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We're always looking for exceptional and dedicated people to join our team.

For more than 65 years, Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children’s Choir) has worked to inspire, unite and change the lives of youth through music.

What began as a small choir in Hyde Park born in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement to foster racial understanding has since grown into a nonprofit with an international footprint that is Chicago’s premier arts education and performing organization. Uniting Voices Chicago serves every corner of Chicago through a vast network of 140 choirs whose singers bridge cultural and economic divides to become ambassadors for peace.

Open Roles

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to jobs [at] unitingvoiceschicago [dot] org, with the job title in the subject line. No phone calls, please.

What it's like to work at Uniting Voices Chicago

Sincerely, we’re a family. We get it done while having fun. At Uniting Voices Chicago, we’re all working toward a colorful, peaceful, equitable future—and that feels good. We share a passion for music and the vast potential of young people.

In addition to work you can believe in, Uniting Voices Chicago offers the following perks:

  • Unlimited paid time off, including 8 state holidays and company-wide two week winter break.

  • An array of health insurance options with generous subsidy of premiums. We also offer vision plans, short and long-term disability insurance and life insurance.

  • A retirement plan with matched contributions up to 3 percent after a year of employment.

  • A pre-tax commuter program that allows you to save on public transportation and parking.

  • And more!

Work With Us

About Uniting Voices Chicago

Uniting Voices Chicago provides transformative programs through partnerships with over 80 schools, 12 community-based after-school music programs, Dimension, an ensemble for singers with changing or changed voices, and the world-renowned Voice of Chicago. As a national and international touring ensemble, Uniting Voices Chicago has performed for dignitaries such as former President Barack Obama, Nelson Mandela and former Chinese President Hu Jintao and with artists such as Chance the Rapper, Yo Yo Ma, Andrea Bocelli, Beyoncé and Celine Dion.

Uniting Voices Chicago is a civic treasure and model for urban music education with more than 75 percent of youth able to access its programming free of charge.

“OTR” Life Experience

We know that many of your most character-building experiences — where resilience, grit and grace were required to persevere — do not show up neatly on a resume. So, we want to hear some of those “OTR” (“off the resume”) moments for you. In order to be on the Uniting Voices Chicago team, EQ (Emotional Intelligence) is not a nice-to-have…it’s a must. So, show us your EQ.

A Not-So-Fun Fact:

We know research tells us that while men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60 percent of the criteria, women and people of color tend to only apply when they feel they’ve checked every single box. If you are unsure that you’ve checked every box in these descriptions, but you think you have what it takes to enhance the Uniting Voices Chicago as we grow our team—we want to hear from you.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Uniting Voices Chicago is an equal opportunity employer that actively pursues candidates of diverse backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to providing diversity, equity, and inclusion training to all employees, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, nationality or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy status, marital status, age, medical condition, disability, or veteran status in admission or access to, or employment in, its programs and activities.

Chief Development Officer (Full-time)

As a member of the leadership team, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) will craft the fundraising strategy to grow annually by approximately 5-10% and meet Uniting Voices goal of expanding annual philanthropic support to $4.5 million by fiscal year 2029. This person will report to the Chief Operating Officer and work closely with the President and Board of Directors. The CDO will be focused on supporting the growth and stewardship of the organization’s vibrant and engaged individual donor and foundation funder community. They will also foster a culture of philanthropy within the organization and work collaboratively with leaders to assure that Uniting Voices culture, systems and procedures support and institutionalize philanthropy and fund development throughout the organization. Leading a development team of five staff, the CDO will execute fully integrated plans across all fundraising avenues.

