Employment Opportunities

The Elgin Master Chorale is currently seeking candidates for three key positions within the organization. Please see the complete job descriptions below.

Elgin Master Chorale Executive Director
Elgin Master Chorale Development Officer (Part-Time)
Elgin Youth Choir Music Director (Part-Time)

Elgin Master Chorale Executive Director

OVERVIEW

The Elgin Master Chorale has an opportunity for an experienced Executive Director to collaborate with Music Director Andrew Lewis in creating a vibrant future built on a legacy of excellence.

The Elgin Master Chorale (EMC) is a cultural cornerstone of Elgin and the Fox Valley and the longest serving performing arts group in the area. EMC creates a thrilling, emotional experience for audiences at each performance by achieving an overall level of excellence in singing, presentation, and production.

Elgin Master Chorale is an In-Residence Ensemble at Elgin Community College. It is led by an all- volunteer board consisting mainly of committed members dedicated to advancing the performing arts. EMC collaborates with professional musicians and orchestras with a paid staff of section leaders committed to excellence.

EMC is comprised of approximately ninety adult singers – admitted by audition only – who share a passion for choral masterworks and an increased focus on diverse and underrepresented composers. Performing in an environment of fun and collaboration, we are dedicated to enriching our community through the power of music. With a commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement, we strive to inspire audiences and foster a love for choral music.

In addition to producing two mainstage concerts per year and performing with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra for their annual holiday concert, EMC produces a free educational concert each year for local school districts, with in-person attendance and the opportunity to view virtually. Additionally, EMC performs for free at various local events as part of its commitment to community outreach. And, EMC manages the Elgin Youth Choir, with approximately thirty youth participating weekly and performing twice a year.

KEY OPPORTUNITIES

Building on the positive momentum of retiring leadership, the following key opportunities will be in focus for the new Executive Director, which have also informed EMC’s strategic plan which is currently in development:

Commitment to the strategic plan under development that focuses on increasing members, audiences, and sponsorships to remain a vital performing arts organization. The plan will include proposals to expand both the repertoire and concert season by collaborating with Andrew Lewis, the Board, and the Artistic Development committee.

Increasing Funding Development and Strategic Partnerships. A future-focused leader will work to advance the organization by supporting and creating sustainable pathways for new relationships, programs, and revenue opportunities. In partnership with the Development Officer, the Executive Director will demonstrate a collaborative leadership style in various communities and settings that inspire internal and external stakeholders to participate in EMC’s vibrant and exciting future. Success is a diverse funding base for EMC, including foundations, major donors and individuals, corporations, public funding, and earned revenue.

Continued strong financial management and resource development in ongoing partnership with the Board, Development Officer, and artistic management. An experienced leader will be necessary to continue Elgin Master Chorale’s record of sound financial management to ensure that expenses and revenue streams (both earned and contributed) anticipate the greater economy, and that assets are responsibly managed in service of the present and the future.

Audience development in a changing performing arts market. In response to shifts in audience behavior post-COVID, Elgin Master Chorale has embraced the need for new approaches to audience development and season programming. Elgin Master Chorale has seen an increase in-audience attendance when expanding its repertoire and community outreach and seeks additional paths to audience development.

JOB PROFILE

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall administration and management of EMC, including programs, fundraising, and business operations. The Executive Director is a self-starter who manages a part-time Development Officer, and two summer interns. Major areas of responsibility include concert production, planning and evaluation, fiscal management, marketing and public relations, and fundraising, sponsorship, and donor development.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Elgin Master Chorale Board of Directors, the following responsibilities are the major focus of the position:

Resource Development: Serves as a primary fundraiser for EMC in collaboration with the Development Officer. Researches, creates, and submits grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and required reports. Oversees communications to current and prospective donors from Development Officer. Works with the Development Committee to cultivate foundations and individuals.

