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Listings are available to apply for online at our Career Center. Please read the individual job posting for more details on how to apply.

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Chief Development Officer

Chief Development Officer

Please click here to see our full Position Profile.

Role Summary

The Chief Development Officer role will be the strategic architect of the school's fundraising pillar, which is vital to operations. As the school embarks upon a new vision for its future and strategic plan, this presents a rare and exceptional opportunity to transform fundraising at a key stage in the school's lifecycle. This role will serve as a catalyst for innovation and be responsible for re-envisioning and reshaping how Old Town School engages with donors, inspires giving and builds new and enduring relationships.

Fundraising currently represents 22% of the school's revenue at approximately $3.5M annually. In addition to the CDO, the Development team is composed of a Director of Major Gifts, Institutional Giving Manager, Development Manager, and a Development Operations Associate.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities
The following describes the key responsibilities of the person assigned to this position. This list is not intended as an exhaustive list of all job duties and responsibilities.

Leadership and Management

  • Lead with a sophisticated understanding of the school: its mission, culture, policies, values, history, key stakeholders, programs, and finances.
  • Foster an inclusive, supportive environment that promotes open communication and collaboration.
  • Ensure strategic management of all fundraising activities.
  • Model effective strategy, approaches, and techniques, as well as transparency and collaboration.
  • Prepare regular reports and presentations on fundraising activities for the CEO, Board of
  • Directors and senior management team.
    S
  • erve as a spokesperson and advocate for the school's mission and programs in the funding community.
  • Spearhead initiatives that streamline operational processes and reach new audiences and potential donors.
  • Ensure that efficient processes and data-informed decision-making guide the work of the Development department.
  • Oversee preparation and administration of departmental budget.
  • Ensure the school is employing best philanthropic practices.
  • Evaluate current Development department staffing needs and oversee recruitment, retention, training, management, mentoring, professional development, and evaluation of an efficient and highly professional team.
  • Support the existing team with training and professional development, and ensure collegiality and common vision within the department.
  • Utilize appropriate metrics on a team and individual basis to ensure accountability and results.

    Planning

    In partnership with the CEO and Board of Directors:

  • Establish a strategic vision and operational plan for the school's fundraising strategy and initiatives.
  • Develop and implement plans for fundraising in alignment with school priorities, setting measurable goals and objectives for annually increasing and diversifying income sources and cultivating new donors.
  • Identify and refine fundraising priorities.
  • Identify and recruit new Board members, educate members about their role in advancing a culture of philanthropy, cultivate and solicit financial support, and leverage networks to expand the donor base.

    Fundraising and External Relations

  • Increase and diversify the school's support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government sources.
  • Manage a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, including individual and institutional sources.
  • Identify and cultivate new major gift prospects.
  • Lead and oversee donor cultivation and solicitation opportunities that involve the CEO and the Board of Directors.
  • Ensure effective, ongoing, and productive communication with current and prospective donors.
  • Ensure ongoing prospect discovery and engagement at all levels of giving.
  • Maintain current knowledge of important developments across regional and national funding environments.
  • Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising events.
  • Collaborate with the Marketing department to ensure integrated, consistent, and effective marketing and communications in support of fundraising or stewardship initiatives.
  • Strategically leverage a variety of communication channels and platforms to support fundraising goals.


    To be considered for this role, please apply through our Career Center.

    • House Manager (PT)

    House/Stage Manager (PT)

    Job Summary:
    Old Town School of Folk Music seeks a part-time House/Stage Manager to manage facilities, volunteers, patron services, and artist relations from beginning to end of shows. Duties may vary from night to night. Serves as House Manager for assigned events, including preparations, supervision and troubleshooting during the event as well as managing end-of-night closing.


