Valley Music Academy – Board Member Posting
Program Description
The purpose of Valley Music Academy (VMA) is to provide quality music education to all in our community, regardless of gender, race, creed, or financial resources, while demonstrating that music is a powerful means of encouraging cooperation, celebrating diversity, building self-esteem, and cultivating an understanding of nonviolence and social justice. Through a subsidized tuition rate and over $3,000 in scholarship distributions annually, we have given nearly $32,000 back to our community in the past year alone. During that period we had 474 students take part in nearly 10,000 hours of music classes, lessons, and workshops. Our experienced teaching faculty provides instruction on over thirty instruments. Our Musikgarten classes, for children as young as six months old, were one of 75 such programs in the US and Canada to receive recognition as an “Exemplary MusikGarten Program” in North America. We are also one of the few providers in the region to offer an accredited Suzuki Piano program.
In addition to music education, VMA also produces a number of all-ages events that are open to the public. These include Valley Music Revue (our faculty recital which also features popular regional performers), Valley Music Festival, presentations of our faculty-led community jazz band, and student recitals. This programming serves to not only entertain, but also to inspire our community to pursue their own musical growth. The student recitals in particular are critically important, as they give our students the opportunity to reflect on their own growth, perform for their community, and build their self-esteem.
VMA's Board of Directors is comprised of community leaders who are dedicated to the organization’s mission. As the premier music school in the region, our members understand and champion the importance of music education in our community, and in particular to providing opportunities to children to receive high-quality music education. In addition to the standard roles and responsibilities, our board members are actively involved in increasing awareness of VMA's mission and programs and are fully engaged in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for VMA to thrive. This is an exciting time for the organization as we are currently integrating several new members who will play an integral role in shaping the future of the program.
Industry
Music Education
Position
Volunteer Board Member
Description of Board Member Role
The VMA Board of Directors comprises leaders from the community who are dedicated to the organization’s mission. Serving on the VMA Board of Directors is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about the importance of music education and eager to cultivate a vibrant musical culture in our community.
Board members are expected to have the financial acumen to read and understand financial statements and to otherwise help the board fulfill its fiduciary responsibilities.
Board members are expected to attend six board meetings per year. They are expected to read board materials in advance of board meetings and to come prepared to ask questions and participate in discussions.
Board members are expected to serve on one or more committees of the board and to actively participate in committee work. Such committees include governance, human resources, technology, marketing, programming, and finance.
Board members are expected to play an active role in securing the financial resources necessary for VMA to achieve its mission. Board members are expected to leverage personal relationships and connections to help the development committee and staff identify and solicit potential funders, as well as directly invest in VMA's work by making a personal contribution as they are able each year.
Board members are expected to responsibly represent VMA to their respective communities and to advocate for VMA’s mission, programs, and services as appropriate.
Desired Skills and Expertise
VMA is currently recruiting for diverse leaders with specific expertise in the following areas:
PROFILE 1:
Accounting & Finance
VMA seeks an experienced accountant or individual with accounting experience to advise on fiscal matters for VMA. The candidate should be familiar with relevant legal documents (articles, by-laws, IRS letters, etc.) and will work with the Program Director to generate and analyze financial reports, The ideal board candidate should have prior nonprofit board member experience or have received formal board training.
PROFILE 2:
Community and School Outreach
VMA seeks an individual with experience working in the Augusta County government and/or the Augusta County school system. The ideal candidate should have a network of contacts within those fields and be willing to foster partnerships on behalf of VMA. The candidate will work with the Development Director to expand the reach of VMA throughout the community by cultivating these partnerships. The ideal board candidate should have prior nonprofit board member experience or have received formal board training.
PROFILE 3:
Artistic Excellence and Outreach
VMA seeks an individual with experience in the music community as a performer, composer, teacher, concert promoter, or another relevant skill set. The ideal candidate should have a network of contacts within the local music community, as well as other artistic fields. The candidate will work with the Development Director to produce music programmings such as concerts and festivals, and with the Program Director to curate workshops and masterclasses with outstanding local musicians. The ideal board candidate should have prior nonprofit board member experience or have received formal board training.
PROFILE 4:
Fundraising, Grants, and Volunteers
VMA seeks an individual with experience in fundraising and grant writing to work alongside the Development Director in these efforts. They will plan, promote, and attend current fundraising events and performances to provide a strong, positive impression of VMA in the community. The committee will look for new fundraising ideas and work with the Volunteer Coordinator to recruit and utilize volunteers at events. The ideal board candidate should have prior nonprofit board member experience or have received formal board training.
PROFILE 5:
Human Resources and Personnel
VMA seeks an individual with experience in developing and maintaining personnel policies and procedures. They will assist in personnel matters upon request, and prepare the annual evaluation of the Executive Director. The Committee shall advise the Board on grievance policy and other significant human resource issues. The ideal board candidate should have prior nonprofit board member experience or have received formal board training.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Interested applicants may submit a current resume to:
Laura Lake- Executive Director