Executive Director

Executive Director │ Colts Youth Organization

Dubuque, Iowa

About the Colts

Founded in 1963 as a local drum and bugle corps serving youth in Dubuque, Iowa, the Colts

Youth Organization has grown to become an internationally recognized organization serving

hundreds of young people ages 10-21 from across the United States and around the world. Our

programs include the Colts Drum & Bugle Corps, Colt Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps, Colts

Summer Band, and Colts World Percussion. In the pageantry arts arena, the Colts and Colt

Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps participate in Drum Corps International where the Colts are

perennial DCI World Class Finalists, and the Colt Cadets represent the organization in the Open

Class tour. Through all our programs, we use music & excellence to teach each other about

success in life. We envision a world where the synergy of music and performance, education

and commitment, teamwork and personal growth reveals each individual’s full potential, to build

community leaders who impact their world for good.

The Executive Director Opportunity

Are you a visionary leader who is passionate about building transformational experiences for

young people? The Colts Youth Organization is seeking an executive director with strong

financial acumen, operational expertise, and the ability to cultivate long-term community and

donor relationships to ensure the organization’s continued success and growth.

The Role

The executive director of the Colts Youth Organization serves as the chief executive officer and

is responsible for directing the strategic, financial, and operational aspects of the organization.

The principal responsibilities encompass fiscal management, staff leadership, community

engagement, and the development of revenue-generating initiatives, including fundraising

activities. The executive director leads a team of direct and indirect reports responsible for

managing the day-to-day operations of the Colts youth programs, while also maintaining

relationships with major donors, stakeholders, and other executive directors/CEOs in the

marching arts community.

Responsibilities include:

• Leadership & Strategy
• Financial Oversight
• Fundraising & Development
• Community & Stakeholder Engagement
• Event Oversight

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration or related field preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of increasing leadership experience required, preferably in nonprofit management, the marching arts, or a similar sector.
• Must have a proven track record of successful fundraising, including securing major donations and building lasting donor relationships.
• Strong financial acumen with proven experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets and directing financial reporting processes.
• Experience in operations management, with a particular focus on growing and scaling business operations strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of the drum and bugle corps activity or marching arts community is a plus but not required.
• Must be able to travel and attend Colts sponsored events and have a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to work nights and weekends as required.
• Must be able to pass a background check.

Location

The position is based in Dubuque, Iowa. Candidates may be eligible for a hybrid schedule.

If you’re ready to make a positive difference in the lives of young people, apply today!

We offer health insurance and retirement savings