DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT
POSITION GUIDE
SEPTEMBER 2013
Chicago Children’s Choir is a multiracial, multicultural choral music education organization, shaping the future by
making a difference in the lives of children and youth though musical excellence.
ABOUT THE CHICAGO CHILDREN’S CHOIR
www.ccchoir.org
The Chicago Children’s Choir (the Choir) is a nationally recognized youth organization with headquarters
located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. The Choir was established in 1956 by the late Christopher
Moore, who believed that the choir would bring
youth from many diverse backgrounds together to
better understand one another. The Choir has an
illustrious history of performing with and for such
prominent figures as the Dalai Lama, Nelson
Mandela and Former President and Secretary of
State Clinton, to name a few. In addition, the Choir
has collaborated with the Chicago Symphony
Orchestra, Millennium Park, Ravinia Festival, the
Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Steppenwolf Theatre
Company, and the Joffrey Ballet.
The choir serves almost 3,500 children, through
choirs in 65 public schools, after-school programs in 9 Chicago neighborhoods, an ensemble for boys
with changing voices, and the internationally acclaimed Voice of Chicago. As a national and international
touring ensemble, the Choir has performed throughout the United States, Canada, South Africa,
Argentina, Uruguay, Korea, Japan, and Europe. The Choir also boasts five recordings, four of which are
from the studio and one from a live concert in Vienna. From a small church choir to an organization with
an operating budget of almost $3 million dollars, the Choir continues to grow and transform the lives of
children throughout Chicago.
THE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT
Serving as a member of the Choir’s senior staff, the Director of Advancement will develop and execute
fully integrated plans to secure approximately $2 million in annual philanthropic support from foundations,
corporations, governments, individuals, and two significant fundraising events. S/he will work with
advancement staff, and others as appropriate, to develop and edit grant proposals for submission to
foundations and private individuals. This position reports to the Choir’s Chief Operating Officer, and
works closely with Artistic Director and President Josephine Lee, on fundraising initiatives. S/he will
Chicago Children’s Choir
Director of Advancement
manage, lead, and mentor a team of four development staff which currently includes: a Grant Writer,
Manager of Events, Associate Director of Grants, and the Manager of Individual Giving.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director of Advancement has the following responsibilities:

Develop and implement a comprehensive development plan that includes annual giving, major
giving, planned giving, corporate support, foundation grants/gifts and special events.

Develop the level of relationships necessary to provide effective stewardship and ongoing
communications to major gift donors and prospects. Solicit major gifts annually.

Identify opportunities, institutional capacities and resources for enhancing relationships with
philanthropic, community and political leaders.

Create a comprehensive three year development plan, leading up to the 60 Anniversary of the
Chicago Children’s Choir.

Provide staff support to Board of Directors and manage their solicitation activities. Staff the
Board’s Advancement Committee and other Committees as appropriate.

Identify new Board candidates. Coordinate orientations for new Board members and oversee
ongoing cultivation and education programs for Board and high level volunteers.

Manage and contribute to the
development of the Choir’s
Ambassadors Board and oversee the
group’s events.

Recruit and manage volunteers for
Choir fundraising event committees.

Prepare proposals, reports and
collateral supporting materials for
volunteers and the Choir’s Chief
Operating Officer.

Oversee, review and approve all
grant proposals.

Create and staff high level cultivation and stewardship events.
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QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will bring the following qualifications:

A minimum of seven to ten years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, with strong
generalist knowledge as well as the ability to cultivate and solicit major gifts. Previous capital
campaign experience is a plus.
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Chicago Children’s Choir
Director of Advancement

Previous experience managing staff while serving as a mentor to guide growth and professional
development.

The ability to set strategic direction for a complex development program, monitoring results and
ensuring they comply with larger organizational goals.

Prior experience managing Board development committees, guiding and supporting their
fundraising efforts.

Proven ability to cultivate and expand a donor base, particularly in the area of major gifts.

Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken, and the ability to articulate complex
messages to a varied constituency.

Experience managing and utilizing fundraising database software to support development efforts.

A passion for the arts and the mission of the Chicago Children’s Choir.

A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred.

Familiarity with the philanthropic community in the Greater Chicagoland Area is preferred, but not
required.
APPLICATION
To be considered for this opportunity, please send a letter of interest and résumé to:
Andrew C. Tuskey
Associate Consultant, Executive Search
[email protected]
(P) (312) 896-8897
One East Wacker Drive, Suite 3350
Chicago, IL 60601
www.campbellcompany.com
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