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WMEA Is Starting The Search For Our Permanent Executive Director
Executive Director Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) Washington State
| Full-Time | Three-year contract with continuation based on annual review.
The Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) seeks a strategic, collaborative leader to serve as its next Executive Director. This full-time position offers the opportunity to lead a respected statewide association dedicated to advancing high-quality music education for all students. WMEA supports music educators through advocacy, professional development, student honor ensembles, adjudicated events, and a large, annual State Conference.
As an affiliated state association of NAfME, WMEA plays a key role in shaping music education policy and practice across Washington State.
Position Summary
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of WMEA and is responsible for overall organizational leadership, financial management, operations, and strategic implementation. The Executive Director works in close partnership with the Executive Board, WMEA staff, and volunteer leaders to ensure mission alignment, fiscal health, and long-term sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
● Provide strategic leadership and serve as the public voice for WMEA
● Partner with the Executive Board to create and implement strategic priorities and vision
● Partner with WMEA CFO to develop and oversee the annual budget and financial reporting
● Supervise office and off-site staff
● Oversee all WMEA publications
● Serve as the key liaison with NAfME
● Oversee planning and execution of the annual State Conference
● Support and oversee student programs and statewide initiatives
● Ensure compliance with nonprofit governance and state/federal regulations
● Serve as liaison to legal counsel and external partners
Qualifications Required:
● Leadership experience in nonprofit, association, or educational administration
● Demonstrated financial oversight and budget management experience
● Experience working with boards and volunteer leadership
● Strong oral and written communication skills
● Strong collaborative, relationship-building skills
Preferred:
● Background in music education (minimum 5 years teaching experience)
● Prior leadership experience with NAfME or a state music education association
● Conference or large-scale event management experience
Compensation & Benefits:
● Competitive salary (currently benchmarked at $85,000; commensurate with experience)
● Medical and dental stipend
● 5% employer retirement contribution
● Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
● Travel reimbursement per policy
This is a full-time, twelve-month salaried position with seasonal workload flexibility, including conference periods.
Application Process:
Submit materials to: WMEA President Frank Lewis flewis.wmea@gmail.com
● Letter of interest
● Résumé or CV
● Three professional references
Applications close April 11, 2026.
Review of applications will begin shortly after. Open until filled.
The Washington Music Educators Association is committed to fostering an inclusive professional community and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
The January 2026 Voice Journal issue is here!
All-State Information
Visit the WMEA ALL-STATE HUB
Music Aid Northwest Grants
The Music Aid Northwest Grants are funded by Music Aid Northwest (MANW) and distributed through the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA). They are available to public K-12 schools across the state to supplement local budgets by providing critical equipment needs for music programs.
The grant application window for 2025-26 is now closed. 2026-27 applications will begin on July 1, 2026.
Play it Forward 2026
Applications are now closed.
Announcements and Publications
6-9-25 All-State 2026 Executive Committee Letter to Members
Click here to share Advocacy Concerns with WMEA.
WMEA currently does not have phones. Email is the primary form of contact. Beth@wmea.org
WMEA Statement on Anti-Asian Violence
Please read the WMEA statement on Anti-Asian violence.