Colorado Springs Chorale Announces the Retirement
of its Executive Director, Mark Dempsey

Press Release
October 10, 2011

The Colorado Springs Chorale announces that its executive director, Mark Dempsey, will retire in 2011.  To date, Mr. Dempsey has served the Chorale for more than ten years, and in that capacity has opened up many new and exciting opportunities for the 120-voice, fully independent organization.  He has contributed greatly to establishing the Chorale as the signature large classical chorus in the region, and has demonstrated uncommon dedication to the Chorale's present and its future. 

After a distinguished career as a United States Air Force Colonel, Mark went on to be Director of Development and Public Relations for Catholic Charities of Colorado Springs.  He lent his varied and exceptional skills to numerous other local organizations as well before coming to the Chorale in June 2001.  Moreover, his notable accomplishments both as an active member of the business community and as a life-long choral singer made him the perfect choice to be the Chorale's point man for its promotion and fundraising.  In Mark's own words, "It's been a wonderful, challenging and rewarding ten years: to have helped to bring inspired and inspiring music to so many audiences; to have contributed in some small way to the growth, development and reputation of the Chorale; to have acted to preserve the heritage of great choral music; to have known and worked with so many gifted people, has been a fantastic experience, one which I will miss greatly but cherish forever."

Donald P. Jenkins, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Colorado Springs Chorale, said, " The Chorale and I love Mark Dempsey and are grateful beyond words for his persevering through recent great sadness as well as newly severe health concerns.  On doctors' orders, not his wishes, he is stepping down after ten years of superbly dedicated service to us.  Mark has my deep gratitude for his vision and hard work, and he and I will remain close friends.  He does plan to sing with us, which is a comfort to us all."

The Colorado Springs Choral Society's Board of Trustees seeks to fill the part-time position in the coming weeks.  Interested persons should call the Chorale office at (719) 634-3737 or e-mail csc@cschorale.org.  Applications and resumes should be sent to the attention of Judith Kramer, either via e-mail or to the Chorale office:  Colorado Springs Choral Society, P.O. Box 2304, Colorado Springs, CO 80901.                      ####


Executive Director
of the Colorado Springs Choral Society

Position Description

October 20, 2011

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Trustees and is responsible for the overall direction and management of all aspects of the administration of the Choral Society and its affiliates. The Executive Director works in partnership with the Artistic Director and Conductor.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Development and Financial Planning

Develop, coordinate, and execute a comprehensive strategy of financial development and support, including:

• Planning and oversight of individual donor campaigns

• Cultivating, securing, and sustaining corporate sponsorships

• Preparing foundation and government grant requests and reports

• Working with the Board to identify and pursue new sources of income

Marketing

Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to market the Choral Society and its affiliates, including: 

• Coordinating ticket sales and subscriptions

• Overseeing the implementation of a comprehensive marketing plan

Community Relations

Develop an ongoing relationship with peers in the arts community, including:

• Represent the Choral Society and its affiliates at community functions

• Act as spokesperson for the Choral Society and its affiliates to the media, and the broader community

• Use education outreach programs to increase public awareness of the Choral Society and its affiliates

Financial Management

Prepare budgets and manage financial operations in accordance with approved budget and governmental regulations, including:

• Developing, in consultation with the Artistic Director and Conductor, a detailed budget for each

   performance season

• Preparing a detailed annual budget and variance analysis for presentation to the Board of Trustees

• Monitoring on a regular basis the income and expenses of budget line items with the bookkeeper

• Working closely with the Treasurer of the Board of Trustees on budget preparation and approval,

   monthly projections, and anticipation of potential problems

Board of Trustees

Serve as primary staff with the Board of Trustees in administrative and financial matters, including:

• Attending all appropriate meetings of the Board of Trustees and its Executive Committee

• Overseeing long-range planning and engaging the Board of Trustees and staff in periodic planning

   sessions

• Preparing regular written reports for presentation to the Board of Trustees

Personnel

Maintain an administrative and decision-making process that promotes a productive working atmosphere and effective staff relations, including:

• Hiring, training, and supervising support staff

• Reviewing, in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, all personnel policies, practices, and

   procedures to ensure compliance with state and federal employment laws and regulations

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Colorado Springs Choral Society, the parent organization of the Colorado Springs Chorale and the Chamber Singers of the Colorado Springs Chorale, is currently seeking an experienced leader to serve as its next Executive Director.  This is a part time position.  Compensation will be commensurate with experience.

This position requires a strong understanding of the operations of a performing arts organization, in accordance with the highest professional, educational and ethical standards.

Knowledge and Skills Required:

1.   The next Director will be a creative leader with high integrity and outstanding strategic and communication skills. S/he should have intellectual curiosity and breadth of knowledge, political savvy, and an enterprising, entrepreneurial spirit.

2.   The Director must have proven budgeting, fund-raising, grant-writing, managerial, financial and administrative abilities, and be a mentoring and motivating leader of staff. S/he should have hands-on management and team building skills, including the ability to maintain and inspire a strong staff, set clear priorities and delegate effectively. The Director should be a builder and enhancer rather than a maintainer.

3.   Strong presentation and communication skills are essential. The successful candidate must have a desire and ability to promote the values and purposes of the Choral Society to a wide range of audiences.  Candidates will be asked to submit a written statement describing their objectives, management philosophy, and qualifications as they apply to the position of Executive Director of the Choral Society.

4.   Candidates should have proven business acumen including discipline and focus in setting realistic priorities, meeting or exceeding goals, and running a fiscally sound operation. 

5.   Candidates should have an outgoing and optimistic personality. Imagination, gracious self-confidence, good humor and a high level of energy will be valued, together with the ability to work well with others and maintain professional manner using tact, initiative, good judgment and confidentiality. Above all, the successful candidate must have a passion for and be a persuasive advocate of the Choral Society, the Chorale, and the Chamber Singers.

6.   The Executive Director will be expected to be active in the community, and to participate in performing arts related activities and organizations.

Preferred Qualifications:

●    Bachelor's Degree (BA or BS)

●    Substantial experience in administration of a non-profit organization, preferably involved in

performing arts, and familiarity with the operational requirements of a 501(c)(3) organization.

Submit a cover letter, your resume, 3 letters of recommendation, and an essay entitled: "The Colorado Springs Choral Society: A Vision for its Future" to:

Judith Kramer, Chair

Executive Search Committee

Colorado Springs Choral Society

PO Box 2304

Colorado Springs, CO  80901

Email: csc@cschorale.org