Executive Director

SANTA CLARA CHORALE

Executive Director

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Executive Director has responsibility for the overall leadership, planning, and management of business operations of the Santa Clara Chorale. The Executive Director develops and implements the strategic plan and program activities (including financial management, human resources, fundraising, program development, marketing and communication, and board development) in support of the Chorale’s mission and artistic vision.

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Trustees and partners with the Artistic Director to set and maintain a collaborative leadership model that strengthens the organization by creating a positive relationship between the artistic and administrative aspects of the Chorale.

The principal duties and responsibilities of the Executive Director include:

• Concert Management and Artist Contracting: Coordinate the artistic calendar with our primary venues, contract with guest artists and collaborators, manage tech for setup, teardown, and run of show for performances, and coordinate with front of house ticket sales and ushers
• Development and Fundraising: Develop, coordinate, and execute a comprehensive strategy of financial development including individual giving, corporate giving, and grant writing
• Marketing and Production: Develop and coordinate a comprehensive strategy and annual calendar to market the Chorale in collaboration with the marketing and social media committees of the board; Coordinate with staff the production of marketing materials and program books for performances.
• Community Relations: Develop an ongoing relationship with arts peers in the community including SV Creates and Santa Clara University
• Financial Management: Assist the board treasurer and president in preparing budgets and managing the financial operations in accordance with approved budgetary and governmental regulations. Monitor charges for and collection of membership dues.  
• Planning: Oversee short- and long-range planning; engage board and staff in periodic planning sessions
• Governance: Work with the Board of Trustees and its officers to help them fulfill their functions
• Staffing: Hire, train, and supervise support staff and interns as needed/approved to achieve the organization’s goals and objectives

The job of Executive Director is a part-time position with some evening and weekend work required. Some travel is possible.

QUALIFICATIONS

The Executive Director brings energy and a well-rounded array of competencies to building an effective management team and organizational structure that best serves the Chorale’s mission, vision, goals, and artistic leadership.

The ideal Executive Director:

• is a self-motivated, confident, and hands-on manager,
• is an innovative and positive thinker,
• is excellent at building relationships (internal and external) and seeking win-win solutions,
• has the ability to multitask and work well under pressure,
• can work effectively both independently and with other staff and board members,
• is able to anticipate potential setbacks and come up with appropriate and creative solutions to issues that may arise, and
• is able to positively motivate and develop staff, board, and volunteers, and to build consensus among stakeholders.

Qualified applicants will have a bachelor’s degree as well as a minimum of 3-5 years of senior management experience with a demonstrated successful track record in the field of performing arts, nonprofit management, and/or youth education. Knowledge of and passion for choral music is preferred. Experience in working with boards to achieve earned and contributed revenue goals is expected, as are excellent written and verbal presentation skills and financial management skills.

Preference will be given to candidates with a proven track record in fundraising, experience with marketing strategies and press relations, and strong budgeting and financial management experience. 

COMPENSATION

$20,000 annual salary, to be paid monthly

TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter, current resume, and references to [email protected] by April 30, 2026.  Applicants will receive a response within 3-5 days after submission, and interviews will be scheduled via email.