The ideal candidate has strong strategic planning skills and is capable of developing and implementing clear goals, systems and priorities. They must be hands on with experience developing collaborative relationships, internally and externally, and with the ability to translate Uniting Voices mission into resource development opportunities.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

  • Partner with the Board, President, Chief Operating Officer and other senior organizational leaders in setting fundraising strategy and goals that align with Uniting Voices’ mission, vision, values and plans

  • Drive development efforts and planning for the organization and invest a culture of philanthropy into the entire organization

  • Further mature the structure, systems and goals for the implementation of development efforts

  • Establish/evaluate performance measures, monitor results and assist the senior team and Board to evaluate on an ongoing basis the effectiveness of the development program

  • Staff the development committee of the Board and others as assigned

  • Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and laws, maintain accountability standards to donors and ensure compliance with code of ethical principles and standards of professional conduct for fundraising executives

Relationship Management and Donor Stewardship

  • Maintain portfolio of Uniting Voices highest net worth donors and key foundations and corporations serving as the primary leader responsible for stewarding these relationships

  • Cultivate new philanthropic, community and political relationships using a wide range of acquisition strategies to expand the base of supporters and contributors at all levels and meet development goals

  • Manage interdepartmental/cross-functional coordination and communication between Development, Marketing and Communications, Finance, and Program Teams, to capture and communicate the organizational ‘story’ and assemble resources to support fundraising efforts

  • Represent the organization at key donor and foundation meetings and events, and partner closely with and support the Board, President and other senior leaders to execute a robust solicitation schedule

Team Development & Management

  • Lead and nurture a best-in-class performing development team with a high level of professionalism and dedication

  • Lead the development team to implement fundraising plans that outline monetary and activity goals targeting all donor levels and for all areas of support including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate and foundation support, special events and alumni relations

Increase the effectiveness, productivity, and collaboration of the team by serving as a coach and mentor, promote diversity and inclusion, and motivate team members with energy and passion

Qualifications

Ideal candidates for the Chief Development Officer role will possess the following skills and attributes:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline preferred with at least 8 years of increasingly responsible managerial experience

  • Demonstrated experience with multiple categories of giving such as major gifts, events and campaigns, individual, foundation and corporate support, planned giving, and in-kind partnerships

  • Proven success securing five-figure gifts and building and stewarding relationships with major individual donors, foundations, corporations and other potential donors

  • Evident experience and success building a development infrastructure to achieve strategic and annual goals

  • Impeccable judgment and discretion in dealing with sensitive information

  • Outstanding oral and written communication skills with experience in development and marketing related writing

  • Superior interpersonal skills with the ability to project professional competence, leadership capability and personal maturity

  • Ability to present in a professional manner and to inspire and generate enthusiasm among donors, volunteers and staff

  • Excellent team building, facilitation, and organizational skills, with the ability to multi-task

  • Experience or interest in the arts, preferably music

  • Passion for the Uniting Voices mission and program

Event Production Coordinator (Full-time)

The Event Production Coordinator plans and executes Uniting Voices Chicago concerts, including contracted engagements and events produced by the organization. They serve as the first point of contact for artistic collaborators and event producers in bringing to life meaningful performances for youth and communities. This person liaises with venues, audio/visual companies, instrumentalists and other event collaborators. The Event Production Coordinator reports to the Director of Production and works closely with all departments, especially program staff and faculty.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Serve as liaison for all performance venues, vendors and contracted musicians; oversee contractual paperwork and communicate event information.

  • Facilitate and track expenses and revenue for productions, including payment of venues, vendors, musicians, and other program related payees, by compiling and submitting all check requests and invoices.

  • Assume responsibility for all equipment necessary for production including moving and receipt of all equipment and supplies for concerts.

  • Create timeline documents per engagement and relay information to all parties involved.

  • Compile all information needed for concert programs.

  • Manage all bus and food needs for productions and events.

  • Provide sheet music and recorded music needs for productions.

  • Provide onsite support for productions.

  • Assist with all guest artist needs including travel, accommodations, hospitality, etc and administer paperwork for their engagement, including coordinating performance needs with Artistic Staff.

  • Field requests for contracted performances and coordinate production needs for community events.

  • Maintain a master calendar of concerts and gigs for the entire organization.

Qualifications:

  • BA in a related field or equivalent work experience, including working knowledge of music/audio and the performing arts.

