President & CEO

Washington, DC, United States

Chorus America is the advocacy, research, and leadership development organization that advances the choral field. Our mission is to strengthen singing communities with the advocacy, connections, and resources they need to be a vital part of society. We do this by supporting and serving choral conductors, administrators, board members, and singers with a wide array of programs, publications, research, and professional services. These services strengthen their ability to build strong organizations that foster quality choral performances and leverage the unique characteristics of choral/group singing to build community. Chorus America currently serves more than 6,000 choruses, individuals, businesses, and organizations.

Chorus America is at an exciting state of post-pandemic recovery and evolution, launching a comprehensive next chapter and strategy. Access, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) is central to our mission and organization. When Chorus America was founded over 40 years ago, its mission was to serve professional choruses and uphold standards that centered on Western European musical traditions. Our organization acknowledges this history, and we continue to take meaningful action steps to represent and serve the vibrant diversity of the choral field and live up to our current mission. Our current strategic plan prioritizes ADEI efforts for the near future primarily—but not exclusively—on addressing race and racism; knowing that the knowledge and experience gained will inform our more broadly defined ADEI activities. To learn more about Chorus America’s Strategic Objectives and accompanying goals that will shape our work during FY23-25, click here .

Chorus America is governed by a diverse Board of Directors, currently comprising 35 accomplished arts leaders from across the United States and Canada. The 12-member staff is mainly located near our headquarters in Washington, DC, with several staff outside of the region working remotely full-time. For the fiscal year ending August 2023, Chorus America reported a total revenue of $2.40 million, total expenses of $2.38 million, and anticipates an annual budget in the range of $1.5-$2.5 million, which includes approximately $475,000-500,000 that is distributed directly to the field through our music education grant program.

POSITION

Chorus America seeks a visionary leader, with sophisticated nonprofit management experience and commitment to an inclusive, equitable, thriving choral music field. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will have overall management responsibility, inspiring innovation and empowering a high performing staff. The CEO works closely with the executive leadership team and oversees all aspects of the organization’s operations including strategic planning, fundraising, finances, membership, programs and services, communications and community engagement. The CEO is the chief spokesperson for Chorus America and the lead representative in coalitions and strategic partnerships. The successful candidate will be forward-thinking, mission-driven, strategic, and empathetic as they navigate the next iteration of the organization’s lifecycle, growing earned revenues and maximizing opportunity in the complex landscape of association management to best serve its membership base and the field at large.

WORK LOCATION

Chorus America’s headquarters is in Washington, DC. In addition to five fully remote team members, Chorus America currently maintains a hybrid working environment. The Washington, DC-area team is currently in the office two days per week in downtown Washington, DC, with three days per week working at home/remotely (this is subject to change). Our small staff has built a dynamic and strong team culture rooted in collaboration and relationship-building. We continue to adapt our culture and approach to teamwork to bridge in-person and remote staff communication. Applications are welcome from across the US and beyond. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. Chorus America’s priority is that the President/CEO be physically based in greater Washington, DC; and recognize the effectiveness of both in-person and remote work; and commit to building on the high-functioning hybrid working culture of our staff.

Additional travel requirements are detailed below.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Executive Leadership and Organizational Management

In partnership with the Board of Directors, develop and implement strategic plans that achieve Chorus America’s mission to strengthen singing communities with the advocacy, connections, and resources they need to be a vital part of society.

Advance Chorus America’s commitment to diversity, equity, access and inclusion by building the organization’s foundational knowledge of the priorities, opportunities, and needs of choruses focused on repertoire outside of the Western European tradition, and of choral leaders who have been marginalized due to race, ethnicity, other social or economic factors.

Establish goals, objectives, and operational plans in collaboration with the Board of Directors and staff.

Oversee day-to-day operations of the organization and ensure its overall successful long-term operations that are centered in equity and inclusion.

Foster Chorus America’s position as a leader among other arts organizations and represent Chorus America nationally and internationally. Develop strategic partnerships for projects with thought leaders and high-profile institutions. This includes participating in partnerships and coalitions with peer organizations such as the Performing Arts Alliance, American Choral Directors Association, National Collegiate Choral Organization, and others.