Artistic Operations: Negotiates contracts with artistic personnel, including but not limited to, staff (excluding Music Director), hired artists, and concert presenters. Develops and maintains a strong working relationship with the Music Director in a collaborative approach to achieve all aspects of the artistic vision and administration of the organization effectively and efficiently. Negotiates EMC’s appearance fees. Maintains EMC’s relationship with Elgin Community College as an In-Residence Ensemble including negotiating contracts, registering all EMC members, obtaining facility resources, and managing stage crew. Obtains music, instruments, and stage equipment for performance use. Attends weekly rehearsals to support members.

Marketing/Public Relations: Manages EMC’s online and social media presence. Works with PR organizations and the press to gain coverage. Manages the timely design, printing, and distribution of promotional materials and outside communications, press releases, and newsletters. Develops and organizes mailing lists. Collaborates with other organizations for cross-promotions. Represents EMC with stakeholders and community groups.

Member Services: Manages audition promotions, schedules, and procedures. Creates and distributes group communications and communicates with individual members. Maintains regular verbal and written communication with members, including the distribution of newsletters, calendars, and membership lists.

Fiscal Responsibilities: Drafting and implementing annual budget. Manages EMC’s financial transactions and works cooperatively with the Treasurer in tax and accounting functions. Negotiates all contracts.

Board Relations: Attends all regular Board and executive committee meetings, contributing input to Board decisions. Works with committees, and distributes committee and staff reports at each Board meeting. Provides information on EMC activities at regular Board meetings. Ensures that Board actions are carried out unless Board assigns task to another person.

Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned from time to time by the Board, including those necessary to complete responsibilities and promote the success of EMC.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in arts administration or equivalent (e.g., communications, business administration, marketing).

The ideal candidate will have experience in fundraising for non-profit organizations, budgeting and basic accounting, and experience and ability in project management.

The ability to communicate both orally and in writing is critical to the success of the position.

Preferred qualifications include a minimum three (3) years’ professional experience in the performing arts or a knowledge of classical or choral music.

Position is full time. Compensation is $50,000 annually.

The Elgin Master Chorale is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to smartin@elgin.edu. Please include “EMC Executive Director Application” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Elgin Master Chorale Development Officer (Part-Time)

OVERVIEW

The Elgin Master Chorale, a cultural cornerstone of Elgin and the Fox Valley, seeks a personable, strategic, and detail-oriented Development Officer to advance the organization in meeting and growing its contributed and earned income goals. The Development Officer is pivotal in establishing and deepening relationships with institutional and individual donors, supporting the Board of Directors and key staff in cultivation and stewardship, and managing special events and grant proposals as a key outreach partner. The position reports to the Executive Director.

JOB PROFILE

The Development Officer is responsible for creating and executing fundraising and corporate sponsorship initiatives and programs to support EMC’s mission and the strategic goals of brand awareness, recruitment, and sustainability. This position involves researching, prospecting, cultivating, and nurturing donors, identifying and securing funding from corporations and businesses, networking to build authentic relationships within the Fox Valley, and supporting committee volunteers in the development and planning of fundraising events.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Partner with the Executive Director and Board of Directors in setting and implementing annual and long-range development strategies and plans.
Manage the implementation of department budget and development plans that articulate focused and diverse efforts to meet or exceed fundraising goals.
Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with donors (board, individuals, foundations, and corporations). Build donor relationships that bring continuity to the organization over the long-term.
Create and monitor the annual deadline calendar for grant proposals, reports, and other strategic fundraising initiatives.
Supporting the Executive Director, the Development Officer will research, write, and file grant proposals and reports to foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
Research donors, track communications/efforts, solicit gifts/grants, and provide timely acknowledgement for gifts from board members, individual donors, corporations, and Build and maintain donor profiles.
Write and prepare annual individual solicitation mailing(s), invitations, and special fundraising campaigns, among other materials.
Plan and implement special cultivation and performance events, (e.g., house parties, large-scale fundraising events), and coordinate with the Music Director, Executive Director, Board, and volunteers in project planning and execution.
In partnership with the Development Committee, create and manage sponsorship efforts for individuals and corporations.
Represent the Elgin Master Chorale in the arts community and the community-at-large as a viable resource for EMC and partner arts organizations, reflecting the mission and values of Elgin Master Chorale.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate for the Development Officer will have three to five years’ experience in fundraising, preferably for the performing arts or a related field, and have outstanding interpersonal, organizational, and written/verbal communication skills, with a working style that is collaborative, respectful, and professional.

