EUGENE CONCERT CHOIR – CANDIDATE SEARCH

Position Title: Executive Director (0.75 FTE to start)

Priority Application Deadline: The position will be open until filled, with priority given to applications received prior to March 1, 2018.

Position Summary: The Board of Directors for the Eugene Concert Choir is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Executive Director. We are looking for a dynamic individual with experience in arts administration to help lead our organization into the future.

The successful candidate will possess the following skills:

  • Leadership that is positive and forward thinking with vision towards expanding and building capacity.
  • Fundraising and development focused on building long-term relationships with donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations.
  • Ability to effectively use a variety of technology including donor and financial software to assist in development and budgeting.
  • Arts administration with the capacity to supervise employees, build and implement budgets, and maintain contracts.
  • Be a strong advocate for the vocal arts in our community.

Position in Organization: The Executive Director works in conjunction with the Artistic Director and reports to the Board of Directors. The Executive Director is responsible for administrative operations, development and fundraising, grant writing, and supervision of employees. The Executive Director position is three-quarter time with the opportunity and goal for the candidate to build it into a full-time position.

Executive Director Duties: Fundraising, donor relations, budgeting, financial management and reporting, contracting, administrative staff and volunteer oversight, public relations and image, and official representation.

Salary and Benefits: Negotiable and commensurate with the experience and skills of the candidate.

Application Procedure: Please submit a letter of interest and résumé to choir@eugeneconcertchoir.org. We will send an e-mail verifying receipt.

Applications will be reviewed as received and priority will be given to applications received by March 1.  Interviews may be scheduled and the position filled before the application deadline.  However, the position will remain open until filled.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Eugene Concert Choir Mission Statement: To engage, inspire and enrich the community through performance of choral masterworks, diverse artistic experiences, and educational outreach.

Organization: Founded in 1974 with IRS 501(c)3 non-profit status; now an “umbrella arts organization” that includes the 100- voice Eugene Concert Choir, the 36-voice Eugene Vocal Arts chamber choir; and the Eugene Concert Orchestra. The organization, which has an annual budget between $400,000 and $500,000,  is a resident company of the Hult Center for the Performing Arts.

Recent Highlights: In 2014, the Eugene Concert Choir was awarded a $125,000 grant from the Fred Fields Fund Creative Heights Initiative of the Oregon Community Foundation to commission a new choral masterwork, Shadow and Light, by Portland composer Joan Szymko. The Eugene Vocal Arts and Eugene Concert Orchestra presented the world premiere of this work in April 2016 in the University of Oregon’s Beall Concert Hall and have released award-winning recording and video documentary of the project. In the summer of 2017, the organization received a generous donation allowing us establish a $100,000 endowment with the Oregon Community Foundation and create an Artistic Innovation Reserve along with an operations reserve fund.

Detailed duties:

Fundraising — Plan foundation, government, corporate, individual, and special event fundraising, in conjunction with staff and board personnel, including:

  • Research and write grant proposals; track and act on reports and follow-ups from funders
  • Manage and seek growth opportunities for Eugene Concert Choir endowment fund
  • Develop planned giving strategies that align with established reserves and endowment
  • Seek and secure corporate sponsorships
  • Cultivate individual donors and secure major contributions and sponsorships
  • Manage and oversee fundraising mail campaigns and programs
  • Plan and manage gala fundraiser and other special events

Donor relations  — Recognize and record donations and sponsorships, including:

  • Direct, oversee and maintain DonorPerfect database records
  • Ensure that donations receive timely recognition and appreciation
  • Check all publicity and other public materials for proper sponsor recognition
  • Plan and manage post-concert receptions and other donor appreciation events

Budgeting and Financial management — Create budgets in consultation with Artistic Director, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors. Manage financial operations and Quickbooks records, including:

  • Create annual, operations, grant and special project budgets
  • Monitor expenditures and income, making budget work for organization
  • Approve major expenditures
  • Meet with CPA regarding annual audit and tax reports
  • Oversee payroll tax reports and 990 reports
  • Manage cash flow in bank accounts
  • Report activities for monthly board meetings and annual report

Contracting — Negotiate and draw up contracts in consultation with Artistic Director, Marketing Director, General Manager or Board of Directors as appropriate, including:

  • Negotiate and draw up contracts for artistic contractors including accompanists, soloists, guest artists, orchestras, bands, education music directors, etc.
  • Negotiate and draw up contracts for technical production contractors including technical directors, lighting directors, sound engineers, stage managers, etc.
  • Contract performance halls and event venues
  • Negotiate with and hire office assistance including office assistant for payroll, computer assistance and maintenance
  • Negotiate and oversee marketing contracts for print company, graphic arts company, online marketing
  • Secure and negotiate terms for Liability Insurance and Worker’s Compensation

Oversight of administrative staff — Hire, train, manage and terminate administrative staff in consultation with Artistic Director and Board of Directors, including:

  • Provide direction for staffing of paid and volunteer positions, including general management, marketing, bookkeeping and office assistance, to adequately serve the administrative needs of the organization
  • Ensure that there are updated job descriptions and articulated expectations for administrative staff positions, and oversee and evaluate work
  • Lead candidate search, interviews and follow-up to fill vacant positions to ensure continuity of functioning of organization

Public relations and image — Provide direction and management of organization’s public image, in consultation with Artistic Director, Marketing Director and Board of Directors, including:

  • Review marketing materials and messaging in print, digital and social media to ensure standard of public image
  • Act as spokesperson on behalf of the organization in any public forum

Official Representation — Represent the organization in official capacities with organizations and professional affiliations such as Hult Center staff, Resident Companies, Arts and Business Alliance of Eugene, Chorus America, American Choral Directors Association, City of Eugene, Silva Endowment Committee, Oregon Arts Commission, and other foundation, government, social and service organizations.

WEBSITE: eugeneconcertchoir.org/