Jobs & Internships

About HeadCount:

HeadCount is a non-profit organization that sits at the intersection of culture and civic engagement with a nearly 20-year track record of registering and turning out voters, both online and at live music events (primarily concert tours and festivals). We have registered over 1.2 million voters, and most recently achieved a 78% turnout among those we registered for the 2020 Presidential election.

We partner with more than 200 musicians, events, and brands to accomplish our work. Key partners include Harry Styles, Lizzo, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Dead & Company, and Dave Matthews, as well as partnering for events with March for Our Lives, PRIDE Festivals, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and with brands such as Spotify, Global Citizen, and MTV. In addition to these partners, HeadCount leverages the passion of over 60,000 volunteers to deliver on our mission.

About the Position:

The new executive director will step into their role at HeadCount during an exciting time of growth and success. They will be responsible for leading and managing the operations, fundraising, strategic planning, and growth of an organization with a $4-$5 million annual budget. They will work with a 22-person team of skilled and experienced staff who are passionate about delivering on our mission to change the world one voter at a time.

The role requires a visionary leader who can inspire and motivate staff, bring together communities in various music and cultural environments, and who has a deep appreciation for how music, technology, media, and youth culture can all work together to drive social impact. They will be an excellent communicator adept at balancing external and internal demands on the organization and staff, as well as a leader that prioritizes work/life balance for themselves, staff, and volunteers.

The executive director will report to the board of directors and will also partner directly with HeadCount’s founder and outgoing executive director who will remain involved as a strategic consultant and ambassador.

The executive director’s responsibilities include:

Strategy and Vision

• Build on past successes by leading the thoughtful development and tactical implementation of a long-term strategic plan to achieve HeadCount’s mission and goals, in collaboration with the board of directors, staff, and other stakeholders;
• Anticipate and adapt to changes in youth culture and the electoral, media, and entertainment landscape in a way that sets HeadCount up for sustainable and successful growth;
• Be an everyday champion of the values of equity, inclusion, and belonging, and actively work to maintain other organizational values such as nonpartisanship, volunteerism, and partnership.

Development, Fundraising and Partnerships

• Oversee fundraising efforts, including major gifts, grants, and corporate partnerships, to ensure the financial sustainability and growth of the organization;
• Build on existing networks to forge strategic partnerships that help HeadCount achieve our mission;
• Engage current and potential individual donors, foundations, corporate partners, music and entertainment industry supporters, and revenue-producing collaborators via an approach that centers mission and HeadCount’s ability to deliver results;
• Leverage the founder’s experience and contacts in order to maintain and build on strategic fundraising and revenue generation opportunities;
• Support various departments in maximizing relationships with a wide variety of top musicians, entertainers, corporate sponsors, media platforms, and concert promoters;
• Support partnerships department in maximizing relationships with corporate sponsors, media platforms, major festivals, and special events;
• Serve as a public face of HeadCount to gain visibility that leads directly and indirectly to financial support.

Organizational Management

• Organize, inspire, and mentor staff through collaboration, goal-setting, problem solving, strategic planning, and supporting opportunities for professional development;
• Oversee operations of national field and digital campaigns through a data-driven, results-oriented approach that ensures departments are adequately staffed and that staff have the resources needed to deliver impact;
• Manage HeadCount’s budget, financial reporting, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements;
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of HeadCount’s programs and initiatives and make recommendations for improvements and innovations;
• Lead and manage HeadCount’s staff, volunteers, and programs to build the infrastructure of the organization; ensuring systems, processes, and work plans across the organization are functioning and aligned to a clear and common vision and that day-to-day operations are set up for maximum impact and long-term sustainability;
• Champion effective internal processes that enhance collaboration and decision-making between all teams and ensure multi-directional communications and feedback loops across the organization.

Messaging, Brand and Public Communications

• Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including musicians, artists, venues, volunteers, media partners, and civic organizations, to advance HeadCount’s mission and increase our visibility and impact;
• Be a steward of the HeadCount brand both externally and internally, ensuring quality, consistency, and nonpartisanship across all platforms and elevating awareness of HeadCount’s work;
• Utilize excellent written and visual communication skills for the creation or editing of presentations, grant applications, and other outbound communication;
• Be able to work effectively in the music and entertainment industry, establishing key relationships and building on key alliances;
• Develop campaigns and narrative strategies that grow HeadCount’s impact and engage key target audiences;
• Develop and implement marketing and communications strategies to promote HeadCount’s brand and mission, and to engage our volunteers, supporters, and stakeholders.

