Executive Director

Founded in Philadelphia in 1948 as an integrated chorus, Singing City Choir is a nationally recognized community ensemble dedicated to fostering connection, inclusion, and artistic excellence through choral music. Today, the 100+ member chorus is led by Artistic Director and Conductor Rollo Dilworth and continues its longstanding mission through performances, community engagement initiatives, youth programming, and service to underserved populations.

Mission

Singing City is a socially conscious vocal movement that educates, motivates, and empowers communities by bringing people together to lift the human spirit through the artistry of choral music.

Vision

We envision Philadelphia as a Singing City where people are inspired to use their individual and collective voices to create positive social change.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director, in partnership with the Artistic Director, serves as a public face of Singing City in the greater Philadelphia area and provides overall leadership for the organization. Together, they steward a 100+ member adult chorus, a smaller youth choir, and a range of community engagement initiatives.

The Executive Director is accountable for all administrative and operational aspects of the organization, including budgeting, finance, marketing, fundraising, and regulatory compliance, and provides direct oversight of all non-artistic functions. The Executive Director supervises administrative staff, including a part-time choir/office manager, executes operational strategies that support the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability, and recruits and cultivates meaningful relationships with volunteers.

The Executive Director plays a leading role in the cultivation of individual and institutional support, with responsibility for developing and implementing fundraising strategies, strengthening audience development efforts, and enhancing marketing and communications. As a relationship builder, the Executive Director establishes and deepens partnerships with local, regional, and national arts, educational, and community organizations to expand Singing City’s visibility, reach, and impact.

Working closely with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director supports effective governance and ensures strong fiscal health. The Executive Director actively engages, educates, and partners with the Board in its roles as fundraisers, ambassadors, and policymakers, while also serving as a primary spokesperson for the organization.

Guided by Singing City’s mission, vision, and values, the Executive Director advances the organization’s public profile, strengthens community connections, and helps shape its continued growth and relevance in Philadelphia and beyond.

Required Qualifications and Characteristics

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and at least five years of experience in nonprofit leadership; experience in the performing arts preferred. 

Demonstrated experience in nonprofit financial and budget management, with strong knowledge of fiscal oversight and planning. 

Proven success in fundraising, including the cultivation and solicitation of both individual and institutional support. 

Experience with arts marketing principles and audience development, including the ability to generate, implement, and assess new ideas and strategies. 

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a broad range of constituencies. 

Comfort with public speaking and representing an organization in community and professional settings. 

Demonstrated facility with information technologies and digital tools necessary to support communications, operations, and development activities. 

Availability to work evenings and weekends as required.

Leadership Traits and Competencies

The ideal candidate will bring a well-rounded set of professional and interpersonal attributes, including:

A results-oriented leadership style, with the ability to set strategic priorities, execute plans, and achieve measurable goals with initiative and accountability.

Demonstrated strength in fundraising and contributed revenue generation, with the capacity to expand support from multiple sources while maximizing earned revenue opportunities.

Experience developing and executing integrated marketing, branding, and audience development strategies.

Understanding of organizational management, operations, and external relations, with the presence and judgment to advance initiatives across these areas.

An effective and confident manager who can provide clear direction, uphold policies, and balance accountability with a positive and community-centered organizational culture.

Superior interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and sustain relationships with Board members, staff, singers, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners.

High level of integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment, with a commitment to transparency and ethical leadership.

Strong organizational skills, initiative, creativity, and the ability to manage competing priorities.

An appreciation for choral music and a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion consistent with Singing City's mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities

Fundraising and Development (Approximately 30%)

Lead and advance a comprehensive development program that ensures long-term financial sustainability.

Develop and implement strategies to maximize contributed revenue, including individual giving, major gifts, institutional support, and planned giving.

Take a direct and active role in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors and prospects.

Partner closely with the Board of Directors and Artistic Director to identify funding opportunities and strengthen a culture of philanthropy across the organization.

Provide leadership and support to the Board in its fundraising responsibilities, including strategy development, donor engagement, and stewardship.

Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising initiatives and special events.

Ensure effective coordination of grant activity with government agencies and foundations.

Implement thoughtful and strategic donor stewardship practices to build long-term relationships and loyalty.

Marketing and Public Relations (Approximately 30%)

Provide strategic leadership for all marketing, communications, and public relations activities.

Develop and implement comprehensive plans to grow and diversify audiences through targeted marketing and public relations strategies.

Partner with the Artistic Director to communicate the organization's mission, programs, and artistic work through media engagement, public speaking, and organizational messaging.

Serve as a primary spokesperson and public representative of Singing City with arts organizations, educational institutions, community partners, funders, and other stakeholders.

Guide the growth of brand awareness and public impact, clearly articulating Singing City's mission, vision, and strategic direction.

Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with media outlets and remain actively engaged with developments in the local, regional, and national arts landscape.

Ensure consistent and effective use of digital and traditional communication platforms to reach and engage audiences.

Financial Management (Approximately 15%)

Ensure the fiscal health and responsible financial stewardship of the organization.

Develop and manage the annual budget and long-term financial plans in alignment with organizational priorities and timelines.

Monitor financial performance, including cash flow and reserves, and provide regular, timely reports to the Board of Directors.

Maintain strong financial controls and ensure the ethical and effective use of organizational resources.

Oversee accounting and bookkeeping functions in accordance with nonprofit best practices and standards.

Partner with legal counsel and external advisors, as needed, on contractual and financial matters.

Management and Operations (Approximately 15%)

Provide leadership for the effective and efficient management of all organizational operations.

Actively recruit, train, and manage supervise staff and support volunteers, including performance management.

Direct and manage day-to-day administrative operations to ensure a high-quality experience for patrons, singers, and community members.

Implement and monitor strategic and operating plans in partnership with the Board of Directors and Artistic Director, reporting regularly on progress toward goals.

Partner with the Artistic Director in the planning and execution of concerts, tours, and special events.

Ensure the organization is appropriately structured and resourced through effective engagement of both staff and volunteers.

Maintain organizational practices that reflect the highest ethical and professional standards.

Outreach and Education (Approximately 5%)

Advance Singing City’s community impact through strategic outreach and partnerships.

Partner with the Artistic Director, staff, and volunteers to expand the programming and community impact of Singing City: Next Generation (youth choir) and to develop and implement outreach and education initiatives aligned with the organization's values.

Build and sustain partnerships with arts, educational, and community organizations to expand engagement across diverse constituencies.

Represent Singing City at community events and public forums to strengthen its visibility and service to the community.

Governance (Approximately 5%)

Support strong governance and effective Board engagement.

Maintain clear and consistent communication with the Board President and Board of Directors.

Provide timely and relevant information to support informed decision-making and policy development.

Partner with Board leadership on board development, including recruitment, onboarding, and committee engagement.

Support Board committees in advancing their goals and aligning efforts with organizational priorities.

Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and shared leadership between staff, Board, and volunteers.

Hours and Compensation

This is a full-time, hybrid position with a salary range of $70,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience. The Executive Director must be available for evening and weekend activities, including concerts, Board meetings, and other organizational events. Singing City provides paid time off, including up to three weeks of vacation annually. The organization maintains office and meeting space at Friends Center in Philadelphia, which also serves as its primary rehearsal location.