Description

The CMS Director of Operations serves as the operational lead for the organization, overseeing day-to-day execution while supporting strategic oversight in collaboration with the CMS Executive Director. The CMS Director of Operations serves three large-scale roles for the organization: 1) management of CMS Executive Office administrative activities and supervision of staff; 2) administrative and strategic support to the Executive Director; and 3) coordination of marketing, budgeting, governance, and program implementation across CMS initiatives. The Director of Operations reports to the Executive Director. 

This is a full-time, remote position with occasional travel. The role is a benefitted position with an annual salary range of $60,000–$65,000. This is an annually renewable contract, contingent upon performance, resources, and organizational need.

About The College Music Society (CMS): 

The College Music Society is dedicated to the advancement of music teaching, learning, scholarship, performance, and creative activity. Rooted in higher education, CMS serves as an inclusive forum for dialogue and collaboration among music professionals across all disciplines and career paths. We support faculty, students, independent scholars, and industry partners by fostering innovation, promoting diversity, and encouraging the exchange of ideas to shape the future of music in society. Through advocacy, professional development, and community engagement, CMS empowers its members to lead and inspire in academic, artistic, and entrepreneurial contexts.

The College Music Society's mission is to advance music in education by supporting innovative practices across all disciplines.

Specific Duties:

Administrative Management 

• Supervise two full-time and two part-time staff colleagues (Director of Membership Services, Director of Information Technology, Web Specialist, and Director of Professional Activities), as well as CMS Administrative Intern(s)
• Lead administrative onboarding, HR, and benefits administration for CMS employees
• Conduct regular meetings with staff and coordinate internal planning sessions
• Support CMS Administrative Internship program, including recruitment, hiring, and onboarding
• Manage hybrid office operations, including utilities, insurance policies, and technology systems
• Provide administrative support to the Executive Director, including special projects and internal coordination
• Maintain internal documentation and communication platforms (e.g., Basecamp, Asana)

Governance 

• Facilitate National and Chapter Board elections, including nomination processes, candidate onboarding, and roster updates
• Coordinate with Chapter leadership and Director of Professional Activities to maintain bylaws, leadership rosters, conference and budget details, and foster collaborative relationships with the CMS Executive Office
• Provide logistical support to CMS Councils, Committees, and Task Forces
• Assist with onboarding and engagement of elected leaders and volunteers

Professional Activities

• Collaborate with CMS Director of Professional Activities to oversee the planning and execution of CMS Regional, National, and International Conferences
• Manage speaker contracts, honoraria, receptions, and special projects for CMS Conferences
• Manage exhibitor and advertiser engagement for CMS Conferences, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and audience experience
• Secure sponsorship support for CMS Conferences
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on the coordination and execution of public-facing activities, such as the CMS Cohort Initiative and CMS Summits
• Coordinate scheduling and logistics for virtual forums and professional development offerings, including webinars
• Coordinate mentorship programming for National Conferences and year-round member requests
  

Financial Oversight & Legal Compliance

• Assist the Executive Director with the development and management of the CMS organizational budget
• Create and execute budgets for Regional, National, and International Conferences in collaboration with the Director of Professional Activities
• Compile quarterly financial reports and coordinate with bookkeeping firm for monthly reconciliations
• Oversee accounts payable and manage Chart of Accounts
• Assist the Executive Director in coordinating tax filings and compliance with external accounting firm
• File quarterly reports with ASCAP and BMI
  

Programmatic Implementation

• Oversee CMS operations and programs, including in the areas of Membership Services, Website & IT, Conferences & Professional Activities, and Publications (e.g., CMS Symposium, partnership with Routledge)
• Lead marketing and communications strategy for CMS initiatives
  

External Partnerships

• Assist Executive Director in cultivating and managing strategic relationships with CMS corporate sponsors, including outreach, stewardship, and long-term partnership development
• Administer the NAMM/CMS GenNext and Faculty Fellows Program

Salary and Benefits:

Full-time 
Salary range— $60,000–$65,000 
Benefits include retirement contributions and health insurance
Vacation, personal, wellness, and sick leave

A successful candidate will be committed to welcoming diverse perspectives, building inclusive cultures, challenging the status quo, and instilling a sense of belonging.

This description is a summary only and describes the general level of work being performed; it is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties of this position may change from time to time based on the needs of the organization. The College Music Society reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the Executive Director and/or the CMS Board of Directors.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience in at least two of the following areas: human resources procedures, academic and/or arts programs, organization communications, legal procedures for non-profit organizations, and finance/budgeting
• Experience creating effective marketing strategies with resulting engagement and satisfaction, membership increase, and/or revenue enhancement
• Experience with event planning and execution
• Experience in project management
• Experience with productivity-based technology (e.g., QuickBooks, Google Workspace, database management)

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in non-profit or academic administrative roles
• Experience as a manager or supervisor
• Experience with marketing 
• Familiarity with the field of higher education, ideally as it pertains to music

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the organization, including staff colleagues, elected leadership, and members
• Strong technology skills, including experience with databases, project management, budgeting, accounting, etc
• Outstanding customer service skills
• Knowledge of marketing strategies
• Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion.

Conditions of Employment:

Must be willing and able to:

• successfully pass a national criminal and sex offender background check,
• participate in some evening and weekend activities of the Society, including evening webinars and meetings as well as sporadic travel to conferences and events as required.

Application Deadline:

• Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at submittable.com.
• Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by December 15, 2025. Those who apply later may or may not be considered.

Anticipated Start Date: Monday, February 2, 2026 (flexible based on the selected candidate’s availability)

Required Application Materials:
To apply, please submit the following materials via the Submittable application portal:

• A letter of application which outlines the applicant’s qualifications and interest in the position.
• A current CV/resume.
• List of three to five professional references, including email address and phone number for each. (We will notify finalists prior to contacting both on and off-list references.)