Senior Director of Performing Arts

Elgin Community College serves over 9,000 students at every stage of their educational journeys, including university transfer programs, career and technical education, continuing education classes, and adult basic education. As a community, we pride ourselves on nurturing a welcoming campus where every person—students, staff members, faculty members, and campus visitors—feels valued. The work of each ECC employee is central to the college’s mission, and as an employer, the college fosters a positive environment through professional challenges, excellent benefits, and opportunities for recognition and camaraderie.

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

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.

• 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

Exempt

No

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.

• 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…