Work Schedule:

Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Rate of Pay:

This is a Full-Time Administrative position at grade 17, with an annual salary range of $84,923 to $113,000. The salary offer will be based on education and experience, in alignment with the College's compensation philosophy and the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), if applicable.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA, DCA, Commuter)
• Retirement Plans (Pension, 457b, 403b)
• Time Off with Pay
• Professional Development/Expense
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Sick Banks

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Grant Funded:

No

Job Summary:

The College seeks an exceptional leader to guide a dynamic, multivenue academic and community performing arts center. This role oversees a $1.7M instructional and auxiliary portfolio, leading artistic programming, contract negotiations, marketing strategy, and financial stewardship to ensure mission-aligned, fiscally sustainable operations. The Senior Director also supervises faculty and staff, supports academic music programs including private lessons and ensembles, and fosters strong partnerships with in-residence ensembles, community arts organizations, and campus collaborators. A successful candidate brings substantial experience in performing arts administration, proven financial and operational acumen, and demonstrated success in season planning, audience development, and donor/grant engagement. Equally essential are strong skills with collaboration, communication, cultural competency, and the ability to balance instructional needs with revenue-generating performance operations. This is a rare opportunity for a strategic, equity-minded arts leader to shape vibrant programming that enriches both the college and the wider region.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Graduate degree in arts, nonprofit administration, business, or a related field; or a bachelor's degree with substantial experience leading multi-venue performing arts operations or comparable nonprofit organizations.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of senior leadership experience in a nonprofit organization, including budget and profit/loss responsibility, contract authority, and supervision of cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated success achieving measurable outcomes related to strategic planning, marketing, and organizational goals.
• Proven experience managing mixed income streams, including earned revenue, grants, and contributed income.
• Experience cultivating internal and external partnerships to advance institutional mission and program effectiveness.
• Comprehensive knowledge of performing arts venue management, including marketing, box office operations, online ticket sales, CRM systems, technical production, and front-of-house management.
• Working knowledge of performing arts genres (music and theatre) and the nonprofit and commercial performing arts industries at the local, national, and international levels.
• Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements and applicable labor requirements.
• Familiarity with Illinois Community College Board or equivalent requirements related to curriculum and enrollment.
• Strategic thinking and vision development, with the ability to implement complex plans to completion.
• Strong financial management and analytical skills, including data-informed decision-making.
• Effective project management skills in a dynamic, high-volume public programming environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, diplomatic, and communication skills to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to articulate and advance a clear vision for integrating performing arts programming within the college and the broader community.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity-minded planning, inclusive programming, and culturally responsive practices.
• Ability to collaborate, build effective teams, and manage conflict in complex organizational settings.

Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Experience working in higher education.
• Direct professional experience in the performing arts (e.g., director, producer, performer).
• Comprehensive experience managing all aspects of performing arts venues.
• Fundraising experience, including donor cultivation and sponsorships.
• Experience managing curriculum, faculty, and enrollment processes related to performing arts instruction.

Essential Duties:

• Provide fiscal leadership for instructional and auxiliary units, including strategic planning, budgeting, grant writing, and oversight of revenue and expenses totaling nearly $2 million.
• Ensure auxiliary operations remain financially sustainable and maintain reserve funds.
• Develop and sustain a diversified operational model incorporating earned income, rentals, presenting/producing activities, and contributed income.
• Develop diverse, financially successful performance seasons aligned with the Arts Center's mission.
• Negotiate and execute artist contracts in compliance with College policies.
• Oversee communication, marketing, and media strategies for all programming.
• Anticipate, assess, and mitigate organizational, contractual, and public-facing risks associated with live performance events.
• Hire, supervise, and evaluate Arts Center staff, adjunct faculty, and ensemble instructors.
• Administer collective bargaining agreements and address student, faculty, and staff concerns.
• Coordinate private music lessons, ensemble programs, curriculum requirements, course scheduling, and student registration.
• Serve as liaison with in-residence ensemble partners to ensure alignment with College policies and mutual program goals.
• Coordinate public outreach initiatives with visiting artists, faculty, student ensembles, and community organizations.
• Partner with the College Foundation on fundraising initiatives, donor cultivation, sponsorships, and special events.
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities supporting Arts Center and instructional priorities.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to integrate performing arts programming into curriculum and interdisciplinary initiatives as liaison with in-residence ensemble partners to ensure alignment with College policies and mutual program goals.
• Other Duties: Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Physical Demands:

Light (up to 25 lbs occasionally or 10lbs frequently)

Visual Acuity:

Close visual acuity (e.g. computer, assembly)

Work Environment:

Moderate noise

Environmental Conditions:

Typical office or administrative

Current SSECCA Union Member Information:

The initial posting date for this position is 09/10/2026. Elgin Community College Support Staff Association (SSECCA) members that apply by 09/17/26 and meet the posted minimum qualifications will receive full consideration.