Director of the Music Experience Center

Under the leadership of the North Iowa Cultural Center & Museum (NICCM), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Surf Ballroom National Historic Landmark in Clear Lake, Iowa, stands as a cherished venue for live music, private events, and cultural celebrations. A renowned National Historic Landmark, the Surf Ballroom is a cornerstone of American music history, famously known as the site of the final concert of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson in 1959.
 
Our mission is to preserve and enhance the historic and cultural significance of the Surf Ballroom while ensuring it remains a vibrant and welcoming space for the community and visitors. The Director of the Music Experience Center leads the museum and music education experience at the Surf Ballroom, overseeing daily museum operations, visitor services, and music education programs for schools, families, and the community. This role focuses on visitor experience, program delivery, community partnerships, and audience growth to ensure educational and memorable experiences for all guests.
 
Working closely with the Executive Director and the operations team, this position leads museum staff and volunteers, while maintaining the venue’s historic charm and reputation for exceptional hospitality.
 
Key Responsibilities
Museum Experience & Visitor Services:

• Oversee daily museum operations, including admissions, visitor flow, and exhibit operations, in collaboration with internal staff, volunteers, and external partners.
• Serve as the primary leader of the visitor experience, guiding the visitor journey from first inquiry through admissions, tours, school and group visits, and follow-up.
• Coordinate closely with the operations team to ensure museum programming and visitor activities integrate smoothly with ballroom events and venue operations.
• Maintain high standards of customer service and hospitality, ensuring a welcoming, accessible, and engaging experience for all visitors and guests.

• Plan, schedule, and deliver music education programs, including school field trips, music lessons, and family programs, that connect students to the music and history of the Surf Ballroom.
• Build and maintain relationships with area schools, teachers, music educators, and youth organizations to promote and book education programs.
• Coordinate guest artists, teaching artists, and volunteer instructors, including scheduling, logistics, and on-site support for workshops, music lessons, and performances.
• Track participation, gather feedback from students, teachers, and families, and report on program outcomes and opportunities for growth.

• Partner with the marketing team and Executive Director to promote museum exhibits, programs, and visitor experiences through digital, print, and community outreach efforts.
• Foster relationships with schools, tourism organizations, local businesses, and community organizations to expand attendance and educational partnerships.
• Represent the Surf Ballroom & Museum at networking functions and community meetings to enhance visibility and visitation.

• Track and analyze attendance, visitor feedback, and revenue, providing reports and recommendations for growth.
• Maintain accurate calendars of tours, exhibits, and public programs and ensure clear communication of schedules with internal teams.
• Lead the museum experience team and volunteers, including recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, training, performance management, and volunteer coordination across the Surf Ballroom and Music Experience Center.

• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with a passion for creating memorable, educational experiences.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage multiple exhibits, programs, and stakeholder relationships simultaneously.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for scheduled events and programs.