EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
AMERICAN GUILD OF ENGLISH HANDBELL RINGERS (AGEHR)
DAYTON, OHIO

The Situation

The American Guild of English Handbell Ringers is a nonprofit organization established in 1954 to promote the art of English handbell ringing. AGEHR strives for musical excellence through: national and area events; publications; the exchange of ideas related to techniques of ringing, composing, and arranging music; conducting, and other timely information.

National events are held to bring together ringers and directors from all over the world, while area events permit a more limited geographic participation. These events are a prime source of new ideas for both ringers and directors, thereby "uniting people through a musical art."

The membership of AGEHR is a diverse group of people from the United States and other countries. The membership places high value on educational experiences for participants of all ages, backgrounds, and interests.

As the principal voice for this musical medium, AGEHR continually reviews and defines the musical standards in handbell/handchime ringing.

AGEHR is organized into twelve areas representing different regions of the country. A board of directors is responsible for policy and governance matters.

AGEHR employs seven full-time staff in its headquarters office building in Dayton, Ohio. The guild’s annual operating budget is approximately $700,000. A multi-year fundraising campaign is underway to fund new projects and programs, including area staff personnel.

Attractions

• AGEHR is the leading organization in the country for the advocacy of handbell/handchime ringing. The executive director is the spokesperson for this musical art and assumes a leadership role worldwide in the field.
  
• The executive director deals with a wide range of constituents, making for a position with diverse interests and responsibilities. Constituents include both professional and amateur musicians, music publishers, manufacturers of musical instruments, church and community groups, and music educators.
  
• AGEHR leadership and board are experienced in the art of ringing, making them an exceptionally enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and committed group.

Critical Issues

• AGEHR must maintain an objective and unbiased position with regard to music publishers and vendors so that all constituents are treated fairly.
  
• The programs of the musical festivals and other educational events must be developed further to appeal to ringers of all ages and abilities and advance the art of handbell/handchime ringing. Festivals are important revenue-generating events because of the participation of exhibitors and the membership.
  
• AGEHR’s financial operation needs greater stability. The executive director must raise funds and build an endowment to secure AGEHR for the future.
  
• AGEHR needs to build its membership and develop its base of constituents.

The Position

• The executive director is the chief administrative officer of AGEHR. Inc., and acts under the immediate direction of the board of directors and the executive committee. The executive director administers the operation of AGEHR, Inc. according to the by-laws and rules of procedure.
  
• The executive director attends meetings of the board and of the executive committee with ex-officio status (without vote) and makes an annual report to the board of directors and interim reports as requested.
  
• The executive director works with the board as a resource, maintaining continuity between administrations and providing guidance for new directions.
  
• The executive director has the following responsibilities:

Administrative

• Hire, supervise, evaluate, and, if necessary, dismiss any office personnel without approval of the board of directors or the executive committee.
  
• Develop job procedures for staff, including those duties assigned to the executive director in rules of procedure and not specifically stated in this job description.
  
• Sign checks drawn on the petty cash account up to $1,000. This account will be supervised by the bookkeeper.

 

Development

• Solicit funds to expand and develop guild activities. The executive director shall research, design, and establish a long-range fundraising and endowment program.

Public Relations

• Develop lines of communication to the regional area representatives, maintaining personal contact with the area chairs, and attending area board meetings periodically.
  
• Serve as the official liaison between AGEHR, Inc. and other professional organiza-tions, such as MENC, AGO, ACDA, and any others.
  
• Take the lead in organizing ringer and director education events. Build relationships with exhibitors, work with Board on developing programs, and direct volunteers.

The personnel committee will conduct an annual review of the executive director. The AGEHR board of directors may amend this job description at the time of the report of the personnel committee.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
  
• Fundraising experience desired; track record of working with volunteers. Marketing and public relations experience also essential.
  
• General management experience, with proven expertise in budgeting and financial management. Experience within the nonprofit sector preferred.
  
• Appreciation for musical arts preferred.

Candidates and sources, please communicate with:
Robert Sellery Associates, Ltd.
1050 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036.
Email: sellery@cais.com
FAX 202.333.1167
Telephone: 202.331.0090
All inquiries will be kept in strict confidence.

ROBERT SELLERY ASSOCIATES, LTD.
1050 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W.     WASHINGTON, D.C. 20036     202.331.0090
sellery@cais.com