Board Governance

• Lead board meetings three times per year and speak directly to board members on a regular basis;
• Work closely with the board chair in areas such as fundraising, strategy, governance, and partnership development;
• Collaborate with the board to build consensus around strategic priorities and identify and pursue opportunities for growth;
• Help identify and recruit new board members.

Candidate Profile:

The ideal candidate will have most, if not all, of the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics

• At least 7 years of experience, with a proven track record of success in key areas including fundraising, strategic planning, partnership and business development, narrative storytelling, team leadership, campaign management and volunteer engagement;
• A deep passion for music combined with strong knowledge of civic engagement, social justice, and how culture can drive positive change; a longstanding commitment to social impact in a measurable form, along with personal passion for democratic participation;
• Successful experience generating revenue via either partnerships, multi-year major donors and/or foundations, sponsorship sales, commercial co-ventures or other forms of fundraising, in either the non-profit or private sector;
• Ability to work in a nonpartisan environment and bring democratic participation to everyone, even those whose beliefs with which they may personally disagree;
• A strong connection to and understanding of HeadCount’s diverse and young target audience that will help us stay on the cultural forefront;
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and build consensus;
• Fostering a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes inspiration, collaboration, and candor; genuine openness to constructive input;
• Financial management skills, with experience in budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance;
• Experience with marketing and communications, including social media, content development, and public relations; an awareness of trends in media, entertainment, design, and marketing so that we remain on the cutting edge of how we interact with the public – especially young voters;
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities;
• A demonstrated ability to identify, realize, and leverage innovative technology ideas;
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment;
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Compensation & Benefits:

HeadCount is offering a base salary of $135,000 – $160,000 (commensurate with experience), plus substantial bonus opportunity based on achieving key metrics, and competitive benefits including a generous 401k match, flexible paid time off, family and medical leave. This is a hybrid position, requiring two days per week in our New York City office (midtown).

To Apply:

Trisha Sutrisno and Amber Gomes of Koya Partners have been exclusively retained for this search. To express your interest in this role please submit your materials here. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.

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HeadCount is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. HeadCount is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age.

Koya Partners is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

Applications for Summer 2023 are now CLOSED. 

Passionate about music, social activism, and eager to explore the world of nonprofit fundraising? We're seeking dedicated interns to fuel our mission through effective fundraising strategies and initiatives. Join HeadCount and contribute your talents to a dynamic organization while learning the vital role of fundraising in nonprofit work. Students interested in Nonprofit Development will gain hands-on experience in cultivating donor relationships, crafting compelling stories to inspire action, and mastering documentation and organization to drive success.

College credit is available. Requires a minimum of 15 hours (Fall and Spring) or 30 hours (Summer) per week, during business hours. This internship can be done remotely.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the development team in researching and identifying potential major donors and corporate sponsors
• Support the planning and coordination of fundraising events, campaigns, and initiatives
• Maintain and update donor database, ensuring accuracy and completeness of records
• Prepare and send out donor acknowledgement letters and other correspondence as needed
• Assist in creating fundraising materials, including proposals, reports, and presentations
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to the overall strategy for major gifts and fundraising efforts
• Implement and track donor stewardship strategies and activities
• Provide general administrative support to the Development team as needed

Qualifications

• Enrolled in or recent graduate of a college or university program, preferably in a related field (nonprofit management, fundraising, communications, or business)
• Demonstrated interest in music, social activism, and nonprofit work
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills
  Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Proficiency in MS Office/Google Drive programs
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and able to work independently as well as part of a team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism when dealing with sensitive donor information

This is an unpaid internship, but college credit is available. This is an excellent opportunity to hone your nonprofit development and fundraising skills while gaining valuable experience in the social activism and music arenas. Please reply with a cover letter and resume (as attached documents) to [email protected] with "Major Gifts & Fundraising Intern" in the subject line.

Applications for Summer 2023 are now CLOSED. 