Organize, hire, motivate, and mentor the staff team to grow Chorus America’s impact, programs, fundraising and to effectively fulfill its important mission. Inspire a professional, results-driven environment across the organization.

Continually cultivate a culture of collaboration and respect across the Board and all departments.

Financial Oversight

In close collaboration with the Board Treasurer and Vice President for Finance and Operations, develop and monitor the organization’s annual budgets and provide regular reports. Oversee the process for the organization’s annual audit. Prudently direct resources and oversee all financials within budget guidelines and according to current laws and regulations.

Maintain responsible fiscal policies and procedures in partnership with the Board’s Finance and Audit Committee.

Spearhead strategy to enhance revenue generation through targeted service areas and major gifts. Ensure the organization’s financial stability and sustainability by promoting healthy cash flow and developing adequate reserves.

Fundraising

Take the leading role in Chorus America’s fundraising efforts, including developing relationships with major-donor prospects and collaborating with the development team and Board committee to solicit and close major gifts for the organization.

Ensure the development department’s staffing expertise and resources.

Initiate, cultivate, and extend relationships within the organization’s portfolio of individual, foundation, government, and corporate supporters.

Governance

Collaborate with the Board Chair and Governance committee to develop and maintain an effective and diverse governing board.

With the Board Chair, develop board meeting agendas and provide support to committees and task forces. Direct Board operations and communications in collaboration with the Governance Committee and Board Chair, including annual calendar and required actions.

Play a proactive role in identifying, cultivating, and recruiting potential board members.

Ensure that board members are thoroughly oriented to their work, and that their board service is enjoyable and effective.

Develop board and staff leadership succession plans.

Membership, Programs and Services:

Collaborate with the executive staff team to…

Oversee membership recruitment and retention strategies.

Produce an array of effective and high-quality professional development programs, technical-assistance services, and publications including an award-winning magazine, website, e-learning opportunities, and a robust social media presence.

Oversee and grow Chorus America’s grant-making programs, particularly the Music Education Partnership Grants.

Commission research projects to inform the field about its impact, relevance, audience development, community engagement, and operations.

Forge collaborative projects with members and other partners.

Learn and leverage technology and participation trends in the performing arts sector.

COMPENSATION

Chorus America offers a salary range of $130,000 - $165,000 and a generous benefits package, including 100 percent employer paid health/dental/vision insurance; short- and long-term disability, life insurance, vacation; pre-tax transportation program; summer half-day Fridays; and rejuvenation leave program. Our compensation ranges are based on salary ranges for similar- sized nonprofit organizations in the professional services sector and adjusted for local labor market rates and differentiated by geography.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum 5 - 10 years of prior experience as an executive director, director, or in a related position in nonprofit arts, foundation, government, or industry. Experience and success in motivating, recruiting, developing, retaining, and mentoring high performance, mission-driven, and results-oriented teams.

Skilled financial administrator with proven success in organizational budget management.

Knowledge of and a passion for the music field, choral music experience preferred.

Excellent written, oral, and public speaking skills; a persuasive communicator with strong interpersonal skills.

Comfort and familiarity with a wide range of technological tools and platforms, with an understanding of how technology can drive organizational innovation, efficiency, and growth.

A proven commitment to and experience in centering access, diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging in an organizational setting.

A collaborative spirit and the desire to mentor Chorus America members and staff members.

Track record for successfully managing and collaborating with a board of directors.

Experience in and enthusiasm for cultivating and closing significant gifts from organizations and individuals.

Willingness to travel to cultivate members, donors, and partners (can vary, but roughly 6 – 8 trips annually)

A bachelor’s degree required/advanced degree preferred, or commensurate experience.

HOW TO APPLY

Send a cover letter and resume to [email protected] . Questions can be sent to that same email address. The position is open until filled, though Chorus America will prioritize applications submitted by 5pm EDT July 8, 2024.

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