Nestled in the midst of pristine wilderness at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains lies Santa Fe, one of America’s most beautiful and eclectic arts communities, and home to one of the nation’s premier choral organizations.  In 2013 the Desert Chorale will present its 31st consecutive summer festival season. It has enjoyed consistent artistic success, and earned a high place among similar ensembles, both nationally and internationally.  At its inaugural festival in 1983 the Chorale was New Mexico’s first professional vocal ensemble and one of only 43 in the country; it is one of even fewer groups following a purely festival concept, where a select group of professional vocal musicians come together for a busy period of rehearsals, followed by two to six weeks of concerts.

 

Each year an auditioned group of singers, many sharing the stage with peer groups such as Conspirare, the Los Angeles Master Chorale, Seraphic Fire, and Chanticleer, travel to Santa Fe, once during the six to eight week summer festival season, and again in December for the three-week holiday festival season.  The Desert Chorale has been lauded not only for its ability to exquisitely sing over 1000 years of vocal masterpieces, but also for its mission to support the creation of new choral works, many from the three largest cultural communities that make up New Mexico. The Chorale has championed living composers from all over the world, including Robert Beckhard, Steven Sametz, Judith Cloud, Kirke Mechem, Ned Rorem, Dominick Argento, Bradley Ellingboe, Jean Belmont, Morton Lauridsen, and current composer in residence Robert Kyr.

 

The current annual budget of the Desert Chorale is $750,000.  With the launch of a new contemporary a cappella ensemble in the winter of 2013 and planned implementation of new educational outreach projects, the ensemble is poised for significant growth and expansion is already in progress.  From the current budget, $380,000 is earned revenue with the remainder raised through foundation/grant acquisition and board, corporate, and individual contributions.  In 2010 the non-singer staff consisted of a full-time music director, executive director and development consultant, as well as three part-time/seasonal employees: bookkeeper, house manager and company manager.  In 2012 the Chorale added a full-time operations manager, and in 2013 a full-time marketing director and part-time box-office attendant.

 

Reporting to the Board of Directors, Development Committee, Executive Director and the Music Director, the Development Director is a member of the executive staff and will be responsible for collaborating with the Executive Director and Music Director to achieve successful planning, implementation, and oversight of all aspects of fundraising efforts for on-going operations, as well as special initiatives.

 

 

The Development Director works collaboratively with the Executive Director, Music Director and the Development Committee to design and implement annual and multi-year strategies to achieve or exceed the organizations goals for contributed income from all traditional sources, including annual fund, major gifts, corporations and foundation, government, special events, and planned giving.  S/he will assist the Executive Director in the cultivation and solicitation of major donors and, meet with potential individual, business and foundation donors, encouraging their financial support for the SFDC, and through their strategy, maximize the use of the Executive Director's time in fundraising.

 

The successful candidate will act as the staff liaison to the Board and Development Committee and provide reports, strategy, impetus, and direction for the fundraising efforts of the Board and the Executive Director. S/he manages the Boards participation in the annual fund and gala.

 

The Development Director will also produce high-quality and compelling grant proposals, grant reports, and letters of intent. Through knowledge and research, s/he will actively search for new and creative granting sources for the SFDC. In addition, maintain and compile other application materials such as budgets, financial reports, cover letters and other necessary documents. This work often triggers needed conversations about program goals, strategies and specifics that are in the planning stages. The Development Director will assist the executive staff to identify gaps and focus on details to accomplish strategic goals of the organization.

 

In collaboration with the Executive Director and Development Committee Chair, the Development Director will suggest and identify various donor events throughout the year. Assist in the planning and implementation of such events, which may include, but not limited to, receptions, dinners, donor parties and the annual gala event. S/he will work with the Executive Director to obtain corporate sponsorship as appropriate for events and programming.

 

Through successful and lucrative developmental strategies, the new Development Director and other executive staff may wish create part-time opportunities for additional positions in grant writing and event planning.

 

The Development Director will oversee the Operations Manager’s use of the donor management software to ensure that systems and procedures are in place for donor cultivation and recognition, recording and acknowledgement of gifts, research and prospect management, timely and accurate reporting, and compliance with all grant and sponsorship requirements.  Additionally, the Development Director will advise and assist the Marketing Director with management of the direct mail, e-fundraising, fundraising social media, and stewardship programs for the Desert Chorale.

 

 

The new development director will have established, through educational and/or professional experience, a successful history in fund development, and a respect for philanthropy and a track record of providing excellent stewardship. The successful candidate will also possess a passionate drive for the success and advancement of the Chorale and clearly communicate a compelling creative vision that generates excitement and enthusiasm for the developmental goals of the organization.  Essential characteristics include the ability to motivate and influence others to reach goals as well as maturity, diplomacy and common sense to work closely with all Chorale constituent groups, especially major donors, Board members, volunteers and community groups.

 

The position requires excellent written and oral communication skills and outstanding interpersonal skills.  Additional value will be placed on strategic thinkers with strong planning, organizational, interpersonal, and management skills.  While all qualified candidates for this position will have strong abilities in traditional fund development, the highest consideration will be given to those that have the ability to “think outside the box” with a new, creative and effective approach to the position.

 

 

A competitive compensation package will be discussed in detail with qualified and seriously interested candidates. The Santa Fe Desert Chorale is committed to the principle of equal employment for all qualified persons, regardless of race, religion, color, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria.

 

 

Interested and qualified candidates, please send resume and statement of qualifications to:

 

Santa Fe Desert Chorale

311 E. Palace Ave

Santa Fe, NM 87501

attn: Development Director Search

 

or email: jobs@desertchorale.org

 

The Desert Chorale website is currently under construction, for information please contact the Desert Chorale offices at: 800-244-4011 / 505-988-2282

 

Applications accepted until position is filled