HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Love Huntsville and music? Huntsville's new position of Music Officer might be right for you.
The city is looking for someone "with a vision for transforming the Rocket City into a must-see music city." Multiple music venues including Propst Arena, Mark C. Smith Concert Hall at the Von Braun Center, Mars Music Hall, and the upcoming MidCity amphitheater make the city a prime location for musical acts of all sizes.
2019's Music Audit recommended the Music Officer position and a nine-member Music Board. Mayor Tommy Battle said, "Music is essential to not only our quality of life, but also our local economy,” Mayor Battle said. “No matter who you are or what your background is, music is a universal language that unites us all. There’s no reason why Huntsville can’t be a top destination for musicians and music lovers, and we believe the Music Officer will help us get to that level.”
Kate Durio with Sound Diplomacy, the company who conducted the Music Audit, said the full-time Music Officer position will set Huntsville apart from other cities because it’s the first of its kind in the U.S. She added that even though the Rocket City has enjoyed success, fueled by grassroot efforts, the potential for added support and recognition will be significant.
“This leadership by example builds on the long-standing and well-known history of Huntsville as a place for innovation,” Durio said. “With this sustained focus at the local government level, it doubles-down on the City supporting its music industry though the support, promotion and development of the music ecosystem.”
The city says it anticipates significant interest in the position but want someone who is not only a creative thinker, but also understands the value of Huntsville’s music scene in both cultural and economic terms.
“The Music Audit offered a road map, but the Music Officer will need to work very closely with the Music Board to make adjustments and guide implementation,” said Dennis Madsen, Huntsville’s manager of Urban & Long-Range Planning. “They’ll need to develop their own strong relationships with organizations like the Convention and Visitors Bureau and Arts Huntsville, with venues large and small, and especially with artists and industry professionals.”
About the position:
Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in music, communications, marketing, public relations or a related field from an accredited college or university and have at least five years of experience working in a music, events or related entertainment industry.
The Music Officer will oversee strategic planning initiatives outlined in the Music Audit while also supporting the City’s existing music sector. The officer will also identify, implement and increase music-related economic opportunities while being a primary point of contact for local, regional and national stakeholders. Candidates will serve as a liaison between with both government officials and those in the music industry.
“The ideal candidate will have to have a lot of initiative,” Madsen said.
Click her to learn more. The job posting closed on Monday, Aug, 23.
Visit HuntsvilleAL/Jobs to learn more about working for the City of Huntsville. View the full job description and apply online HERE. The posting will be active until 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 23.