Must have proven experience with increasing revenues through contributed income, and a measurable record of success in building and deepening donor relationships with individuals and institutional funders.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and donor management software required. College degree preferred.

Attends bi-monthly Board meetings and the annual Board retreat.

The Development Officer is a part-time position of twenty hours per week on average, with the opportunity to work at home. Hours are flexible, and salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Additional duties may be assigned to support the overall goals of the Elgin Master Chorale and its Elgin Youth Choir.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to smartin@elgin.edu. Please include “EMC Development Officer Application” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

ABOUT ELGIN MASTER CHORALE

The Elgin Master Chorale is an In-Residence Ensemble at Elgin Community College. It is led by an all- volunteer board consisting mainly of committed members dedicated to advancing the performing arts. We collaborate with professional musicians and orchestras with a paid staff of section leaders committed to excellence.

Elgin Youth Choir Music Director (Part Time)

The Elgin Youth Choir has an exciting part-time opportunity for a Music Director to grow our twin ensembles of singers. We are a vibrant and dynamic youth choir dedicated to nurturing the musical talents of young performers in our community.

Comprised of eager and passionate singers aged between 8 and 18, our choir aims to inspire, educate, and entertain audiences through the power of music. We believe in fostering creativity, teamwork, and personal growth while providing an inclusive and supportive environment for all members.

The Elgin Youth Choir is managed and supported by the Elgin Master Chorale, the longest serving performing arts organization in Elgin and the surrounding Fox Valley. The Elgin Youth Choir is a unique group of singers from all walks of life. We are committed to providing an environment where each choir member feels welcome and encouraged to sing.

For us, it’s not all about singing; it’s about creating a passion for music, learning, and sharing our gifts with others. We invite you to join us and celebrate the beauty of singing.

JOB PROFILE

We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic Music Director to lead our youth choir in achieving excellence in vocal performance. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in choral conducting, vocal training, and music education, coupled with a genuine passion for working with young people.

The Elgin Youth Choir has two ensembles:

The Elgin Youth Choir Treble Chorus is designed for our beginning singers in grades 2 - This ensemble focuses on teaching the foundations of singing and aural skills, basics of music literacy, and learning how to sing as both a soloist and as part of an ensemble.
The Elgin Youth Choir Touring Choir is designed for singers in grades 7-12. Members of the EYC Touring Choir focus on developing higher-level musicianship through rehearsal and performance. We work on advancing vocal technique, aural skills, sight-reading skills/music literacy, and focusing on expression through performance.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct and conduct rehearsals for the youth choir, focusing on vocal technique, musicality, and performance skills.
Select appropriate repertoire tailored to the abilities and interests of choir members, ensuring a diverse and engaging musical experience.
Provide individual vocal coaching and instruction to choir members, helping them develop their voices and musicianship.
Collaborate with accompanists and other staff members to plan and execute choir performances, concerts, and special events.
Foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere within the choir, encouraging teamwork, respect, and mutual support among members.
Communicate regularly with choir members and their families regarding rehearsal schedules, performance opportunities, and other relevant information.
Serve as a mentor and role model for choir members, inspiring them to pursue excellence in music and fostering their personal and artistic growth.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Music, Music Education, Choral Conducting, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
Proven experience conducting youth choirs or working with young singers in a choral setting.
Strong knowledge of vocal instruction, choral repertoire, and music theory.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect effectively with youth and parents.
Enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring young people, nurturing their love for music, and fostering their musical development.
Flexibility, creativity, and a collaborative spirit, with the ability to adapt to the needs and interests of choir members.
Commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and encourages participation from all members.

The position is part-time evenings, average five hours per week (including rehearsal), with more hours during concert week. Compensation is $14,000-$16,000 depending on educational credentials.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and any relevant materials (such as recordings or videos of past conducting experience) to smartin@elgin.edu. Please include “EYC Music Director Application” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.