Executive Director - Job Description
The Executive Director will be a collaborative, visionary, and entrepreneurial leader who will guide the vision and operations of Tacoma Refugee Choir, working collaboratively in a co-leadership model with the Artistic Director, and reporting to a supportive Board. The Executive Director will be responsible for guiding all aspects of strategic planning, fundraising, finances, public visibility, marketing, board governance, and management oversight. They will identify innovative and forward-thinking opportunities and inspire and guide the collective expertise of members, community, and the board. The Executive Director will embrace and support Tacoma Refugee Choir's programming, cultivate leadership within the community, and amplify our impact through effective communications and public events. This individual will be actively engaged in the community and develop a deep understanding of community needs in order to maximize Tacoma Refugee Choir's impact.
Roles and Responsibilities
Strategic Vision and Collective Leadership (~15%)
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Develop and implement short and long-term strategies for achieving Tacoma Refugee Choir's mission, vision, and goals.
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Expand and strengthen the organization's commitment to access, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through innovative programs, policy, and practice.
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Monitor and evaluate the outcomes and impact of programs and initiatives, ensuring quality, mission alignment, and stewardship of Tacoma Refugee Choir resources.
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Embrace a collaborative and nonhierarchical culture that fosters leadership in the community, proactively partnering with singers, staff, and the Board.
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Embrace other responsibilities, as needed.
Organizational Leadership and Resiliency (~30%)
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Lead Tacoma Refugee Choir's day-to-day operations to meet fiscal and operational goals and ensure organization is legally compliant.
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Pursue operational excellence, identifying workflow and process efficiencies.
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Drive fiscal accountability and organizational sustainability, developing and tracking the annual operating budget and long-term financial objectives, and ensuring maximum resource utilization.
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Work with bookkeeper to ensure financial records are accurate and up-to-date.
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Oversee human resources, including hiring and retention of competent qualified staff, performing annual reviews, monitoring benefits, and establishing compensation.
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Represent organization in signing notes, agreements, and other legal documents.
Development and Communications (~40%)
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Develop diversified fundraising strategy including partnerships, contributed and earned income opportunities to develop resources necessary to support Tacoma Refugee Choir's mission.
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Cultivate and steward relationships with the Board of Directors, choir members, individual donors, foundations, public agencies, and corporate funders to grow contributed revenue.
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Create effective cultivation and solicitation opportunities, including appeals and events.
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Communicate regularly through newsletters, media, social media, and actively engaging in the community.
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Work with contracted grant writer to shape narratives and approve grant proposals.
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Maintain CRM (Customer Relations Management system) with up-to-date donor information.
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Serve as a spokesperson for Tacoma Refugee Choir with audience members, donors, institutional and government funders, public officials, cultural partners, students and families, and the arts and culture industry.
Programming and Community Engagement (~7.5%)
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Attend and support core choir activities and events including weekly rehearsals, concerts, and performances.
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Support Artistic Director in programming and community engagement, including recruiting and onboarding new choir members.
Governance and Board Relations (~7.5%)
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Communicate effectively with the Board to facilitate board meetings, provide financial and strategic reporting needed to actively engage members in making informed decisions, and support fundraising efforts.
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Guide board training and mentoring to support board ambassadorial and fundraising roles, and ensure outstanding board governance, management, and recruiting practice in partnership with board leadership.
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Serve as ex-officio, non-voting member of the Board, including Board Executive Committee and other committees.
Qualifications and Traits
We are seeking candidates who embody many of the following qualifications and traits:
Essential
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Passion for Tacoma Refugee Choir's mission and vision
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
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Financial management experience, including budgeting and financial reporting
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Proven fundraising experience
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Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
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Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and empower others
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Ability to work collaboratively in a co-leadership model
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Strong organizational and time management skills
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Adaptability and willingness to learn new skills and approaches
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Cultural competence and the ability to work effectively with people from many diverse cultural backgrounds
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Experience in nonprofit management or relevant transferable skills
Desirable
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Experience working with diverse communities, including refugees and immigrants
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Experience with music/arts advocacy
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Enthusiasm for singing or music
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Familiarity with the arts sector or community-based organizations
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Background in strategic planning and program development
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Experience in marketing and public relations
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Grant writing or grant management experience
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Compliance, forecasting, and management of a $250,000+ budget
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Experience with board governance and stakeholder relations
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Event management experience
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Mediation, conflict resolution, or trauma-informed care skills
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Strong public speaking skills
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Multilingual abilities
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Strong network in the Tacoma/Puget Sound Region
We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and recognize that the ideal candidate may not possess all of these qualifications. We encourage applicants to highlight in their cover letter how their unique experiences and skills align with our mission and could contribute to the success of Tacoma Refugee Choir.
Tacoma Refugee Choir values diverse perspectives and experiences. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities, refugees, immigrants, and those with non-traditional career paths.
Compensation and Benefits:
Salary: $72,000-$92,000, based on experience
Benefits include Medical/dental/vision, paid time off, sick leave, professional development, flexible hours and primarily remote/work from home, with in-person rehearsals and events.
To Apply:
Please send a cover letter that explains why you are interested and qualified, along with your resume to hr@refugeechoir.org.
Materials may be addressed to Natalie Ghayoumi, Search Committee Chair with "Application for Executive Director" in the subject line. The position is open until filled, though the board will prioritize applications submitted prior to August 16, 2024.