239
his post at AMA to pursue other career goals.
www.cmaworld.com and www.ameri-
canamusic.org
NASHVILLE SONGWRITERS ASSOCIATION
(NSAI)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JOB OVERVIEW
The executive director of an organization
manages the daily operation and over-
sees the numerous daily events, seminars,
concerts, forums, educational programs,
and fundraising initiatives staged by the
organization. Persons in this position are
directly responsible for staying abreast of,
and dealing with, legislative matters per-
taining to songwriters. They act as
spokespersons for the organization.
SPECIAL SKILLS
"My background in finance and political
campaign fundraising has been an asset,"
says Bart Herbison.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
"Every day there is some legislative work,"
says Herbison. "Today I have to make
calls on a Japanese issue and write follow-up
letters to Congress members and others
in power. (The Japanese have decided that the
current copyright limits of life plus 70
years starts when the first writer dies, not
the last writer.) I do a lot of that work early
in the day; I called Congress from the steps of
my house about six this morning
because they open their office at seven EST.
There is always a mix of administrative
work every day, making sure each department is
running in sync. We have meetings
every day on various events and projects. A
part of my day is devoted to fundraising.
Every day, even if it's for just ten minutes, I
put the phones on hold and listen to
music. If a great writer comes in, I
shut
the door of my office and have a
guitar
pull."
POINTERS FOR THE
JOB SEARCH
"NSAI is a nonprofit organization.
I
work at the pleasure of the board of
25
songwriters that changes every two
years.
Because we're a nonprofit
organization,
there is some degree of turnover in
jobs.
"Volunteer. Get involved any
way you can." Volunteering
provides lots of opportunities
for you to rub shoulders with
many important executives in
the industry and for them to see
your work ethic.
CAREER
TIPS
User Comments Add a comment…