Director of Development
The Director of Development is responsible for articulating the mission and vision of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra (ESO) to patrons, donors and the broader community. The role will have primary responsibility for the ESO’s fund development and is responsible for overseeing the creation and implementation of an annual Development Calendar including events, solicitations, and all annual fundraising initiatives. This position oversees the contract work of external RMS, handling print mail campaigns and grant writing. The Director of Development reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer.
Position Supervises:
- Grant-Writer (PT)
Basic Functions of the Position:
- Planning and evaluating fundraising campaigns and all charitable giving activities.
- Managing the organization’s budget and fundraising income programs.
- Identifying and stewarding prospective donors.
- Recruiting and training fundraising staff and volunteer leaders.
- Staying on top of fundraising trends and the non-profit arts community.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in music, arts administration or equivalent experience.
- Minimum 4-5 years of experience in fundraising, resource development preferably with a non-profit organization, and demonstrated success in individual, corporate, foundation, government and Board giving.
Minimum Skills, Knowledge and Experience:
- Understanding of the role of arts in society.
- Ability to articulate the mission vision and brand of Elgin Symphony Orchestra to board, donors, orchestra and public. Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral skills.
- Prepared to devise creative strategies to develop new donors during a transitional time for the arts.
- Ability to be respectful of the diverse cultures of the people served by the ESO and to provide culturally appropriate, competent, and individualized treatment in accordance with each client’s age, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, and culture.
- Ability to manage and monitor the progress and cost-effectiveness of fundraising activities.
- Ability to work independently under stress, and successfully handle multiple projects simultaneously.
The Director of Development is expected to work flexible hours, including late weeknight and weekend hours.
Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to m.thayer@elginsymphony.org.
Elgin Symphony Orchestra is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
Director of Operations
The Director of Operations (DO) is responsible for executing the artistic events of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra (ESO) through the planning and executing of events and performances. The DO is responsible for overseeing the logistics for all orchestra and contracted services, and all operational issues of the orchestra. This position calls for project coordination, experience in a performing arts organization, familiarity with labor agreements, and an ability to work with both internal staff and external vendors.
The DO reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer.
Position Supervises:
- Librarian
- Stage Manager
- Personnel Manager
Basic Functions of the Position:
- Oversees all operations and activities of the orchestra
- Schedules and coordinates all venues
- Prepares and manages all direct operational budget items
Event and Logistics Coordination (25%)
Sets the agenda and coordinates with executive and musical leadership to plan season events in accordance with ESO’s mission. Engages guest artists and negotiates necessary contracts within ESO’s budget and organizational requirements. Works closely with the Music Librarian to obtain necessary scores. Coordinates and schedules semi-annual meetings of Musicians’ Artistic Advisory Board.
Orchestra Personnel Management (25%)
Oversees Personnel Manager and all personnel-related issues, including orchestra contracting, attendance, payroll, and discipline. Ensures that ESO administrative and musical leadership remains in compliance with the Master Agreement. Schedules and plans auditions when vacancies arise.
Operations Activities (25%)
Develops and implements the ESO operations plan. Responsible for all activities within the operations department. Knows in detail and administers the Master Agreement between Elgin Symphony Orchestra Association and the Chicago Federation of Musicians.
Concert Production (15%)
Attends all orchestra rehearsals & concerts of the Elgin Symphony. Oversees the Stage Manager and ensures necessary production information is shared with concert/rehearsal venues. Reserves instruments as needed for concerts and schedules tuning and/or maintenance when appropriate. Reserves vehicles for transportation of instruments and equipment to concert venues. Coordinates travel, hotel and transfers for visiting guest artists and conductors.
Prepare and Manage All Direct Operational Budget Items (5%)
Creates accurate budgeting spreadsheets; monitors expenses and makes financial projections for all operational activities.
Other Duties
The DO is expected to work flexible hours, including weeknights and weekend hours.
Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to m.thayer@elginsymphony.org.
Elgin Symphony Orchestra is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
Summer Internships
The ESO is now accepting applications for internships for the 2021 summer season. To apply, please send a resume to admin@elginsymphony.org no later than April 30, 2021.
Volunteer Opportunities
If you are interested in joining the Volunteer Program for the 2020-21 season, please complete the 3-page application below. Applications are accepted year-round.
Click here to view Volunteer Application
Please submit the completed application to the Elgin Symphony Orchestra administrative office
Mail: Elgin Symphony Orchestra, 20 DuPage Court, Elgin, IL 60120
Email: boxoffice@elginsymphony.org
Fax: 847-888-0400
ESO Auditions
There are no auditions scheduled at this time. Check back next year!
