KEES has been exclusively retained by Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras in its search for an Executive Director. CYSO Executive Director

Reporting directly to the 23-member board of directors, the Executive Director (ED) is CYSO’s chief advocate, networker, and ambassador, cultivating new donor relationships and enhancing the organization’s profile and visibility with local, national, and global audiences and partners. The ED will be a collaborative and forward-looking individual who will work in tandem with CYSO’s leadership team and musical talent to identify new partnerships and training opportunities to further develop skills and enhance the educational experience of CYSO musicians.

The ED will be responsible for all areas of organizational management, directly leading the administrative operations and providing general leadership to the 40-member team, 20 of whom are part-time. The ED has four direct reports and up to 13 total administrative staff. The Music Director, also reporting to the board of directors, oversees the artistic team (conductors and coaches).

Some specific requirements include:

• Management and team-leading experience, preferably in nonprofit music organizations, arts education, or youth development programs.
• Strong leadership skills in general management, culture-building, organizational leadership, human resources, finance, and external relations, with a style that empowers others to lead in their areas of expertise.
• Ability to articulate a clear vision and plan for continued growth and impact of the organization.
• Success and enthusiasm for seeking investors and philanthropic donors. Direct experience with donor management, cultivation, and solicitation is desired.
• Deep appreciation for symphonic music as well as the expanded definition of the ‘orchestral’ experience that CYSO offers.
• A Bachelor’s degree is required, a relevant advanced degree or equivalent is preferred.

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and skills up to $130,000, along with the potential for performance-based bonuses and continuing professional education opportunities.

A competitive compensation package includes health, dental, and life insurance including short-term and long-term disability coverages, FSA, vacation, holiday, year-end time off, and sick pay, flexible work hours. Additionally, a retirement savings plan with an employer contribution after one year of full-time employment is provided.

CYSO is an equal opportunity employer. BIPOC, trans and gender-nonconforming people, women, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

COVID Policy: CYSO requires that all staff are vaccinated for COVID-19.

TO APPLY, PLEASE CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/CYSO_Executive-Director

To assure confidential tracking of all applicants, no applications will be accepted via email. ALL INQUIRIES WILL BE HELD IN STRICT CONFIDENCE.

This search is being managed by Heather Eddy, President and CEO, and Randi Blasutti Project Coordinator of KEES. Questions may be addressed to rblasutti@kees2success.com.

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that builds diverse teams and dynamic leaders in the nonprofit and public entity sectors. A woman owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of nonprofit consulting services including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

With a rich history dating to 1946, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO) is committed to educating, encouraging, and empowering student musicians so that they may pursue personal excellence both on and off the stage. Bringing together young musicians from diverse backgrounds in a collaborative environment that develops self-confidence, teamwork, and leadership, CYSO provides one of the most comprehensive music training programs in the country that inspires both musical and personal growth. To learn more, please visit www.cyso.org.

About Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras

Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras’ mission is to inspire and cultivate personal excellence through music. After more than 75 years of music-making, CYSO continues to shape?generations of young leaders and musicians. Students collaborate and create in a learning environment like no other, developing fundamental skills including leadership, self-confidence, and teamwork. We are committed to educating, encouraging, and empowering each young musician so that they may pursue personal excellence both on and off stage. CYSO works with young musicians ages 6-18 in on-site and school-based ensembles, and offers community programming reaching audiences of all ages across the Chicago region. Our programs include symphony orchestras, string orchestras, steelpan, jazz band, chamber music, and music composition. We invest in our community through CYSO@CPS school-based ensembles and free concerts that reach more than 10,000 young people annually. CYSO promotes and provides ensemble-focused programming because we believe in the power of community. A young musician’s time at CYSO is a pathway of opportunity and growth,?but they do not walk it alone.?By bringing together young people from ac...ross the region, CYSO students build bonds with those who come from different backgrounds and share a passion for music. They develop the skills necessary to thrive as an ensemble. Whether or not a student continues musical studies after their time in CYSO, young people leave with increased self-confidence, resilience, and a deep appreciation for music and the arts.? Find out more at cyso.org

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Connections working at Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras