Managing Director for the US-China Music Institute

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 to manage 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 culture
• Three 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 West
• Two 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 performance
• Master of Arts in Chinese Music and Culture
• China Now Music Festival
• Chinese New Year concert
• Annual conference on Chinese music in the West
• Bard 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 Institute
• Hire, supervise, and support Institute staff
• Manage adjunct teaching appointments
• Coordinate Institute activities with Conservatory and College administration
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies

Financial Management

• Manage Institute finances in coordination with Conservatory budget manager and Bard College finance office
• Prepare and monitor annual budgets and financial reports
• Process and track payment requests and expenditures

Academic Program Administration

• Support administration of academic programs, including curriculum planning, scheduling, faculty/staff appointments, and recruitment planning
• Coordinate with Conservatory Admissions, Dean of Graduate Studies, Registrar, academic advisors, and faculty

Development and Strategic Planning

In coordination with the Institute Director:

• Support donor relations and fundraising initiatives
• Conduct grant research and prepare applications in collaboration with Bard’s Office of Institutional Support
• Manage grant reporting and post-award administration
• Support development of new artistic and academic programs

Communications and External Relations

Serve as a primary administrative liaison with:

• USCMI and Conservatory faculty, staff, and administration
• Bard College offices including Finance, Publications, Development, Public Relations
• External partner institutions, including China Institute in NYC and the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing
• Performance venues including Jazz at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and Bard’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts

Event Planning and Administration

• Oversee logistical and administrative aspects of public events, including public relations and marketing, in coordination with partners and venues
• Prepare 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 publications
• Manage USCMI website content development and event listings

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Administrative experience in higher education, arts administration, or nonprofit cultural organizations Demonstrated experience with budgeting and financial management
• Excellent organizational, project management, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a conservatory or performing arts environment
• Grant writing or fundraising experience
• Familiarity with Chinese music or international cultural programming
• Chinese language ability a plus, but not required

To Apply:

Please provide a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for three professional references to Interfolio by following this link: https://apply.interfolio.com/189280.

Application review will begin on August 1, 2026 and the position will remain open until it has been filled.

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.

We are pleased to offer our full-time employees an excellent benefit package which includes multiple health insurance options; TIAA retirement plans; generous vacation, sick, and personal time; and more. To learn more about employee benefits and eligibility at Bard College, please visit https://www.bard.edu/humanresources/benefits/.