REQUEST FOR LETTERS OF INTEREST/QUALIFICATIONS
The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership (BRNHA) based in Asheville, N.C. is seeking to contract with an individual to provide administrative, coordination, events management, and regional communications services for the planning and implementation of the Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina. The purpose of the project is to showcase the region’s rich music heritage and to create awareness about the impact traditional music in Western North Carolina has had on the development of today’s American music genres. This contracted position will serve as the administrative coordinator for the project and will interface with two key partners of the project – the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership and the North Carolina Arts Council, as well as local communities and many other partners and funders.
This position is being funded through the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership, a federally designated 501 (c) 3 non-profit charged with preserving, interpreting and developing heritage assets within Western North Carolina.
The selected individual or firm will report directly to the Executive Director of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership. The estimated timeframe for the preparation and Phase 1 implementation of the project will be approximately one year running from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013. The Blue Ridge Music Trails will be a multi-year project. If both parties agree, the timeframe of the contract may be extended. The selected individual or firm should be prepared to start work on the project by January 15, 2013. The selected candidate will work with BRNHA staff, N.C. Arts Council staff; community leaders in 25 counties, including tourism and arts council leaders, musicians, marketing and public relations professionals, event planners, music sites, caterers, restaurants, accommodations, educational institutions, political leaders; and the public. The selected individual will serve as the lead coordinator working with communities in the region to organize and implement their efforts to participate in the Blue Ridge Music Trails program.
Specific duties will include:
- Organize and help lead a series of six listening sessions in the region to get feedback on the products, services, musicians, opportunities, and challenges communities have in successfully connecting with and being served by the Blue Ridge Music Trails.
- Based on the outcome of these sessions, help coordinate a series of workshops in the region to provide a marketing toolkit and resources to connect with the Blue Ridge Music Trail.
- Manage an Advisory Committee and Marketing Committee and other specific adhoc committees that will provide input and guidance to the BRMT Program. Responsibilities include meeting set up, and assisting with the development of agendas, meeting notes, and meeting materials.
- Provide administrative support for a marketing campaign to launch the BRMT including preparing media kits and researching a variety of marketing opportunities, preparing contracts, setting up meetings, and providing follow up, etc. and serving as the liaison with UNC Press.
- Assist in preparing meetings and materials for funders and grantors of the project and keeping detailed spreadsheets on gifts, commitments, deadlines as well as servicing sponsors and partners.
- Manage all operational details of the BRMT including keeping impeccable records, files and contracts.
- Help creatively organize and coordinate a branded Blue Ridge Music Trail event in the region to help launch the Blue Ridge Music Trail including managing databases, invitations, catering, and logistics.
- Be part of a team to develop long range sustainability for the program as well as develop and implement systematic opportunities for measuring success.
- Assist regional communities in their efforts to hold their own celebrations around the Blue Ridge Music Trail.
- Help connect and support the various components of the Blue Ridge Music Trail being managed by different groups – including those working on the website, the marketing plan, fund development, interpretation or other projects related to the plan.
- Help evaluate a merchandising program for the Blue Ridge Music Trails.
The selected candidate should have strong organizational and analytical skills; the ability to manage event details, keep projects on schedule and provide consistent follow up; as well as strong oral and written communications skills. In addition, the candidate must be diplomatic and have the ability to problem solve issues and challenges to create win-win opportunities and collaboration for everyone involved.
Interested parties should provide a cover letter, resume or narrative and three references. Please send proposals to Angie Chandler, Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Executive Director, at angie@blueridgeheritage.com or mail to 195 Hemphill Knob Road, Asheville, NC 28803. Proposals are due by 5 p.m. December 10, 2012.
Selection Process and Criteria for Selected BRNHA Blue Ridge Music Trails Program
TIP-E-4975
EVALUATION/CRITERIA OF APPLICANTS
Individuals submitting application for the Blue Ridge Music Trails project will be evaluated based on the following considerations.
- Applicants experience, knowledge, familiarity and past performance with heritage music in the region – 5%
- Applicants experience and knowledge of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and the natural and cultural attractions and landmarks in the region – 20%
- Applicant’s ability to manage multiple projects, organize and creatively implement event details, manage financial records in excel format, and follow up on projects in a timely manner within budget and deadlines – 25%
- Applicant’s ability to be highly effective communicator in both oral and written form and have a basic knowledge of marketing and public relations concepts – 20%
- Applicant’s ability to provide excellent customer service to signage participants and be diplomatic and positive in a variety of situations-25 %
PROCESS FOR SELECTION
The Blue Ridge National Heritage Partnership will accept applications. Staff will review applicants and select the top three to five based on the criteria listed above.
A panel will make the final selection. The final selection will be approved by the BRNHA and N.C. Arts Council staff.
