Executive Director - Calgary Girls Choir

Hours: This is a permanent position that the Choir anticipates being 30 hours / week, but is open to other arrangements depending on the candidate and organizational needs.

Start Date: ASAP

Salary Range: $58,000 to $65,000 for 30-hour week

Who We Are: The Calgary Girls Choir’s mission is to create and nurture life-enriching connections and experiences for girls and women through choral excellence.   This non-profit organization supports an award-winning and internationally-renowned choir that has been providing young girls and women with exceptional choral training and performance and touring opportunities since 1995. Our vision is a world where every girl and woman is empowered to use her voice.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) provides strategic administrative and operational leadership for the Calgary Girls Choir (CGC). Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED is responsible for advancing the mission, supporting organizational sustainability, and implementing Board-approved strategic direction.

Working in close partnership with the Artistic Director, the ED shares responsibility for organizational leadership, with primary oversight of governance support, operations, financial stewardship, fundraising, community engagement, and organizational development. The Executive Director ensures that the business and administrative functions of the Choir effectively support and strengthen its artistic excellence.

Key Working Relationships

• Board of Directors
• Artistic Director
• Administrative and Artistic Staff
• Choristers and Families
• Sponsors, Donors, and Supporters
• Alumnae and Families
• Facilities, Community Partners, and Vendors
• Funding Agencies and Government Bodies

Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Governance

• In partnership with the Artistic Director and Board, provide strategic leadership to advance CGC’s mission, artistic vision, and long-term sustainability.
• Execute and operationalize Board-approved policies and strategic priorities.
• Lead the planning, execution, and monitoring of strategic initiatives; provide regular progress reports to the Board.
• Serve as a key advisor to the Board, ensuring informed decision-making through accurate, timely, and comprehensive information.
• Keep the Board informed of significant operational, financial, or reputational issues.
• Attend and actively participate in Board meetings and planning sessions.
• Annually prepare comprehensive organizational reports summarizing programs, services, outcomes, and recommendations for improvement.

2. Organizational Leadership & Operations

• Oversee the effective and efficient day-to-day operations of the Calgary Girls Choir.
• Ensure strong administrative systems, sound business practices, and operational excellence.
• Oversee delivery of all CGC programming, including camps, tours, performances, and major events.
• Regularly solicit and evaluate stakeholder feedback to strengthen program and service delivery.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, professionalism, and service excellence.
• Identify organizational risks and implement mitigation strategies.

3. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

• Champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across all areas of the organization.
• Promote inclusive practices in recruitment, programming, partnerships, and communications.
• Ensure fair and respectful treatment of staff, volunteers, artists, choristers, families, vendors, and community members.
• Support initiatives that broaden access and remove barriers to participation.

4. Financial Stewardship & Fund Development

• Lead the development of the annual operating budget in collaboration with the Artistic Director and Board.
• Administer and oversee expenditures in alignment with the approved budget and organizational priorities.
• In conjunction with the Bookkeeper and Board Treasurer, provide comprehensive monthly financial reports to the Board.
• Ensure strong fiscal oversight across all revenue streams, including tuition, fundraising, gaming revenue, grants, sponsorships, and donations.
• Lead the development and execution of fundraising and marketing strategies.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors (past, present, and prospective).
• Maintain strong relationships with funding bodies and oversee preparation of grant proposals and reports.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, reporting, and audit requirements.

5. Human Resources & Administration

• Ensure appropriate staffing levels aligned with organizational needs and financial capacity.
• Develop, maintain, and implement employment policies and job descriptions.
• Oversee office staff (excluding Artistic Staff), including:
• Setting priorities and performance expectations
• Providing mentorship and leadership
• Recruitment, selection, onboarding, and training
• Performance management and professional development
• Compensation and benefits review
• Coordinate contract renewals for Junior Program instructors and accompanists in conjunction with the Artistic Director.
• Foster a workplace culture grounded in respect, transparency, collaboration, and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and best practices.

6. Facilities & Asset Management

• Secure and manage appropriate facilities for rehearsals, performances, administration, storage, and meetings.
• Plan and procure new locations as required to support program growth.
• Ensure adequate insurance coverage and risk management practices.
• Oversee maintenance, replacement, and upgrading of furniture, equipment, and physical assets.
• Provide recommendations to the Board regarding capital expenditures or acquisitions outside the approved budget.

7. Community Relations & External Affairs

• Serve as spokesperson and ambassador for the Calgary Girls Choir.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, arts organizations, sponsors, and civic stakeholders.
• Enhance the visibility and reputation of CGC within the broader community.
• Represent CGC on committees, collaborative initiatives, and sector networks.
• Develop and oversee communications strategies to effectively convey CGC’s mission, programs, and impact.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive senior management or executive leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and financial oversight.
• Experience in nonprofit leadership, arts administration, or mission-driven organizations preferred.
• Proven experience in fundraising and donor relations.
• Strong human resources management experience.
• Exceptional organizational, project management, and time management skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Proficiency in financial management systems and technology (word processing, email, financial software, and digital communications tools).
• Experience with communications strategy, including digital and social media platforms.
• Passion for arts education and youth development.

Work Schedule & Expectations

• The role requires flexibility, including availability for occasional evenings and weekends to support rehearsals, performances, events, Board meetings, and community engagements.  
• Work hours may vary seasonally, particularly during peak performance and fundraising periods.
• The Executive Director is expected to model flexibility and responsiveness consistent with the leadership responsibilities of the role.