http://jobbank.artsusa.org/jobs#/detail/4678552

Job Description

Soli Deo Gloria welcomes applications and nominations for the position of President and CEO, available in early 2012.
The Organization www.sdgmusic.org

Soli Deo Gloria (SDG) is the not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing, promoting, and preserving the classical sacred music repertoire. Its name, meaning “to God alone be the glory,” is taken from the inscription penned by Johann Sebastian Bach on many of his works more than 250 years ago. The organization is based in Chicago and the reach of its programs is both national and international. John Nelson is a Founder and the Artistic Director of Soli Deo Gloria; Peter Bannister is Associate Artistic Director.

Since its founding in 1993, Soli Deo Gloria has sought to facilitate the creation of sacred classical music by commissioning new works from the leading composers of our time; by sponsoring concerts of sacred music throughout the world; and by supporting recordings of sacred music. Sacred works have been commissioned from internationally acclaimed composers such as Christopher Rouse, Augusta Read Thomas, and James MacMillan. New and traditional works have been performed under the aegis of SDG by such ensembles as the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, the Milwaukee Symphony, the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and the American Boychoir.

Soli Deo Gloria attracted international attention in 1994 with the North American premiere performance and recording of Miserere by the Polish composer, Henryk Górecki. John Nelson conducted the combined choruses of Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Chicago Symphony in concert and the recording on Electra/Nonesuch reached Billboard’s top 10 classical chart. SDG made the first-ever recording of Berlioz’ Te Deum. Subsequent releases include DVDs of Bach’s Mass in B Minor, Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis, and Haydn’s Creation.

SDG’s Project Uplift is an international program of concert sponsorship focused on regions of the world where sacred music is rarely heard. The program began in 1996 with two performances of Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem translated into Chinese by composer Bright Sheng, sponsored by General Motors Corporation, and performed for the first time in China by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonic Chorus at the Shanghai Center Theater.

Launched in 2011, the Chicago Bach Project will produce performances of the St. Matthew Passion, the St. John Passion, and the B Minor Mass in the city of Chicago over a period of three years. The Psalms Project is a major commissioning program currently underway for settings of 15 Biblical Psalms.

Soli Deo Gloria is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors. The organization has an administrative staff of four and an annual budget of about $750,000. The offices are located in the western Chicago suburb of Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

The Position

The President and CEO is responsible and accountable for the overall successful operation, performance, and future growth of Soli Deo Gloria. Working with the Artistic Director, the Associate Artistic Director, and the Board of Directors, the President and CEO provides leadership to ensure that SDG fulfills its mission and achieves its artistic, financial, and organizational goals. S/he reports to the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.

The President and CEO provides leadership and direction to all aspects of the organization’s operations, including planning; artistic administration; budgeting and financial management; fundraising; marketing and promotion; communications; project management; and human resource management.

The President and CEO provides leadership to the development and fundraising work of the organization. S/he actively identifies, cultivates, and solicits both individual and institutional donors. S/he provides impetus and direction to the fundraising efforts of the Board. As the spokesperson and visible representative of SDG to the Chicago community and the wider world, s/he works to expand the organization’s visibility, reach, and philanthropic support.

The President and CEO provides guidance and support to the Board and its committees. S/he ensures that the Board has the information it needs for decision-making. S/he collaborates with the Artistic Director, the Composer-in-Association and the artistic committees, providing focus for the development and implementation of the organization's artistic programs and objectives. S/he oversees all contracts and working agreements with artists, presenters, electronic media, venues, and vendors. S/he manages a professional staff of three, including the Office and Finance Manager, Communications Manager, and Project Manager.


NOTES:
Additional Salary Information: Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Requirements
The ideal candidate will combine a passion for classical sacred music, both old and new, with a minimum of five years’ successful experience leading and managing a not-for-profit arts organization. S/he will have proven skills in planning, financial management, human resource management, advocacy, and fundraising. S/he will have a good working knowledge of classical sacred music repertoire and performance practice, and an understanding of theological concepts and the biblical tradition as they apply to sacred music. Experience with commissioning and electronic media will be considered an asset.

The successful candidate will embrace the mission and vision of Soli Deo Gloria with personal enthusiasm. S/he will be able to articulate that vision effectively in both written and oral presentations. S/he will be an energetic fundraiser with the proven ability to identify, cultivate, and solicit both individual and institutional donors, and to provide guidance and support to the fundraising efforts of board members and volunteers.

The successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills. S/he will be comfortable working with diverse constituencies, partners, and stakeholders, including faith-based communities. S/he will demonstrate an inclusive leadership style that encourages creativity, autonomy, and excellence. S/he will foster a work environment that is conducive to collaboration and allows both artists and administrative staff to do their best work. The successful candidate will be a person of high integrity and ethical standards.

Please send a letter of application that describes your specific interest in Soli Deo Gloria and discusses your qualifications for the position. Include a résumé, contact information for at least three references, and salary history or requirements. All applications will be confidential and references will not be contacted without the candidate’s consent. Please send materials to:

Soli Deo Gloria President and CEO Search c/o Catherine French Group 2500 Q Street NW, Suite 623 Washington, DC 20007 cfrenchgroup@aol.com (MS Word or Adobe attachments only, please)