Employment Opportunities

Executive Director – The Music Center of South Central Michigan

Location: Battle Creek, Michigan

Type: Full-Time, Salaried

Reports to: Board of Directors

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Start Date: January 1, 2026

Application Deadline: August 30, 2025

About The Music Center

The Music Center of South-Central Michigan, located on the campus of Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, is a vibrant nonprofit arts organization serving Calhoun County and surrounding communities. As the parent organization to the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra, Community Music School, Battle Creek Community Chorus, Battle Creek Boychoir, Battle Creek Girls Chorus, Ars Voce, I.M.P.A.C.T., and the Sojourner Truth Choir, we are committed to enriching lives through music education and performance.

Position Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Executive Director to lead The Music Center into its next chapter. This individual will be responsible for the overall financial health, operational management, and strategic direction of the organization. The Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors, Symphony Music Director, staff, and community partners to ensure the sustainability and growth of our programs.

Key Responsibilities

  • Financial Leadership: Oversee a $1 million annual budget, ensuring sound financial practices, accurate reporting, and long-term sustainability.
  • Fund Development: Lead all fundraising efforts including donor cultivation, grants, sponsorships, and special events.
  • Strategic Planning: Collaborate with the Board and staff to develop and implement strategic initiatives.
  • Community Engagement: Serve as a visible and effective ambassador for The Music Center at local, state, and national levels.
  • Staff Management: Supervise a diverse team of directors and managers, fostering a collaborative and mission-driven culture.
  • Marketing & Communications: Guide the organization’s public image and outreach strategies to grow audiences and support.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Arts Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
  • Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, preferably in the arts or cultural sector.
  • Proven success in fundraising and financial oversight of a million-dollar+ budget.
  • Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
  • Passion for music and the arts.


Why Battle Creek?

Known as the “Cereal City,” Battle Creek offers a rich cultural heritage, affordable living, and proximity to major cities like Detroit, Chicago, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor. It’s a welcoming mid-size community with a growing arts scene and a strong sense of civic pride.


How to Apply


Please submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected].  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

 

Part-time Stage Manager

Interested in an exciting position in the arts? The Battle Creek Symphony is seeking a part-time Stage Manager. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring all production details are planned in advance and carried out smoothly for rehearsals, concerts, and events, in order to support the art and mission of The Music Center.

This position requires strong organizational and critical thinking skills with meticulous attention to detail. Preferred experience includes 1–3 years of stage management or technical production work, in a performing arts setting, ideally in music. The Stage Manager will also need proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Dropbox, along with excellent written and verbal communication skills, which are a must. The position also requires the ability to lead crews, manage multiple tasks under pressure, and work both independently and as part of a team. Physical requirements include the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and drive a rental moving truck. A background in music or theater is preferred.

The Stage Manager is required to attend all Symphony rehearsals and concerts, supervise stage and technical crews, coordinate technical needs with venues, and ensure stages are ready for use at least 60 minutes prior to services. Additional tasks, such as technical scheduling and paperwork, may be completed remotely, but some office time is required for production meetings and coordination.

The hourly rate is $20/hour. Some work (i.e. technical sheets) can be done off-site but there are times when work in the office is required.

This is an excellent position for those seeking a part-time career in Arts Administration.  Previous employees of The Music Center are now holding leadership positions with the Grand Rapids Symphony, Cincinnati Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, and Philadelphia Orchestra, among others.

If you are qualified, please send a cover letter, resume, and references to [email protected].  No phone calls, please.

 

Community Music School Faculty Openings

The Community Music School™, a program of The Music Center™ in Battle Creek, Michigan, offers private instruction in most band and orchestra instruments, piano, voice, and guitar, as well as Music First classes for infant through 5 years. Prospective faculty with the following qualifications are invited to submit resumes at any time: Bachelor’s degree in music or related area, proficiency and continuing performance on major instrument, three years teaching experience, two professional references, able to pass a background check.

Please contact us via our contact form for information on openings. No phone calls, please

 

Battle Creek Symphony openings

See the Auditions page for current openings.

 

About The Music Center

The Music Center is dedicated to the highest standards of music performance and education and to making our community better than ever by embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion. By using music as a tool for change and as a platform to embrace everyone, our goal is to normalize diversity wherever we serve.

We provide musical listening, learning, and performance opportunities to people of all ages and skill levels. Established in 2000, The Music Center offers programs including I.M.P.A.C.T.: FREE after school classes/Sojourner Truth Choir, Ars Voce, the FREE Battle Creek Boychoir and Girls Chorus, Battle Creek Community Chorus, the Community Music School, and Michigan's oldest continuously running orchestra, the Battle Creek Symphony. For more information, please visit our website at www.YourMusicCenter.org.