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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.

    • Site Manager (PT)

    Site Manager (PT)

    Old Town School of Folk Music is seeking a part-time Site Manager to oversee activities and ensure safe operations in OTS buildings. They serve as an ambassador and advocate for the School.

    Locations: Lincoln Square & Lincoln Park

    Key Duties:

  • Manage program operations for the assigned shift. Ensure compliance with all OTS safety and operational protocols. Address concerns directly as they arise. Report issues to Operations and Education team managers
  • Serve as a resource for teachers
  • Ensure set up and break down of assigned location(s) as needed in accordance with OTS protocols, including signage as needed
  • Manage the check-in process and direct participants to their locations
  • Track attendance and monitor the number of participants and caregivers where appropriate
  • Coordinate with operations management, program management, customer service, and maintenance staff as needed
  • Oversee volunteer staff where appropriate
  • Ensure rooms have all the necessary equipment and teaching implements
  • Secure property and open/close building as needed
  • Ensure building and rooms are in good order at the end of the shift and that equipment is returned to its appropriate place. Set alarm as needed.
  • Assist with administrative tasks as assigned, such as room reservations, data entry, etc.

    Qualifications:

  • Experience managing events
  • Experience with customer service and setting boundaries with participants
  • Experience working with children preferred
  • Familiarity with Google Suite
  • An understanding of COVID-19 safety protocols
  • Strong detail orientation and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to think on one's feet and adapt to changing situations
  • Ability to carry out emergency protocol in event of fire, inclement weather or other crises
  • Access to a personal smartphone during shift
  • Available to work evenings and weekends

    Physical requirements:
    The position requires the ability to see, hear, sit, stand, walk, reach, push and pull. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds regularly and 30 pounds occasionally.

    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.

    • Program Coordinator - Community Ventures

    Education Program Coordinator - Community Ventures

    Salary: $45,000.00 To $47,465.00 Annually

    Old Town School of Folk Music is seeking a reliable and detailed Program Coordinator for its Community Ventures Department.

    The Community Ventures Department consists of grant-funded programs that operate in partnership with Chicago Public Schools and community partners primarily located in Chicago's south and west side neighborhoods. Our School Partnerships Programs work with over 2,500 youth each year through in-school, after school, and pre-school programming. Music Moves is Old Town School's Arts & Community Wellness Initiative: a youth-focused, intergenerational program that aims to provide individuals and organizations with creative resources necessary to build healthy, intentional arts-based communities .

    Target Start Date: January 2026

    Essential Functions:

  • Coordinates and builds relationships with partner schools, including school administration and partner-school teachers to deliver residency-based programming.
  • Develops programming with directors based on Community Ventures initiatives.
  • Coordinates in-school schedules with partner school and teaching artists.
  • Coordinates Mariachi Summit and Mariachi Camp, along with other out-of-school-time educational opportunities that arise including after school.
  • Works with teaching artists and school to plan unique culminating events after each program, attending and presenting at each event.
  • Contributes to and maintains program budgets. Works with schools to assess funding and to help process billing, invoices, and POs.
  • General administrative tasks, including reporting of teaching artist hours for payroll and administering program assessment tools; ordering classroom materials; maintaining instrument inventory
  • Implements program evaluation assessments at the direction of the Director of Administration, including distribution and collection of surveys, testimonials, and other data
  • Contributes to grant proposals and reports, including narrative content, evaluation results, and budget reports.
  • Provides content for marketing and support material, including annual brochure/catalog of residency options and other materials as needed.
  • Assists with planning professional development sessions in collaboration with community ventures team
  • Assist with maintaining website and current information about programming
  • Coordinates documentation of programming.
  • Collaborate with Community Ventures team on department-wide projects and events

    Required Skills/Competencies:

  • Must be able to multitask, work independently and plan workload
  • Flexible and a dedicated problem solver
  • Must have excellent administrative, computer, communication skills, initiative and confidence in problem solving.
  • Proficiency with Google Suite required.
  • Required Education and Experience
  • 2+ years experience coordinating educational programs are required.
  • Must be highly organized with excellent communication, leadership, and presentation skills, and able to work and motivate independently.
  • Must be able to visit locations throughout the city.
  • Must be connected to a music and/or dance artistic discipline.
  • Preferred Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in related area or equivalent work experience.
  • Familiarity and experience with the Chicago Public Schools is highly preferred.
  • Youth arts teaching experience is desired but not required.
  • Some management or supervisory experience is preferred but not required.
  • Familiarity and previous experience with working in CPS desired.
  • Program documentation skills desired.
  • Bi-lingual Spanish is helpful.
  • Deeply connected to South side communities and/or West side communities of Chicago.

