Executive Director

CHICAGO CHAMBER CHOIR

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OPENING

The Chicago Chamber Choir is a volunteer, 44-member mixed vocal ensemble that performs three to four major concert series a year (October, December, March, and May). The mission of the Chicago Chamber Choir is to create experiences that engage our community in high quality choral art. Our vision is to be Chicago’s preeminent avocational choral ensemble through diverse and innovative programming, excellence in artistry, and community enrichment.

The Choir will be entering its 28th season in 2023/2024. More information can be found at chicagochamberchoir.org.

The Choir has an immediate opening for a part-time, partially remote Executive Director. This position requires on-site presence at concerts and other Choir functions, including but not limited to donor events and fundraisers. Residency in the Chicagoland area is strongly preferred.

The Executive Director will help lead an organization with enormous potential for growth. Supported by a Communications and Development Assistant, we seek a visionary leader that can propel the Choir into a new phase of institutional growth and recognition within the Chicago arts community.

Job responsibilities

DEVELOPMENT

• Craft, coordinate, and execute an Annual Fund solicitation, including database maintenance and letter generation, gift recording, and acknowledgement. The Annual Fund currently consists of:
  • Three fall letters (new, current, and lapsed donors) as well as one fall email campaign, and one spring letter (lapsed donors) as well as one spring email campaign.
  • An Annual Membership dues campaign among choir members.
• Implement and develop a donor engagement plan.
• Plan and execute a stewardship reception(s) for CCC donors.
• Deposit and track all gifts received by the organization.
• Apply for grants and prepare necessary reports in collaboration with the Development and Communications Assistant.
• Attend regularly scheduled season performances to greet and socialize with donors before, during, and after concerts.
• Plan, organize, and attend the annual Winter and Spring fundraisers in conjunction with Artistic staff and Board of Directors.
• Provide online database maintenance (NEON CRM), to include  annual updates through USPS Lookup, regularly scheduled duplicate removal reports, and annual updates to singer contact lists, with support from the Development and Communications Assistant.
• Solicit advertising for printed and digital concert programs, when appropriate.

MARKETING

• Conduct marketing and public relations outreach (to include the  creation and distribution of press releases), connect with  media organizations throughout Chicago, and manage print production processes in collaboration with the Development and Communications Assistant.
• Manage the website, social media channels, and generate electronic newsletters through Mailchimp, with support from the Development and Communications Assistant.
• Provide and proofread material for printed and digital concert programs, including ads, donor list, promotional materials, singer and artist roster, and staff list in conjunction with the Artistic Director, as necessary.
• Explore opportunities to partner and perform with Chicago-based promotional channels and organizations, in conjunction with the Artistic Director.
• Research and/or develop new methods of promotion for concerts.

OPERATIONS

• Lead and coordinate logistical support such as box office management, stage managing, coordination with venues, and reception set-up and clean-up at all concerts and events in conjunction with the Board of Directors, interns, and volunteers.
• Oversee the box office during performances and prepare box office reports for the Board of Directors.
• Schedule and maintain communication with performance venues up through concert day in collaboration with the Artistic Director.
• Coordinate support volunteers for concerts and events, as needed.

ADMINISTRATIVE

• Maintain Choir correspondence, an online calendar for all CCC activities, and contact lists for singers and staff in collaboration with the Development and Communications Assistant, responding to emails and inquiries in a timely manner.
• Assist the Artistic Director with outside gig requests and referrals.
• Check the Choir’s email, voicemail, and physical mail in a timely fashion and distribute to the appropriate persons.
• Maintain the Choir’s Google Drive and Slack channels.
• Provide administrative and logistical support to the Artistic Director and Board of Directors as needed.
• Prepare and present reports for Board of Directors meetings, which occur approximately  6 times per season.  

Qualified candidates will demonstrate:

• Proven record as a successful fundraiser
• College graduate with previous arts management experience preferred
  • Master’s degree in a relevant field is a plus
  • Performance arts administrative experience desirable; enthusiasm for the performing and/or choral arts is essential
• Knowledge of Chicago area arts community
• Outstanding written, oral and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong planning, organizational, and analytical skills
• Visionary and innovative thinker
• Ability to work collaboratively with the community, Board of Directors, and other staff
• Excellent computer skills. This should include documented experience with large mail merge projects, Excel, Microsoft Word and email software (including maintaining email distribution lists). Experience with other database software, such as ACT or Neon, is preferred.
• The ability to work reliably and independently.

Additional information:

• This position is offered to independent contractors only; taxes are the responsibility of the candidate.
• Compensation will be a flat monthly stipend; no other benefits are provided.
• No office is provided for this job. Candidates should possess a home office or have daily access to the equivalent, which must be equipped with a high-speed internet connection and access to a printer.
• It is preferred that candidates have a valid driver’s license and a vehicle (or have access to one) in which to transport office supplies, mailings and other supplies to concert sites.
• Preference will be given to persons interested in maintaining this position for multiple seasons.