  • Strong organizational skills; highly detail oriented with a commitment to excellence.

  • Excellent project management, prioritization and problem solving skills with the ability to remain calm and collected under pressure.

  • Possess high level of energy and self-motivation.

  • The ability to establish strong working relationships with diverse individuals, organizations and communities with outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written.

  • This is an active role that requires moving equipment and being on your feet for long periods.

  • Ability and willingness to travel throughout the city of Chicago and surrounding area and to work nights and weekends.

  • Committed to working in an environment that is mission driven and enjoy working with children.

  • Proficient in Google Suite; basic knowledge of A/V equipment and Salesforce preferred.

Program Assistant (Part-time)

Program Assistants for Uniting Voices Chicago serve a vital role as part of our program team. They have the unique opportunity to work with singers in Neighborhood Choir Programs throughout the city of Chicago, inclusive of families from a wide variety of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Program Assistants are responsible for all non-musical aspects related to the Neighborhood Choir(s) to which they are assigned. Program Assistants work closely with the Conductor of their Neighborhood Choir to gather important information that is then communicated to singers and their families. Program Assistants are present for all rehearsals, concerts, and events related to their Neighborhood Choir.

Program Assistants play a vital role in engaging with the community that they serve. Currently, Uniting Voices Chicago has openings for Program Assistants in the following communities: Austin, Gage Park, and West Town; preference will be given to applicants who are familiar with or connected to these communities. For Gage Park, fluency in Spanish is highly preferred.

The Neighborhood Choir program provides beginning, intermediate and advanced choral training to over 800 students with treble voices in 3rd grade and up through programs in 12 Chicago neighborhoods. Neighborhood Choirs meet two times per week with some programs having one weeknight rehearsal and one Saturday rehearsal while others have two weeknight rehearsals. Program Assistants provide regular coverage for all assigned choirs and attend all concerts and events. Office hours are also scheduled to complete administrative tasks.

Key Responsibilities

Community Engagement, Communication and Relationship Building

  • Be a strong advocate and ambassador for the mission and legacy of Uniting Voices Chicago by welcoming new families, maintaining strong relationships with current families, assisting with recruitment, and attending community events.

  • Supervise singers before and after rehearsals to ensure all singers are safe and well-behaved.

  • Supervise singers’ arrival and dismissal at all rehearsals and concerts. Plan to arrive thirty minutes prior to rehearsal and leave thirty minutes after rehearsal ends.

  • Communicate regularly with community partners to ensure the best possible experiences for all stakeholders.

  • Send weekly emails to families with pertinent information such as schedules and upcoming events.

  • Assist with tour accounting and attend the annual tour in the Spring. Tours are National and usually span three to four days.

  • Distribute flyers for fundraisers, events, and other Uniting Voices Chicago activities.

  • Communicate effectively with families to foster deep and meaningful relationships with Uniting Voices Chicago.

  • Maintain strong relationships with singers and families to ensure continued participation throughout the year. Give detailed reports when a singer discontinues participation.

Organizational Support and Administrative

  • Collect and track registration and attendance and report updates to conductor and office regularly.

  • Create monthly calendars in a timely manner, submit to office and conductor for edits and distribute paper and digital copies to families.

  • Actively participate in weekly Program Team meetings.

  • Communicate regularly with the Program Team to ensure equitable experiences amongst all programs.

  • Attend and assist with organization-wide events.

  • Collect payments for tuition, fundraising and tour from singers, issue receipts and deliver to the main office. Keep accurate records of all transactions.

Qualifications:

  • Passion for working with diverse youth ages 8-18 and for fostering deep and authentic relationships with their families and communities.

  • Experience working with children and youth from diverse backgrounds is preferred.

  • Strong understanding of Google Suite, specifically Google Docs and Google Sheets.

  • Commitment to collaboration in a team, as part of a larger organizational staff and with families and community partners in a mission-driven environment.

  • Dedication to anti-racism and equity.

  • Creativity, flexibility, self-motivation, energy, and enthusiasm for this vitally important work.