Executive Director

The Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with the Midori Foundation in the search for an Executive Director.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will serve as the leader, manager, fundraiser, and ambassador of Midori & Friends, and will drive all management, government and private fundraising, and operational functions as well as work to raise the profile and brand awareness for this $2 million organization. The Executive Director will advance music education and take this organization to the next level in impact and influence by leveraging resources, driving funding, increasing visibility, and enhancing programs in the youth and music education field. Midori & Friends seeks a leader and visionary with the executive presence, strategic acuity, and creativity to further build innovative and high-performing music programs to enable Midori & Friends to remain at the forefront of music education. The Executive Director will be a natural diplomat and dynamic partner, a passionate, persuasive communicator and ambassador as well as a results-oriented problem solver.

In 1992, world renowned violinist Midori performed in New York City schools to bring great music to students in underserved communities. Inspired to do more, she founded Midori & Friends. Her goal then, as it is now, was to spark students’ creativity, empower them through knowledge and skill, and cultivate them into lifelong music lovers. Her objective was not to create virtuosos; rather to honor the artistry in every student while nurturing beginner musicians into well-rounded young people.

For 27 years, Midori & Friends has empowered its students by developing their musicianship and instilling core life values. With 6 full-time staff and 3 consultants, 19 board members, and 95 professional musicians, it annually serves thousands of students ages 3-18 at public schools in ethnically diverse, socio-economically challenged neighborhoods. To date, Midori & Friends has reached over 250,000 students. Distinguished by its longstanding partnerships, it collaborates with schools to customize high quality programs that augment their specific cultural assets.

Throughout its existence, Midori & Friends has brought the gift of music to historically marginalized neighborhoods in New York City. In the public schools it serves, students are predominantly black, brown and Asian. Creative expression gives them a voice. The Board and staff of Midori & Friends reflect the communities and children it serves. Its musical programming and offerings encompass the complexity and variety of many cultures. None of this is by chance. Midori & Friends firmly and fervently believes in diversity in leadership and purpose. But diversity by itself is not enough. It must be connected to equity — the application of fairness and impartiality – and inclusion – the genuine empowerment of people of different backgrounds and experiences – to have real meaning and impact. Diversity, equity, and inclusion work in unison. They are not just goals. They are the values and commitment of Midori & Friends.

Midori & Friends works closely with its partners to define learning and program objectives. Through music, it supports its students and increases their self-confidence by instilling core life values to develop them into proud and assured individuals. It ensures quality by engaging the very best artists and conducting rigorous program evaluation through continual assessment and on-going professional development. Its community is encouraged, through reflection, to be accountable for achieving its shared goals. Midori & Friends seeks out communities in need to promote equal access to the riches of a cultural education and deliver customized musical experiences that mirror the values of each community.

A bachelor’s degree is required for this position as is at least seven years of experience in a leadership role at an organization of similar size and scope, preferably in the areas of youth/community arena, education, and music and cultural arts.All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of the Midori Foundation and exhibit a commitment to the critical role music education plays in enriching the lives of children in New York City public schools.