Managing Director

Location

Chicago, IL | United States

Job description

About the Organization:

Chicago Chorale, under the direction of Conductor/Artistic Director Bruce Tammen, is a professional-level ensemble of singers who cultivate their craft out of genuine love and dedication, giving freely of their time and talent. The ensemble gives sensitive and thought-provoking performances of a diverse choral repertoire, from well-loved works to overlooked masterpieces to newly commissioned pieces. Chicago Chorale selects music that will challenge and thrill listeners and performers alike and maintains a commitment to artistic excellence and integrity. Further information on the Chorale is available at

About the Role:

The Chorale is seeking its next Managing Director, with responsibility for audience and donor development and overall organization administration. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the MD provides key leadership to successfully achieve the mission and goals of the organization, and along with the Artistic Director, serves as the chief spokesperson representing the Chorale to internal and external constituencies.

The new MD joins the organization at a critical time when meeting fundraising goals and growing audience engagement are challenging for all arts organizations and when the Chorale prepares for the retirement of its founding Artistic Director. We seek a creative, resilient, and detail-oriented individual with prior arts administration experience to take on these challenges effectively on an efficient part-time schedule of 20-25 hours/week at peak season, 10-15 hours/week off-peak. The MD would have the seasonal support of an intern but would otherwise be an individual contributor.

Responsibilities:

Audience Development and Fundraising

· Enable Chicago Chorale to set and meet its financial goals through a combination of ticket sales and fundraising efforts, including individual donations, major gifts, and grants.

· Develop and implement compelling marketing and PR plans to maximize ticket sales for Chicago Chorale’s six dedicated performances (two performances of each of three preparations) per year.

· Engage Chorale’s existing donor base with fundraising campaigns and events throughout the year and look for opportunities to expand the donor base.

· Work with the Artistic Director and Board to cultivate relationships with major donors.

· Garner grant support for Chicago Chorale from a wide array of funding sources that are aligned with Chicago Chorale’s mission.

· Proactively identify opportunities and risks to meet revenue targets and lead creative problem-solving efforts to address.

Chorale Administration

· Oversee management of rehearsal, concert, and recording production including: negotiating performance/rehearsal/recording dates and locations, soloist and musician contracts, production of concert programs, digital/physical recordings, volunteer management, speakers for pre-concert talks.

· Serve as ex officio member of all Board committees. Attend all meetings of the Board and Executive Committee.

· Oversee the development and implementation of policies and procedures, including those related to finance, personnel, procurement, patron relations, and record maintenance.

· Play a leadership role in the development of the annual operating budget and oversee execution of the financial plan. Keep board informed of the organization’s financial health in board meetings and ad hoc as needed. Proactively identify opportunities and risks to meeting financial and operational objectives and lead creative problem solving to address.

· Coordinate and maintain a master calendar of events and activities.

Leadership and Planning

· Form a productive and mutually supportive relationship with the Artistic Director and serve together as an inspirational leadership team for Chorale.

· In collaboration with the Artistic Director and the singer engagement committee, help to foster a positive, cohesive community amongst the singers.

· Form productive relationships with all members of the Board, with highest engagement with Board officers. Engage in Board discussions on the development, implementation and evaluation of strategic businessplans, fundraising plans,and governance plans.

· With the Artistic Director, develop and implement community engagement and education programs for schools, students and under-served populations in the community.

Candidate Criteria:

Personal qualities and Leadership Skills

• A passion for building a thriving arts community in Chicago. If no prior experience in Choral Arts, a demonstrated curiosity to learn about this specific art form to be an effective ambassador of the Chicago Chorale mission.

• Highly effective collaboration and influencing skills across a variety of stakeholders. A community and culture builder.

• Hands-on, detail-oriented, results-driven.

• Open to innovation, experimentation, and learning new skills with an ability to acknowledge success and failures and discern the best path forward.

Technical experience

• Software and platform skills: QuickBooks, MS Office suite, Google collaboration tools, database management, email/digital marketing platforms, social media platforms, etc.

• Proficiency in website maintenance and development or a commitment to attain high degrees of proficiency during the first two months in role.

• Working understanding of technology to support the selection of qualified contractors and/or software systems

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

• Management experience in an arts organization or related field. Choral Arts specific experience is highly desirable.

• Reliable transportation

• Able to work flexible hours that will include evenings and weekends as required

Compensation and work schedule:

• Salary between $20,000-$25,000/year, depending on qualifications (subject to board approval)

• Chorale’s rehearsal and concert season runs from September-June, so during these months the role requires 20-25 hours most weeks, including some evenings and weekends.

• July/August are lower demand months, when the MD could reduce to 10-15 hours/week, as well as take some time fully off from Chorale.

• The MD must seek prior agreement from the Board before taking on other outside part-time work, to ensure the schedules are clear and complementary, with no conflict or impediment to fulfilling MD responsibilities to Chicago Chorale.

Application Procedure:

• Application materials will be accepted until the position is filled

• Send an email stating why you are interested and qualified for this position, with bio and resume attached to: [email protected].

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20,000.00 - $25,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 10 – 25 per week

Experience level:

• 5 years

Ability to Relocate:

• Chicago, IL 60637: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60637

Job tags

Salary