Students with an interest in Music Industry and live events can channel their passions by interning with HeadCount. This is an opportunity to get invaluable experience and make an important contribution to a dynamic and growing organization. Our interns work side-by-side with staffers and play an important role from day one. Many of our interns have been offered and accepted full-time positions with HeadCount and others have landed jobs within the music industry and at other non-profits.

College credit is available. Requires a minimum of 15 hours (Fall and Spring) or 30 hours (Summer) per week, during business hours. Our office is located in the Garment District of Manhattan.

Responsibilities

• Join the volunteer team(s) at concerts, festivals, sporting events, and partner activations, to register and inform voters
• Understand and internalize the many ways we work with corporate and brand partners, festivals and promoters, and online contesting platforms
• Join and take notes on partner calls, where appropriate
• Join and take notes on internal meetings with different HeadCount departments
• Content creation (blogging, drafting and proofreading documents, social media, creating excel data sheets, research, compiling music playlists)
• Grassroots and community partner outreach (volunteer program planning, conference calls)
• General non-profit management and administration
• Social Media tracking for partner impressions
• Join monthly organizer calls

Qualifications

• NYC-based required
• Student working towards a degree in related field
• Nonprofit or social activist experience a plus
• Previous music or event experience is a plus
• Proficiency required in MS Office/Google Drive programs
• Excellent attention to detail and proofreading skills required

This is an unpaid internship but college credit is available. Intern must be located in New York City. This is an excellent opportunity to hone your music industry skills while gaining valuable and high-profile experience in the political, music or nonprofit arenas. Please reply with a cover letter and resume (as attached documents) to [email protected] with “Partnerships and Events Intern” in the subject line.

Applications for Summer 2023 are now CLOSED. 

Editorial interns at HeadCount get hands-on writing experience and frequent bylines in the HeadCount blog, while also drafting content for social media and other platforms. They work alongside staffers with years of professional writing experience and get direct feedback about their writing and editorial skills. They also get experience in other aspects of the HeadCount organization.

College credit is available. Requires a minimum of 15 hours (Fall and Spring) or 30 hours (Summer) per week, during business hours.

Responsibilities

• Assist Social Media Manager in copy writing and posting on HeadCount social media channels
• Assist in developing and maintaining the monthly social media calendar
• Perform weekly social media checks and engage on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok
• Create TikToks for HeadCount
• Work with the digital department on developing marketing strategies that reach Gen Z audiences
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Excellent writing skills and samples
• Student working towards a degree in related field
• Nonprofit or social activist experience a plus
• Excellent attention to detail and proofreading skills required

This is an unpaid internship but college credit is available. Intern must be located in New York City or be able to work from a remote location. This is an excellent opportunity to hone your professional skills while gaining valuable and high-profile experience in the political, music or nonprofit arenas. Please reply with a cover letter and resume (as attached documents) to [email protected] with “Digital Marketing Internship” in the subject line.

Applications for Summer 2023 are now CLOSED. 

Artist Relations Interns will work with artist’s managers, labels, venues and media outlets to help spread the message about voter registration and the HeadCount organization. Our AR interns get first hand experience on the front lines. Learn how the music industry works overall & make a ton of new connections.

College credit is available. Requires a minimum of 15 hours (Fall and Spring) or 30 hours (Summer) per week, during business hours.

Responsibilities

• Manage research & record label contacts for artists
• Suggest artist partners that would be a good fit for HeadCount by reaching and tracking social media accounts
• Assist AR managers with artist outreach emails
• Assist AR managers with advance details for tours including adding tour dates & info to our site for our volunteer teams
• Assisting AR managers with external partner calls
• Attend and take notes during calls and internal meetings
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Interest in Music Business as a career
• Some background in digital, events or media
• Enthusiasm
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment
• Strong OPS, organizational & communication skills

This is an unpaid internship but college credit is available. Intern must be located in New York City or be able to work from a remote location. This is an excellent opportunity to hone your artist relations skills while gaining valuable and high-profile experience in the political, music or nonprofit arenas. Please reply with a cover letter and resume (as attached documents) to [email protected] with “Artist Relations Internship” in the subject line. 

Applications for Summer 2023 are now CLOSED. 

