Chorus America
Associate Director of Development
Chorus America, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
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 servingchoral 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 and a leadership change. Access, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) is central to our mission and organization, focusing on racial justice in the choral field. 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. To learn more about Chorus America’s Strategic Objectives and accompanying goals that will shape our work during FY23-27, click here.Chorus America is governed by a diverse Board of Directors, currently comprising 36 accomplished arts leaders from across the United States and Canada. The 12-member staff is split, a little over half headquartered in Washington, DC, with the other half 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 $2-$2.5 million, which includes approximately $475,000-500,000 that is distributed directly to the field through our music education grant program. Not including regranting funds and related operations, the Development team currently raises approximately $700K - $800K through annual fund campaigns, major gifts program, corporate sponsorships, special events, an early-stage legacy giving program, foundation and government grants.The Associate Director of Development supports Chorus America’s broad development functions and has a special focus on grant writing and major gifts. The role is key to maintaining Chorus America’s effectiveness, growth, and national standing in serving choruses and the professionals who lead them. A successful candidate for this role is team oriented and is comfortable moving multiple aspects of work forward on similar timelines. The role works with the Fundraising Team, which includes the CEO, staff, and the Board.WORK LOCATIONIn addition to our fully remote team members, Chorus America currently supports a hybrid working environment. The Washington, DC area team is currently in the office 2 days per week downtown Washington, DC with 3 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 actively adapt our culture and approach to teamwork to bridge in-person and remote staff communication. A fully remote position will be considered with travel expected for onboarding and for team building. Additional travel requirements are outlined below.RESPONSIBILITIESLeadership & ImplementationIn partnership with the development team, help develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan inclusive of institutional, corporate, and individual giving with measurable annual goals that will enable Chorus America to meet its current budget and achieve future growth;Work in collaboration with executive staff on annual and long-term financial planning to ensure organizational growth and sustainability;Supervise, coach, and establish annual performance goals for development manager while fostering belonging and trust within the team;In partnership with the development team, help lead, plan, and manage development events including cultivation and stewardship events and an annual fundraising Gala;Support the development manager, as needed, in the design and preparation of all digital and online fundraising materials and communications in coordination with the Communications department;Uphold the highest professional standards and ethics for fundraising and ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state and local regulations and guidelines.Actively contribute to fostering a supportive, collegial, service-oriented culture at Chorus America.Board of DirectorsParticipate as a supporting staff member liaison to the board development committee to communicate fundraising goals in major gifts and institutional advancement areas and participate in board meetings by providing reports and presentations, as needed;Strategically leverage the time and connections of Chorus America Board Members, the Vice President of Programs, Strategy, and Development, and the CEO to achieve fundraising goals; provide support for CEO, VP, and Board member direct fundraising engagement.Foundations and Individual GivingWith the VP and development manager, maintain and grow a robust portfolio of individual donors, focusing on major and legacy (planned gift) donors. Oversee all solicitation, stewardship and recognition;
Ensure that donors feel seen, valued, heard and known through a stewardship and moves management process managed by the development manager
Research and identify major individual giving and foundation support prospects within existing Chorus America relationships and beyond; supporting introductions, relationship development, and major asks and leading foundation applications with the VP and CEO;Cultivate relationships with Chorus America’s existing major donors; building an engagement plan through the year; establishing tracking and management systems to implement, track plan progress, and evaluate effectivenessWith the development manager, manage donor and foundation engagement and data tracking through our new AMS and other tools;Implement and manage foundation and government grant proposal processes;Support the promotion and sponsorship manager, responsible for building compelling mission-aligned opportunities for program support, communicating the benefits of organizational support, and fostering meaningful relationships with current and prospective partners.IF YOU WERE WORKING WITH US, HERE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS YOU WOULD DO DURING YOUR FIRST 90-DAYS:Use fundraising goals to set workplan and identify major milestones for the upcoming year;Meet with the Chair of the Board’s Development Committee to discuss committee involvement and plan future activities;Hold virtual, phone, or in-person meetings with identified individual and foundation prospects and current partners to create engagement or steward relationships;Participate in development team meetings, consisting of the development manager, promotion and sponsorship manager, VP, and CEO.Provide development updates at the weekly (virtual) all staff meeting, joining your colleagues from the Washington, DC; Philadelphia, PA; Austin, TX; Dallas,TX; Detroit, MI; and Boston, MA metro areas.QUALIFICATIONSDemonstrated success in annual giving, major giving, and grant-writing; Excellent understanding of planned giving, event planning, capital campaigns, and stewardship communications;At least three years of progressively responsible fundraising experience;Willingness and ability to work at both a strategic and tactical level;Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading ability;Strong interpersonal, verbal communication, and presentation skills;Experienced in fostering collaborative efforts and coordinating with team members to ensure cohesive project outcomes;Database and spreadsheet proficiency;Must be able to travel and be available for weekend work occasionally, including but not limited to: onboarding, board meetings, cultivation meetings and events with current and potential donors, professional development opportunities, staff retreats, and one-week each year in June as staff for annual Chorus America Conference.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE PREFERENCESupervisory experience preferred;Bachelor's degree;Track record of cultivating individual donors leading to significant gifts;A history of meeting or exceeding contributed income goals;Previous management experience;Experience in the field of nonprofit arts, business, culture and/or social justice is preferred.
strengthen singing communities with the advocacy, connections, and resources they need to be a vital part of society.
