The Bard College Conservatory of Music seeks a Managing Director for the US-China Music Institute (USCMI). Working closely with the USCMI Director and Conservatory leadership, the Managing Director provides administrative, operational, and financial oversight for all USCMI activities, supporting its academic programs, performances, festivals, conferences, and institutional partnerships.The position requires strong organizational, financial, and interpersonal skills and the ability tomanage complex projects within a higher education and performing arts environment.About the US-China Music Institute:The US-China Music Institute of the Bard College Conservatory of Music (USCMI) is the only degree-granting institution devoted to Chinese music in a Western conservatory, and is a leading center for the study and performance of traditional and contemporary Chinese music. In partnership with the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, USCMI has established the following unique and ground-breaking programs since its founding in 2017:Two degree programs at Bard – an undergraduate double-degree in Chinese instrument performance and liberal arts, and a Master of Arts in Chinese music and cultureThree major annual public events in New York City and at Bard College – the China Now Music Festival, the Chinese New Year Concert, and an academic conference on Chinese music in the WestTwo active performance ensembles – the Bard Chinese Ensemble and the Bard East/West Ensemble The mission of the US-China Music Institute is to promote the study, performance, and appreciation of music from contemporary China, and to support musical exchange between the United States and China. About Bard:Bard College’s main campus is in Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y., with 1,900 undergraduate students; the College also includes multiple graduate programs. The 1,000-acre campus sits along the Hudson River and offers the Fisher Performing Arts Center, and Hessel Museum of Art, and is the home of the Bard Prison Initiative, the largest college-degree-granting prison education program in the U.S. The Bard Network also includes several Bard High School Early Colleges across the country as well as international campuses and partnerships. Bard College is a private institution working in the public interest. Bard faculty and staff lead their students by example, building upon the existing network of boundary-breaking programs focused on rethinking who can and should be included in a liberal arts education. Programs Overseen:The Managing Director provides administrative oversight for the Institute’s core academic and artistic initiatives including:Undergraduate double-degree program in Chinese instrument performanceMaster of Arts in Chinese Music and CultureChina Now Music FestivalChinese New Year concertAnnual conference on Chinese music in the WestBard East/West Ensemble performances in the US and China Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Administration and Operations Oversee day-to-day operations of the US-China Music InstituteHire, supervise, and support Institute staffManage adjunct teaching appointmentsCoordinate Institute activities with Conservatory and College administrationEnsure compliance with institutional policiesFinancial ManagementManage Institute finances in coordination with Conservatory budget manager and Bard College finance officePrepare and monitor annual budgets and financial reportsProcess and track payment requests and expenditures Academic Program AdministrationSupport administration of academic programs, including curriculum planning, scheduling, faculty/staff appointments, and recruitment planningCoordinate with Conservatory Admissions, Dean of Graduate Studies, Registrar, academic advisors, and facultyDevelopment and Strategic Planning In coordination with the Institute Director:Support donor relations and fundraising initiativesConduct grant research and prepare applications in collaboration with Bard’s Office of Institutional SupportManage grant reporting and post-award administrationSupport development of new artistic and academic programs Communications and External RelationsServe as a primary administrative liaison with:USCMI and Conservatory faculty, staff, and administrationBard College offices including Finance, Publications, Development, Public RelationsExternal partner institutions, including China Institute in NYC and the Central Conservatory of Music in BeijingPerformance venues including Jazz at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and Bard’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts Event Planning and AdministrationOversee logistical and administrative aspects of public events, including public relations and marketing, in coordination with partners and venuesPrepare and manage contracts for venues, artists, scholars, and participants for Institute programs, including China Now Music Festival, Chinese New Year concert, and the annual conference Oversee preparation of event programs and publicationsManage USCMI website content development and event listings Required Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferredAdministrative experience in higher education, arts administration, or nonprofit cultural organizations Demonstrated experience with budgeting and financial managementExcellent organizational, project management, and communication skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities and deadlines Preferred Qualifications:Experience in a conservatory or performing arts environmentGrant writing or fundraising experienceFamiliarity with Chinese music or international cultural programmingChinese language ability a plus, but not required Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:Bard is an equal-opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information.Bard is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.