    Essential Functions

  • Oversee facility preparation, including hall, lobby, dressing room(s), and any unique advance requests or needs
  • Manage volunteers, including check in, assignments, and distribution of any equipment or materials
  • Oversee/facilitate artist merchandise sales
  • Help with ticketing, guest lists, and troubleshoot box office as needed
  • Greet artists and help with load-in, parking, and hospitality
  • Keep event running on time
  • Complete final settlement / payment with the artists
  • Prepare building for closing after event
  • May occasionally act as emcee for the event

    Required Skills/Competencies

  • Event production experience required
  • Must have strong interpersonal, leadership and communication skills
  • The abilities to think on one's feet, to be decisive and adapt to change are essential
  • Must be available to work a minimum of four shifts per month of five to seven hours at a time

    Preferred Education and Experience

  • Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers preferred
  • Bi-lingual Spanish is helpful.

    Additional Eligibility Requirements

  • Commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as ongoing personal growth in these areas
  • Must be able to travel to visit various Chicago locations during the workday
  • Available to work evenings and weekends as needed

    Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand, walk, and remain on feet for extended periods
  • Ability to lift, push, or carry items up to approximately 30 pounds
  • Ability to navigate backstage areas, stairs, ladders, and low-light environments
  • Manual dexterity to operate headsets, cue lights, and stage equipment

    Work Environment

  • Theater, performance venue, or event space
  • Fast-paced, high-pressure environment during live performances
  • Exposure to low lighting, loud sounds, and moving equipment
  • Close collaboration with performers, crew, and front-of-house staff
  • Irregular hours based on sound check and performance schedules

    This is a non-exempt position paying an hourly rate of $17.60.

    Discounts at the School and some voluntary benefits are available for part-time employees.

    To be considered for this role, , please apply through our Career Center.

    • Adult Group Class Guitar Instructor (PT)

    Adult Group Class Guitar Instructor (PT)

    Job Summary:
    The Old Town School of Folk Music seeks a guitar instructor to teach in its renowned adult guitar program. Ideal candidates are experienced educators with a passion for community-based music education and the ability to teach a wide range of styles and learners. Utilizing the Old Town School's unique model and methodology of group class instruction, this position relies on existing repertoire and lesson plans in addition to a teacher's new and innovative approaches.

    Essential Functions

  • Teach group classes across multiple skill levels from beginner to advanced
  • Develop lesson plans and adapt teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles
  • Incorporate music theory, ear training, and improvisation into instruction
  • Participate in and engage students to participate in Old Town School traditions such as Second Half and end-of-session performances
  • Maintain a welcoming, positive, and inclusive classroom environment that supports adult learners in a community-forward environment

    Required Skills/Competencies

  • Strong musicianship with the ability to teach acoustic and electric guitar using both pick and fingerstyle techniques
  • Proficiency in staff notation, lead sheets, tablature, and chord charts
  • Broad knowledge of guitar pedagogy, technique, repertoire, and music theory
  • Ability to accompany oneself while singing and playing guitar

    Preferred Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Music Education, Music Performance, or equivalent professional experience strongly preferred
  • Minimum of two years of teaching experience

    Additional Eligibility Requirements

  • Ability to teach in person at both Lincoln Park and Lincoln Square locations
  • Evening and weekend (daytime) availability is required
  • Bilingual in Spanish preferred

    Physical Requirements

  • The position requires the ability to see, hear, sit, stand, walk, reach, push and pull
  • Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds regularly/occasionally

    Work Environment
    Work may be performed in an environment with exposure to loud noises, crowds, and fluorescent lighting.

    Other Duties
    Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

    This is a part-time position with an hourly rate of $37.00.

    Discounts at the School and some voluntary benefits are available for part-time employees.

    To be considered for this role, , please apply through our Career Center.

    • Equal Employment Opportunity

    Old Town School is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. Old Town School strives to be an inclusive and equitable organization that is reflective of the diversity of the city of Chicago. We seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. This is critical to our success as a community focused organization.

    4544 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625  •  (773) 728-6000 •  customerservice@oldtownschool.org
    Customer Service Phone Hours:
    9:00 AM – 8:30 PM Central (Monday – Thursday)
    9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Central (Friday – Sunday)