We do this by supporting and servingchoral 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 and a leadership change. Access, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) is central to our mission and organization, focusing on racial justice in the choral field. 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. To learn more about Chorus America’s Strategic Objectives and accompanying goals that will shape our work during FY23-27, click here.Chorus America is governed by a diverse Board of Directors, currently comprising 36 accomplished arts leaders from across the United States and Canada. The 12-member staff is split, a little over half headquartered in Washington, DC, with the other half 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 $2-$2.5 million, which includes approximately $475,000-500,000 that is distributed directly to the field through our music education grant program. Not including regranting funds and related operations, the Development team currently raises approximately $700K - $800K through annual fund campaigns, major gifts program, corporate sponsorships, special events, an early-stage legacy giving program, foundation and government grants.The Associate Director of Development supports Chorus America’s broad development functions and has a special focus on grant writing and major gifts. The role is key to maintaining Chorus America’s effectiveness, growth, and national standing in serving choruses and the professionals who lead them. A successful candidate for this role is team oriented and is comfortable moving multiple aspects of work forward on similar timelines. The role works with the Fundraising Team, which includes the CEO, staff, and the Board.WORK LOCATIONIn addition to our fully remote team members, Chorus America currently supports a hybrid working environment. The Washington, DC area team is currently in the office 2 days per week downtown Washington, DC with 3 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 actively adapt our culture and approach to teamwork to bridge in-person and remote staff communication. A fully remote position will be considered with travel expected for onboarding and for team building. Additional travel requirements are outlined below.RESPONSIBILITIESLeadership & ImplementationIn partnership with the development team, help develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan inclusive of institutional, corporate, and individual giving with measurable annual goals that will enable Chorus America to meet its current budget and achieve future growth;Work in collaboration with executive staff on annual and long-term financial planning to ensure organizational growth and sustainability;Supervise, coach, and establish annual performance goals for development manager while fostering belonging and trust within the team;In partnership with the development team, help lead, plan, and manage development events including cultivation and stewardship events and an annual fundraising Gala;Support the development manager, as needed, in the design and preparation of all digital and online fundraising materials and communications in coordination with the Communications department;Uphold the highest professional standards and ethics for fundraising and ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state and local regulations and guidelines.Actively contribute to fostering a supportive, collegial, service-oriented culture at Chorus America.Board of DirectorsParticipate as a supporting staff member liaison to the board development committee to communicate fundraising goals in major gifts and institutional advancement areas and participate in board meetings by providing reports and presentations, as needed;Strategically leverage the time and connections of Chorus America Board Members, the Vice President of Programs, Strategy, and Development, and the CEO to achieve fundraising goals; provide support for CEO, VP, and Board member direct fundraising engagement.Foundations and Individual GivingWith the VP and development manager, maintain and grow a robust portfolio of individual donors, focusing on major and legacy (planned gift) donors. Oversee all solicitation, stewardship and recognition;
Ensure that donors feel seen, valued, heard and known through a stewardship and moves management process managed by the development manager
Research and identify major individual giving and foundation support prospects within existing Chorus America relationships and beyond; supporting introductions, relationship development, and major asks and leading foundation applications with the VP and CEO;Cultivate relationships with Chorus America’s existing major donors; building an engagement plan through the year; establishing tracking and management systems to implement, track plan progress, and evaluate effectivenessWith the development manager, manage donor and foundation engagement and data tracking through our new AMS and other tools;Implement and manage foundation and government grant proposal processes;Support the promotion and sponsorship manager, responsible for building compelling mission-aligned opportunities for program support, communicating the benefits of organizational support, and fostering meaningful relationships with current and prospective partners.IF YOU WERE WORKING WITH US, HERE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS YOU WOULD DO DURING YOUR FIRST 90-DAYS:Use fundraising goals to set workplan and identify major milestones for the upcoming year;Meet with the Chair of the Board’s Development Committee to discuss committee involvement and plan future activities;Hold virtual, phone, or in-person meetings with identified individual and foundation prospects and current partners to create engagement or steward relationships;Participate in development team meetings, consisting of the development manager, promotion and sponsorship manager, VP, and CEO.Provide development updates at the weekly (virtual) all staff meeting, joining your colleagues from the Washington, DC; Philadelphia, PA; Austin, TX; Dallas,TX; Detroit, MI; and Boston, MA metro areas.QUALIFICATIONSDemonstrated success in annual giving, major giving, and grant-writing; Excellent understanding of planned giving, event planning, capital campaigns, and stewardship communications;At least three years of progressively responsible fundraising experience;Willingness and ability to work at both a strategic and tactical level;Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading ability;Strong interpersonal, verbal communication, and presentation skills;Experienced in fostering collaborative efforts and coordinating with team members to ensure cohesive project outcomes;Database and spreadsheet proficiency;Must be able to travel and be available for weekend work occasionally, including but not limited to: onboarding, board meetings, cultivation meetings and events with current and potential donors, professional development opportunities, staff retreats, and one-week each year in June as staff for annual Chorus America Conference.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE PREFERENCESupervisory experience preferred;Bachelor's degree;Track record of cultivating individual donors leading to significant gifts;A history of meeting or exceeding contributed income goals;Previous management experience;Experience in the field of nonprofit arts, business, culture and/or social justice is preferred.