Ilcouncilorchestras
Salary: $20,000.00 - $28,000.00 Annually
Application Deadline: Jan 15, 2026
The Hyde Park Youth Symphony is now accepting applications for the role of Executive Director who will serve as the principal staff member of HPYS, partnering with the Board of Directors and Artistic Director to steer the organization’s strategic vision, operational infrastructure, financial sustainability, and growth trajectory. This leader will build on recent growth of the organization, and will position HPYS for its next chapter of impact and expansion.
Role Overview The Executive Director (ED) will serve as the principal staff member of HPYS, partnering with the Board of Directors and Artistic Director to steer the organization’s strategic vision, operational infrastructure, financial sustainability, and growth trajectory. This leader will build on recent growth of the organization, and will position HPYS for its next chapter of impact and expansion.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Organizational Growth
Lead the development and implementation of HPYS’s strategic plan in collaboration with the Board and artistic leadership.
Ensure that HPYS remains relevant, resilient, and responsive to the evolving needs of students, families, partners, and the community.
Foster a culture of innovation, inclusion, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Assist book keeper and Treasurer in the development of the annual operating budget, monitor financial performance, and report regularly to the Board.
Complete financial reports for grant funders.
Issue invoices and maintain records for student tuition.
Apply for grant funding from local arts councils and other foundations.
Serve as primary staff lead in fundraising efforts: cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts, grants, sponsorships, and individual donors.
Maintain a donor database and ensure high-quality donor stewardship and recognition.
Collaborate with the Board’s development committee on campaigns and fundraising events.
Steward relationships with funders and secure new funding opportunities to support programmatic expansion.
Community Engagement & Partnerships
Act as ambassador for HPYS, representing the organization across the Chicago region, especially on the South Side.
Deepen existing partnerships with local community organizations and develop new collaborations with schools, community organizations, civic entities, and arts institutions.
Operations, Marketing & Communication
Oversee day-to-day administrative operations, including scheduling and logistics for rehearsals, concerts, and public events,
Lead marketing, public relations and communications strategy to build audience, enhance brand visibility, and maximize student recruitment. Marketing e-blasts through MailChimp.
Manage the Brightwheel database for family communications, tuition, recruitment, and development.
Board Relations & Governance
Work closely with the Board Co-Chairs and committees to support governance best practices, board recruitment and orientation, and policy implementation.
Prepare regular reports, schedule meetings, annual reviews, and ensure effective communication between staff and Board.
Support Board and committee meetings: agenda development, meeting materials, action items tracking.
Qualifications & Attributes
Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant writing, donor cultivation, sponsorships, and financial oversight.
Strong understanding of Chicago and surrounding communities; interest in engaging with member families and South Side community partners and organizations.
Experience working with a Board of Directors and strong governance/committee collaboration skills.
Strategic mindset with excellent organizational, project-management and communication skills.
Passion for youth orchestral training/education and the power of music to transform communities (especially in diverse urban settings).
Ability to work flexible hours (evenings/weekends) for concerts, events, rehearsals.
Proficiency in donor/CRM systems, bookkeeping/ budgeting tools, and marketing/communications platforms.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging (DEIB) and a track record of advancing inclusive practices.
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s or advanced arts/management qualification preferred.
To be determined and commensurate with experience. Details including salary range, health benefits, vacation, and professional development will be shared with candidates.
How to Apply Interested candidates should complete the application form online at www.thehpys.org/careers to submit a cover letter outlining relevant experience and vision for HPYS and résumé. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The position is open until
January 15, 2026
or when fulfilled. Please send any questions to office@thehpys.org
HPYS is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Application Deadline: Jan 15, 2026
The Hyde Park Youth Symphony is now accepting applications for the role of Executive Director who will serve as the principal staff member of HPYS, partnering with the Board of Directors and Artistic Director to steer the organization’s strategic vision, operational infrastructure, financial sustainability, and growth trajectory. This leader will build on recent growth of the organization, and will position HPYS for its next chapter of impact and expansion.
Role Overview The Executive Director (ED) will serve as the principal staff member of HPYS, partnering with the Board of Directors and Artistic Director to steer the organization’s strategic vision, operational infrastructure, financial sustainability, and growth trajectory. This leader will build on recent growth of the organization, and will position HPYS for its next chapter of impact and expansion.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Organizational Growth
Lead the development and implementation of HPYS’s strategic plan in collaboration with the Board and artistic leadership.
Ensure that HPYS remains relevant, resilient, and responsive to the evolving needs of students, families, partners, and the community.
Foster a culture of innovation, inclusion, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Assist book keeper and Treasurer in the development of the annual operating budget, monitor financial performance, and report regularly to the Board.
Complete financial reports for grant funders.
Issue invoices and maintain records for student tuition.
Apply for grant funding from local arts councils and other foundations.
Serve as primary staff lead in fundraising efforts: cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts, grants, sponsorships, and individual donors.
Maintain a donor database and ensure high-quality donor stewardship and recognition.
Collaborate with the Board’s development committee on campaigns and fundraising events.
Steward relationships with funders and secure new funding opportunities to support programmatic expansion.
Community Engagement & Partnerships
Act as ambassador for HPYS, representing the organization across the Chicago region, especially on the South Side.
Deepen existing partnerships with local community organizations and develop new collaborations with schools, community organizations, civic entities, and arts institutions.
Operations, Marketing & Communication
Oversee day-to-day administrative operations, including scheduling and logistics for rehearsals, concerts, and public events,
Lead marketing, public relations and communications strategy to build audience, enhance brand visibility, and maximize student recruitment. Marketing e-blasts through MailChimp.
Manage the Brightwheel database for family communications, tuition, recruitment, and development.
Board Relations & Governance
Work closely with the Board Co-Chairs and committees to support governance best practices, board recruitment and orientation, and policy implementation.
Prepare regular reports, schedule meetings, annual reviews, and ensure effective communication between staff and Board.
Support Board and committee meetings: agenda development, meeting materials, action items tracking.
Qualifications & Attributes
Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant writing, donor cultivation, sponsorships, and financial oversight.
Strong understanding of Chicago and surrounding communities; interest in engaging with member families and South Side community partners and organizations.
Experience working with a Board of Directors and strong governance/committee collaboration skills.
Strategic mindset with excellent organizational, project-management and communication skills.
Passion for youth orchestral training/education and the power of music to transform communities (especially in diverse urban settings).
Ability to work flexible hours (evenings/weekends) for concerts, events, rehearsals.
Proficiency in donor/CRM systems, bookkeeping/ budgeting tools, and marketing/communications platforms.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging (DEIB) and a track record of advancing inclusive practices.
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s or advanced arts/management qualification preferred.
To be determined and commensurate with experience. Details including salary range, health benefits, vacation, and professional development will be shared with candidates.
How to Apply Interested candidates should complete the application form online at www.thehpys.org/careers to submit a cover letter outlining relevant experience and vision for HPYS and résumé. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The position is open until
January 15, 2026
or when fulfilled. Please send any questions to office@thehpys.org
HPYS is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds.
#J-18808-Ljbffr