About Accorda Music-Thanatology Institute

Accorda Music-Thanatology Institute is a growing nonprofit dedicated to training music-thanatologists who provide compassionate end-of-life care through the prescriptive delivery of harp and voice.

The organization is entering its next phase of growth and is seeking to restructure its training program and school operations to create a more sustainable, affordable, and flexible educational model for students.

The Role

The Executive Director will lead Accorda through this next phase of organizational development, partnering with the Board to shape and implement strategy while overseeing day-to-day operations and administration.

A key priority will be leading a focused restructuring effort to update the curriculum and program delivery model. The role also carries responsibility for fundraising, financial health, compliance, staff supervision, and organizational effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Partner with the Board to shape and implement organizational strategy.
• Lead the restructuring of the training program and school operations.
• Update curriculum and program delivery models to improve sustainability, affordability, and flexibility for students.
• Support the organization's continued growth and development.

Operations & Administration

• Oversee day-to-day operations, programs, and administration.
• Supervise the Program Director and Executive Assistant.
• Ensure organizational effectiveness and operational continuity.

Fundraising & External Relations

• Lead fundraising and grant writing.
• Manage donor stewardship and external relationships.
• Build and maintain relationships that support the organization's mission and growth.

Financial & Organizational Management

• Ensure the organization's financial health.
• Maintain compliance with applicable requirements.
• Support effective organizational systems and administration.

Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit or mission-driven leadership.
• Comfort leading short-term organizational or program redesign projects.
• Strategic thinker who is also willing to be hands-on.
• Strong relationship-building skills, including fundraising and donor stewardship.
• Commitment to compassionate end-of-life care.

Additional Requirements

Final candidates must meet the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) requirements for School Director registration.

This includes documenting at least two full-time equivalent years of qualifying experience within the past five years, totaling 3,750 hours, whether completed full-time or cumulatively part-time, in school or business administration, teaching, or other directly related duties.

Compensation

$31,200 annually, salaried and part-time, for approximately 20 hours per week.

Application Process

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to:

application@accordaschool.org

Application Deadline: September 15, 2026.

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