW’s educational, performance, and community programs.

– Lead planning and execution of major annual initiatives, including:

  * Jazz AM

  * Jazz on Buchanan Concert Series

  * Jazz on the Move

  * Juneteenth community program

  * Nashville Jazz Festival (with Staff and Board)

– Develop new community programs aligned with NJW’s mission and public engagement goals.

4. Artistic Vision & Programming

– Develop, articulate, and advance a cohesive artistic vision for NJW.

– Curate diverse and high-quality jazz performances, concerts, and programs that reflect NJW’s mission.

– Collaborate with instructors, musicians, and guest artists to design innovative educational and artistic experiences.

5. Performance Management

– Curate, organize, and produce jazz performances, concerts, and special events.

– Work with musicians to ensure artistic excellence and a positive performance environment.

– Develop approaches to engage the community and elevate jazz artistry.

– Manage performance budgets, negotiate artist fees, hire performers, and oversee documentation.

– Provide timely press materials to Marketing Team and suggest marketing ideas.

– Submit artist payment invoices and secure checks immediately following performance dates.

– Attend performances, greet artists, observe shows, and offer feedback.

6. Team Collaboration & Leadership

– Collaborate with the Board, staff leadership, and Executive functions to align artistic and organizational strategy.

– Provide leadership to educators, performers, and staff to maintain a collaborative, high-performing culture.

7. Financial Management

– Oversee the annual budgeting process; prepare a draft budget for Board approval in collaboration with staff, accounting partners, and the Director of Development.

-Work directly with the Director of Development to strategize grant narratives and opportunities.

– Serve as signatory on NJW’s bank accounts; oversee deposits, monitor account balances, and alert the Board of any financial risks or need for credit strategies.

– Approve all invoices and expense disbursements through Bill.com.

– Schedule and support annual audits.

– Maintain essential legal and financial documents.

– Ensure timely filing of taxes and compliance documents with support from accounting firm.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

– Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.

– Significant experience in jazz, music education, and performing arts leadership.

– Strong ties to the Nashville jazz community and the broader Nashville music community.

– Deep knowledge of jazz history and styles.

– Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

– Proven ability to manage finances.

– Ability to collaborate with diverse artists, staff, and stakeholders.

– Passion for jazz education and community engagement.

Additional Information

Benefits

How to Apply

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to current Executive & Artistic Director, David Rodgers, david@nashvillejazz.org. Applications will be accepted from November 24 until December 23, 2025. No phone calls please.

– The Board of Directors will review qualified applications from December 24, 2025 through January 5, 2026. Interviews, while not guaranteed, will be scheduled on a rolling basis.

– First round interviews will conclude on January 9, 2026.

– Second round interviews, if applicable, will be conducted between January 12-14.

– All candidates will be notified of the Board of Directors’ final decision by January 16, 2026.

Details

• Date Posted: November 26, 2025
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Administrative
• Service Area: Arts / Culture
• Start Date: 01/19/2026
• Working Hours: 40 hrs/wk