Executive Director – Sonic Guild Austin Chapter

Location: Austin, TX (Austin-based, must attend in-person events)
Employment Type: Full-Time, At-Will
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sonic Guild

About Sonic Guild

Sonic Guild is a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing the arts, fostering community through music, and supporting both musicians and audiences. We operate through local chapters that showcase and financially support emerging musicians via regular live music programming, career education, and direct grants.

The Austin Chapter is currently in a rebuilding phase, offering a unique opportunity for a hands-on, entrepreneurial leader to build momentum, strengthen operations, and expand the Sonic Guild’s impact across the local music community.

Role Overview

The Executive Director (ED) of the Sonic Guild Austin Chapter will lead the Chapter’s strategy, operations, programs, and community engagement in alignment with Sonic Guild’s mission. The ideal candidate will understand Austin’s rich musical heritage and be inspired to cultivate and sustain the city’s vibrant, ever-evolving music ecosystem—championing local artists, strengthening creative connections, and ensuring Austin remains a place where musicians and music lovers alike can thrive.

This is a hands-on entrepreneurial leadership role ideal for a change-oriented executive who thrives in a small-team environment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Collaborate with the national board to provide vision and leadership to grow the Austin chapter size and impact with focus on annual fundraising and membership growth targets.
• Manage Chapter events, activities, members, and reputation, ensuring alignment with Sonic Guild’s values.
• Lead annual planning for programs, events, staffing, budgeting, and fundraising.
• Uphold ethical leadership, transparency, and organizational integrity.

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including grants, sponsorships, membership revenue, philanthropic giving, and earned income to achieve annual revenue targets.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Ensure donor stewardship, retention, and recognition programs are executed effectively.

Operations & Financial Management

• Develop and manage the Chapter’s annual budget, in conjunction with CEO and National Board.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and contracts.
• Oversee chapter risk management for operations, events, contractors and vendors.

Organizational Management

• Build and maintain a community of members, artists, advisors, sponsors, and other local music lovers
• Deliver high-quality programs and events aligned with Sonic Guild’s mission with focus on member and musician experience.
• Oversee chapter marketing implementation, content creation (photos, videos, recordings) and intellectual property management in conjunction with Marketing Director.
• Ensure safety procedures and vendor compliance for all Chapter activities.

Team & Culture

• Recruit, lead, and support a small team of staff, contractors, and volunteers in consultation with the CEO.
• Foster a culture of equity, inclusion, collaboration, and accountability.

Community Engagement & Advocacy

• Serve as a visible ambassador of Sonic Guild in the Austin arts community.
• Build partnerships with musicians, members, community leaders, and local arts organizations and businesses 
• Represent the Chapter at public events and media opportunities.
• Advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts.

Business Development & Innovation

• Identify and pilot new programs, initiatives and partnerships in conjunction with CEO and national board that advance the Chapter’s mission and can scale nationally.
• Contribute innovative ideas to strengthen Sonic Guild’s operations and impact.

Qualifications

• Experience: 7+ years of senior leadership experience, or equivalent combination of experience.
• Fundraising: Proven track record of fundraising success is required, including donor cultivation, grants, and sponsorship development.
• Sector Experience: Arts/music experience strongly preferred.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and team-building skills.
• Ability to thrive in a small local team environment in conjunction with the larger national organization.

Work Expectations

• Location: Must reside in Austin, TX; attend in-person events, meetings, and sponsor engagements.
• Hours: Regular evenings and weekends are expected.
• Travel: Occasional travel for events, partnerships, and training.

Compensation & Benefits

• • Salary commensurate with experience
  • Benefits Stipend
  • Phone Allowance
  • Paid Vacation and Holidays

• No relocation funds available 

Employment & Compliance

• This is an at-will position.
• Background check and references are required prior to employment.
• Sonic Guild is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

How to Apply

Please submit the following to Jobs@SonicGuild.org. Please put ATX ED in the subject line.

• Resume
• Cover letter outlining your experience and vision for leading the Austin Chapter
• Optional: References

Application Deadline: Wednesday February 27th, 2026