Executive Director

INTRODUCTION:
In existence for over 50 years, the Alexandria Choral Society (ACS) aspires to enhance the cultural life of the city of Alexandria by presenting diverse and engaging vocal music programs at the highest artistic level. Composed of 80+ unpaid singers, ACS performances have enriched the community with a broad spectrum of choral works, from the Renaissance to modern American composers, from small chamber pieces to major works for chorus and orchestra, and from a great variety of musical cultures.  

ACS strives to be an accessible organization that represents the diverse culture of Alexandria. We are passionate about fostering an inclusive environment that promotes and values diversity and equity for our singers, audiences, partners, and broader community. We believe that organizational commitment to diversity in age, race, ethnicity, religion, economic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical and mental ability, creed, and perspective is essential and our ability to remain relevant and successfully produce and share our work rests on this understanding.

Our programs, performances, and membership are open to any and all who care to participate. It is our goal to provide opportunities for collaboration, input, and enjoyment for people across Alexandria and the D.C. region. ACS understands that to be engaged, people must feel invested and valued, and we understand that a mixture of ideas, perspectives, and experiences creates the perfect harmony, together ensuring that ACS remains and grows as a valuable part of the local community.

POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Executive Director will be responsible for conducting the administrative and logistical business of ACS, working closely with the Artistic Director to carry out the mission of ACS.  The Executive Director will work approximately 20 hours a week on a biennial contract basis from July to June, and report to the Board of Directors.  

The ideal candidate will have previous membership in a choral or other performing arts organization, and experience in arts management and/or nonprofit Board leadership.  The Executive Director should be a self-starter who is detail-oriented, organized, and excels at task management.   

The Executive Director will need to be available during business hours on a part-time basis to conduct regular business of ACS, including but not limited to: contacting and meeting vendors, purchasing or picking up goods or services, attending community meetings, and fundraising.  Attendance at night and weekend events will be required for activities, including but not limited to: performances, Board meetings, rehearsals, and community events, as directed by the Board of Directors.  The Executive Director should have reliable transportation to attend to required activities and transport ACS property, when necessary for events.

Specifically you will do the following:

• Represent the executive and administrative leadership for ACS and Pro Coro Alexandria;
• Negotiate, manage, and/or execute contracts on behalf of ACS with other organizations, performance spaces, vendors, musicians, etc., under direction of the Board of Directors and  Artistic Director, as applicable;
• Conduct day-to-day business on behalf of ACS;
• Act as the primary conduit for those wishing to communicate with the organization by monitoring incoming email, mail, and phone calls, and responding, distributing, or delegating these communications as required;
• Provide direction or guidance to coordinate cross-committee or functional activities of the organization to ensure that all timelines are maintained and deadlines met;
• Implement diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) goals and initiatives approved by the Board of Directors;
• Work with the Board of Directors to enhance the visibility of ACS in the community;
• Serve as an active, advisory, non-voting member of the Board;
• Coordinate participation in publicity, development, and administrative activities, as appropriate, with the President;
• Be reasonably available for press interviews and similar publicity events;
• Be reasonably available for large-donor meetings and similar development events;
• Manage all logistics associated with the in-person box office at all performances
• Secure new, sustainable, revenue streams (corporate sponsorships, outside donors, new grants, additional programming, etc.);
• Ensure that strategic and long-term goals continue to be met;
• Evaluate and monitor all programs to ensure they meet the needs of members; and
• Perform other professional services as directed by the Board.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience managing an arts or other nonprofit organization, or equivalent education
• Proficiency with Gmail and Google Drive, including docs and forms
• Ability to juggle multiple projects, work efficiently, and meet deadlines
• Strong administrative and organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in vendor negotiations
• Proven ability to take initiative
• Excellent interpersonal, writing, and oral communication skills
• Comfort with public speaking, professional networking, and representing the organization at community meetings
• Ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with Board of Directors, member singers, contracted Artistic Director, contracted Accompanist, patrons and donors, vendors, and community leaders
• Demonstrated ability to understand and become conversant with arts management issues, such as but not limited to, patron/audience development, donor relations and stewardship, and grant writing
• Part-time availability during business hours
• Availability for occasional night and weekend events
• Reliable transportation
• Must be eligible for employment in the United States.  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous membership in a performing arts organization, preferably choral
• Bachelor’s degree or comparative professional experience
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) training
• Experience with mass email platforms, CRM software, finance/budget software, graphic design, and/or web publishing