    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.

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

    • Communications and Digital Strategy Coordinator - Music Moves & School Partnerships

    Communications and Digital Strategy Coordinator - Music Moves & School Partnerships

    Overview:

    Old Town School of Folk Music is seeking a reliable and detailed Communications and
    Digital Strategy Coordinator for its Community Ventures program, supporting the School's Music
    Moves initiative and School Partnerships program. This position blends creativity, storytelling,
    digital strategy, and administrative support to grow community engagement, expand program
    visibility, and ensure brand cohesion across initiatives. While Music Moves responsibilities are
    primarily external-facing, including digital campaigns, social media, and community outreach,
    School Partnerships responsibilities are web content, internal-facing, developing program
    materials, branding, and partner communications. This role is flexible and may evolve to include
    additional cross-departmental projects.

    Essential Functions:
    Music Moves – Marketing & Communications

  • Design and execute digital campaigns across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and
    YouTube to increase visibility, grow audiences, and drive participation.
  • Develop original content (photo, video, copy) highlighting events, classes, and
    community impact.
  • Capture and edit live video at performances and classes for timely social media use.
  • Lead the street team and implement outreach strategies to promote events and
    programming.
  • Build trust with program participants to ensure authentic storytelling and media capture.
  • Collect reviews and testimonials from attendees to strengthen impact storytelling.
  • Write or co-write press releases and coordinate with media outlets.
  • Collaborate with the main campus marketing team to coordinate campaigns and cross-
    promotional opportunities.

    School Partnerships – Program Support & Internal Marketing

  • Help to develop internal marketing and communications assets, including catalogs,
    brochures, presentations, and program collateral.
  • Align School Partnerships branding with Old Town School's overarching brand
    guidelines for all materials shared with schools, vendors, and partners.
  • Support cross-departmental collaboration by providing materials and digital assets for
    internal initiatives and partner outreach.
  • Assist in planning and coordinating School Partnerships programs by contributing to
    strategic and operational materials.
  • Explore and implement new ways to document, promote, and share School Partnerships
    offerings internally and with prospective partners.
  • Responsibilities may evolve as the program grows and new needs arise.

    Cross-Department Responsibilities

  • Maintain organized systems for digital files, media assets, and communications
    materials to support smooth operations across programs.
  • Partner with program managers and leadership to align communications with
    organizational priorities and values.
  • Contribute to creative projects and campaigns that may span multiple programs.

    Required Skills/Competencies:

  • Proficiency with Google Suite and Canva (or comparable software).
  • Strong writing skills with ability to craft press releases, newsletters, and marketing copy.
  • Photography and video skills, including capturing live performances, vertical video, and
    partner events.
  • Excellent organizational skills, including file management and cross-team coordination.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and engage program participants
    and partners.

    Required Experience:

  • Experience managing social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube)
    and using scheduling/analytics tools.
  • Demonstrated interest in serving communities through the arts, with evidence of working
    with or advocating for marginalized communities.

    Preferred Skills/Competencies:

  • Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Familiarity with content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Squarespace).
  • Background in or strong interest in the performing arts, with an eye for capturing
    performance.
  • Familiarity with project and file management tools (e.g., Dropbox).

    Preferred Experience:

  • Experience with email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact).
  • Experience in grassroots or street team marketing.
  • Experience collaborating with creative contractors (photographers, videographers,
    designers).
  • Experience managing marketing and communications for school or community
    partnerships.

    Additional Eligibility Requirements

  • Availability for evening and weekend classes, performances, and events.
  • Access to reliable transportation for outreach and street team activities.
  • Interest in exploring new platforms for community engagement or new audience
    acquisition.

    Impact:
    Through digital communications and strategy, creative direction, grassroots marketing, and
    authentic storytelling, the Communications and Digital Strategy Coordinator ensures Old Town
    School's Community Ventures Department continues to grow audiences, elevate impact, and
    strengthen connections with communities and partner organizations.

    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)