Students with an interest in politics, music or grassroots organizing can channel their passions by interning with HeadCount. This is an opportunity to get invaluable hand-on experience and make an important contribution to a dynamic and growing organization. Our interns work side-by-side with seasoned staffers and play an important role from day one. Many of our interns have been offered and accepted full-time positions with HeadCount and others have landed jobs within the music industry and at other non-profits.

College credit is available. Requires a minimum of 15 hours (Fall and Spring) or 30 hours (Summer) per week, during business hours.

Responsibilities

• Research up-to-date election dates, laws and processes for all 50 states
• Research various topics related to elections (i.e. legislation regarding social issues)
• Create engaging ways to educate audiences about voting via social media
• Attend and take notes during calls and internal meetings
• Assist in writing and editing emails
• Assist in cross-departmental projects where voter information/research is needed
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Student working towards a degree in related field
• Nonprofit or social activist experience a plus
• Proficiency required in MS Office and Google Workspace programs
• Excellent attention to detail and proofreading skills required

This is an unpaid internship but college credit is available. Intern must be located in New York City or be able to work from a remote location. This is an excellent opportunity to hone your strategic operation skills while gaining valuable and high-profile experience in the political, music or nonprofit arenas. Please reply with a cover letter and resume (as attached documents) to [email protected] with “Voter Engagement Internship” in the subject line. 

Applications for Summer 2023 are now CLOSED. 

Students with an interest in politics, music or grassroots organizing can channel their passions by interning with HeadCount. This is an opportunity to get invaluable hand-on experience and make an important contribution to a dynamic and growing organization. Our interns work side-by-side with seasoned staffers and play an important role from day one.

College credit is available. Requires a minimum of 15 hours (Fall and Spring) or 30 hours (Summer) per week, during business hours.

Responsibilities

• Attend concerts events to register voters
• Create content (blogging, drafting and proofreading documents, social media, creating excel data sheets, research, compiling music playlists)
• Plan grassroots and community outreach volunteer programs
• Research election dates and deadlines, route voter registration forms to election boards, and communicate directly with voters
• Perform general non-profit management and administrative tasks, as needed
• Attend and take notes during calls and internal meetings
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Student working towards a degree in related field
• Nonprofit or social activist experience a plus
• Proficiency required in MS Office programs
• Excellent attention to detail and proofreading skills required

This is an unpaid internship but college credit is available. Intern must be located in New York City or be able to work from a remote location. This is an excellent opportunity to hone your strategic operation skills while gaining valuable and high-profile experience in the political, music or nonprofit arenas. Please reply with a cover letter and resume (as attached documents) to [email protected] with “Field Internship” in the subject line.

We're accepting applications for Team Leaders in select cities.

HeadCount is adding Team Leaders all across the country. Team Leaders are the heart and soul of HeadCount and are the people most responsible for registering thousands of voters at concerts, festivals, and community events. They represent the organization any time a HeadCount-affiliated artist appears in the team’s metropolitan area. Within their metro, Team Leaders also work with venues, promoters, and community event organizers to identify the best local opportunities to register voters.

This means organizing and scheduling teams of volunteers (using HeadCount’s volunteer portal), training new volunteers and managing the process of setting up a voter registration table at an event. It also involves directly interfacing with staff at local concert venues and tour production crews from our affiliated bands.
Team Leaders also reach into their community to identify gaps in voter registration access and provide registration services. This could be at high schools, street fairs, or other relevant community events. The goal is for at least 25% of annual activations to come from community events.
Team Leaders must be reliable, professional, and good communicators. Most of all, they need to inspire volunteers to work together toward a common goal. If you love music and consider yourself a natural leader, this may be the position for you.
This is considered a volunteer position, but Team Leaders are eligible for a yearly performance-based stipend of up to $1,500.

Requirements

• Strong work ethic, maturity and sense of accountability
• Flexible schedule allowing you to be on site at concerts before doors open
• Natural leadership ability
• Commitment to following protocol
• Relevant leadership experience

To apply, please register as a volunteer by clicking HERE and be sure to check off that you are interested in a leadership position. In addition, email a brief cover letter and resume under the subject line "Team Leader" to [email protected].

Share this listing directly via this URL: https://www.headcount.org/job/team-leaders/