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.

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.

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.

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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