Trade Association Director Jobs

About This Music Career

There are many trade groups, associations, and organizations functioning to promote their particular industry segment, dealing with music-related products, services, activities. The associations may be made up of music industry employees, employers, and educators, while also including music and other entertainment related restaurants, venues, retail establishments and more. There are even trade associations for songwriters, musicians, producers, engineers and more.

Larger organizations include the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) - known for the Grammy Awards - the National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM), and the Country Music Association (CMA).

The person who oversees trade association operations is the Executive Director, maybe sometimes known as the Trade Association Director. Most associations are usually not-for-profit organizations, bringing together individuals in similar fields, with the goal of supporting members, representing interests, providing business support, and giving them a voice in government.

The Executive Director's main responsibility is to manage organizational affairs of the organization. In smaller organizations, the Executive Director might be responsible for the bulk of the tasks, or may have the help of volunteer committees and interns. The Executive Director in larger organizations has a large staff and assistants to help handle various duties.

To establish trade association direction, the Executive Director works with the board of directors of the organization. And, the Executive Director is expected to determine what types of programs the association will undertake, while remaining heavily involved in the budget and organizing organizational finances. Many organizations work with limited budgets, so the planning and creation of budgets may prove to be difficult.

To raise money for the organization, the Executive Director is responsible for fund-raising, implementing and executing a number of special events during the year, including dinners, drives, auctions, golf tournaments, and more. Other sources of funds include federal, state, and local grants, as well as from private industry. Executive Director will oversee a grant writer to make sure that all rules and regulations related to the grant are followed. The Executive Director may also solicit donations from private donors as well as corporate donations.

The Executive Director oversees the association's public relations and advertising, including efforts directed toward the public, as well as within the organization's membership. Press releases, schedules, and newsletters must be developed and prepared as part of this initiative. Things like brochures, leaflets, and booklets must also be produced to promote the organization.

Another responsibility of the Executive Director is to find ways to increase organization membership. The Executive Director may speak at industry events, conduct media interviews, or circulate membership materials. And, a major responsibility for the Executive Director is often scheduling conventions, conferences, and other educational and networking activities.

The Executive Director handles these activities personally, or delegates duties to a committee or conference coordinator. The Executive Director is expected to attend meetings and events on behalf of the association, including industry events and community meetings. Most Executive Directors also develop membership drives and handle membership applications and renewals, while supervising staff.

Salaries
Executive Directors of trade associations in the music industry can earn $26,000 to $125,000 or more per year, depending on a number of factors, including the size, structure, and prestige of the specific trade association. Of course, earnings are also impacted by responsibilities, professional reputation, and experience of the Director.

Employment
Executive Directors of trade associations in the music industry will find employment prospects to be fair. Individuals may find employment in different areas including music-related products, services, activities, and genres. Jobs may be available within the recording industry, or in dealing with instruments, radio, or other parts of the entertainment industry like entertainment-related restaurants, venues, and retail establishments. There are also trade associations for songwriters, musicians, record producers, engineers and more.

Advancement
Executive Directors can climb the career ladder by finding similar positions at larger or more prestigious music industry associations. Often, Executives can build their trade organization into larger, more prestigious associations, which will result in increased responsibilities and earnings. It is also common for Executive Directors to move into better positions outside of the music industry.

Education and Training

At minimum, most trade associations in the music industry require or prefer a minimum of a four year college or music school degree. Smaller associations however, may accept an applicant with an associate's degree or even a high school diploma, if the individual has experience. Experience can be gained from courses, seminars, and workshops in areas like fund-raising, grant writing, public relations, business, and management.

Experience, Skills, and Personality
Size, structure, and prestige of the trade association will dictate experience requirements. Those looking to be employed by larger associations will probably be required to have a few years of experience or will be currently holding a high-level corporate position within the industry. This experience should be in public relations, journalism, fund-raising, and grant writing. Working for not-for-profit organizations will also be helpful.

Executive Directors of trade associations in the music industry need to be creative thinking; thinking beyond what most others would be happy with. They must be well spoken with excellent verbal and communication skills, understanding grant writing and its intricacies; they must also be skillful in developing and following budgets, people skills are essential, and supervisory skills are crucial.

Unions and Associations
Contact the Center for Association for more information on trade association careers. To build contacts, individuals should look into other professional associations within the music industry.

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