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Founding Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bottom Line

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Houston, TX · On-site

$500K/yr

FOUNDING DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Houston, TX Who We Are and What We Believe: Founded in 1997, Bottom Line is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization with a mission to partner with degree ...

Bottom Line

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Houston, TX · Remote

$109K - $111K/yr

FOUNDING DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Houston, TX Who We Are and What We Believe: Founded in 1997, Bottom Line is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization with a mission to partner with degree ...

Niagara University

$80K - $90K/yr

The Founding Director for the online Master of Science (MS) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program at Niagara University provides academic, administrative, and strategic ...

Niagara University

The Founding Director for the online Master of Science (MS) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program at Niagara University provides academic, administrative, and strategic ...

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Founding Director information

What is the difference between Founding Director vs Program Manager?

AspectFounding DirectorProgram Manager
Required CredentialsTypically advanced degrees, leadership experience, industry knowledgeRelevant bachelor’s or master’s degree, project management certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentLeadership role in startup or new organization, strategic planningOversees specific projects within organizations, operational focus
Employer & Industry UsageFounding organizations, startups, nonprofitsVarious industries, including nonprofits, corporate sectors, government

The Founding Director is a high-level leadership role responsible for establishing and guiding a new organization or initiative, often requiring strategic vision and industry expertise. In contrast, a Program Manager focuses on managing specific projects within an organization, ensuring they meet goals and deadlines. While both roles require strong organizational skills, the Founding Director has broader responsibilities related to organizational development and leadership.

What is a Founding Director?

A Founding Director is an individual who plays a key role in establishing an organization, company, or non-profit from its inception. They are typically responsible for setting the vision, mission, and strategic direction of the entity, as well as overseeing its initial operations and governance. Founding Directors often help secure funding, build the core team, and ensure compliance with legal requirements. Their leadership is critical in shaping the culture and long-term success of the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Founding Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Founding Director, you need strong leadership skills, strategic vision, and a solid background in business development or a relevant industry, often supported by advanced degrees or entrepreneurial experience. Familiarity with budgeting software, project management tools, and legal compliance systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, resilience, and the ability to inspire and motivate teams are standout soft skills in this role. These capabilities are crucial for setting organizational direction, driving growth, and establishing a strong foundation for long-term success.

What are some of the unique challenges a Founding Director faces when building and leading a new organization?

As a Founding Director, one of the main challenges is balancing strategic vision with hands-on operational duties, since you are often responsible for both setting long-term goals and managing daily operations. Building a strong team from the ground up and establishing a positive organizational culture require significant effort and adaptability. Additionally, securing funding and cultivating stakeholder relationships are crucial in the early stages, often demanding persistent networking and resourcefulness. Founding Directors also need to be comfortable adapting quickly to change, as early-stage organizations frequently pivot in response to market feedback or unforeseen obstacles.
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Founding Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Founding Director job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 29% Full Time, and 70% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.
Founding Director of Commercial Music and Worship Arts

Founding Director of Commercial Music and Worship Arts

Abilene Christian University

Abilene, TX

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. This position requires the employee to be a professing Christian and to be willing to support the Christian mission of ACU.

Position Type: Full-time faculty appointment, tenure-track eligible (terminal degree or equivalent professional experience required)

Start Date: Spring 2026

Position Summary

The Department of Music at Abilene Christian University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty member to serve as the Founding Director of Commercial Music and Worship Arts. This position involves an initial program-building phase, followed by ongoing leadership, teaching, and administrative responsibilities once the program is launched, pending new program accreditation approval. The successful candidate will bring significant professional experience in the music industry and/or worship leadership and will be eager to help shape an innovative program that prepares students for careers in music while advancing ACU's mission as a Christ-centered academic community. During the development and launch phase, the candidate will serve as Founding Director and then will transition to an ongoing leadership role (e.g., Associate Director or Division Head) as the program matures. A graduate degree is preferred; however, candidates with a bachelor's degree and a record of distinguished professional achievement may be considered as meeting the equivalent of a terminal degree. The program is scheduled to welcome its first students in Fall 2027.

Responsibilities

Phase I: Program Development

  • Lead faculty and industry discussions to design and implement curriculum in commercial music and worship arts.

  • Oversee facilities renovations, including the design and equipping of teaching, rehearsal, and recording spaces.

  • Guide the purchase and integration of industry-standard equipment and technologies.

  • Collaborate with admissions and marketing to recruit prospective students into the new program.

  • Establish partnerships with industry professionals, churches, and alumni networks to support the program's launch.

Ongoing Program Leadership

  • Direct the Commercial Music and Worship Arts programs, including assessment, student advising, and coordination of internships and industry experiences.

  • Teach courses in areas of expertise (e.g., music production, songwriting, commercial performance, music business, music ministry, worship leadership).

  • Maintain active professional engagement in the music industry and/or worship communities.

  • Collaborate with colleagues in music, film, and other disciplines to foster interdisciplinary initiatives.

  • Work closely with colleagues at off-campus, experiential learning sites.

  • Support the mission of ACU through Christ-centered teaching, service, and mentoring of students.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in music, music industry, worship studies, or a closely related field.

  • Professional experience in the music industry and/or worship leadership.

  • Expertise in one or more areas such as:

    • Music production and recording

    • Songwriting and arranging

    • Live sound and performance technology

    • Music business/entrepreneurship

    • Worship leadership and ministry

    • Commercial performance (instrumental or vocal)

  • Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

  • Commitment to the values of Christian higher education.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Graduate degree in music, music industry, worship, or a related field.

  • Demonstrated success in higher education teaching.

  • Experience with curriculum development and program administration.

  • Established industry/professional networks

Application Instructions

Completed applications will include:

  • Letter of interest highlighting qualifications for the position. (Upload to "Resume/Cover Letter" Section)

  • Curriculum vitae. (Upload to "Resume/Cover Letter" Section)

  • Contact information for three professional references. (Either include on CV/Cover Letter, or Upload as a separate document to "Resume/Cover Letter" Section)

  • Links to recent professional work. (performances, productions, recordings, etc.)

  • Statement of teaching philosophy.

  • Statement on the relationship of Christian faith and teaching.

  • Statement of personal faith journey.

  • Academic/professional letter of recommendation.

  • Letter of recommendation from a church leader.

  • Copies of transcripts for academic work (official transcripts required upon hire).

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets. Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions. As a current employee, it will be determined if you need an additional background check upon your hire.

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