Executive Director

For 40 seasons, Heartland Men’s Chorus Kansas City has used the power of music to build community, celebrate pride, and empower authenticity. With over 140 TTBB singers and more than 5,000 patrons annually, HMCKC is the largest LGBTQIA+ nonprofit performing arts organization in the Midwest.

As our current Executive Director retires at the end of our 40th season, HMCKC is looking for a strategic and collaborative Executive Director, in partnership with the Artistic Director, to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and impact.

The Executive Director will lead the strategic, fundraising, fiscal management, operational, and governance side of HMCKC’s work, assisted by a full-time Operations Manager and professionals providing expertise in accounting, social media and communications, and design and branding. The ideal candidate is a strategic and hands-on leader who can turn vision into action, strengthen systems, and cultivate lasting relationships with donors, partners, and audiences.

The successful applicant will have 5+ years in nonprofit or arts leadership with demonstrated success in fund development. You should be systems-savvy (CRM, ticketing, accounting, and communications), a confident financial manager, and a clear, relational communicator with a passion for performing arts organizations and experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community.

Position Description

The Executive Director (ED) of Heartland Men’s Chorus, Kansas City (HMCKC) provides strategic and operational leadership for one of the region’s most visible and respected LGBTQ non-profit performing arts organizations. In partnership with the Artistic Director and the Board of Directors, the ED advances the mission of using the power of music to build community, celebrate pride, and empower authenticity.

Essential Functions
1. Strategic & Organizational Leadership

• Guide implementation of the Chorus’s strategic plan and long-term vision.
• Foster a healthy, inclusive organizational culture that supports collaboration.
• Supervise and support a small professional staff and key volunteers to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Strengthen internal systems, policies, and communications to support efficient, mission driven work.

2. Development & External Resources

• Lead comprehensive fundraising efforts across individual giving, sponsorships, foundation and grant support, and special events.
• Lead planning and execution of major fundraising events, including the annual Evening of Note, donor receptions, and community benefit events. Cultivate relationships with donors, community partners, and sponsors that grow engagement and investment.
• Serve as a primary ambassador for HMCKC, representing the Chorus at civic and arts events and within the GALA Choruses network.

3. Financial & Administrative Management 

• Oversee budgeting, cash flow, and financial reporting in collaboration with the Finance Committee and accountant. Grow the organization’s financial position to expand programmatic opportunities and impact.
• Ensure fiscal responsibility, compliance, and timely reporting to the Board and funders.
• Maintain strong coordination between administrative and artistic functions.

4. Marketing, Public Relations, & Audience Development

• Shape external communications in partnership with the Artistic Director and with the assistance of Communications and Brand Management staff.
• Oversee strategies that grow audiences, deepen engagement, and reflect HMCKC’s values of inclusion and artistic excellence.
• Guide marketing, ticketing, and digital communication efforts to expand HMCKC’s reach.

5. Board Relations 

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, providing and receiving information, insight, and recommendation.
• Support Board recruitment, training, and committee work to strengthen governance and strategic alignment.

Qualifications Required

• Minimum five years of leadership experience in nonprofit, arts, or cultural management. Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor cultivation, and relationship management.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, reporting, and fiscal oversight. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities with creativity, clarity, and accountability.
• Bachelor’s degree required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of and passion for performing arts organizations and choral music.
• Experience working within or with LGBTQ communities and GALA choruses.
• Familiarity with CRM, ticketing, and office productivity platforms.
• Advanced degree in arts administration, nonprofit management, or business.

Position Details - $85,000-$95,000 | Start Date: July 1, 2026
This full-time exempt role includes frequent evening and weekend commitments for rehearsals, performances, meetings, and community events. The position is based in Kansas City with some flexibility for Kansas City-based remote work.

Benefits include paid holidays and culture days, health insurance stipend, retirement match, and mobile phone assistance.

HMCKC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging where all individuals are valued and respected.
 

HOW TO APPLY: Send us a resume and cover letter highlighting your qualifications for the position and experience in the five essential functions:

• Strategic & Organizational Leadership
• Development & Resources
• Financial & Administrative Management
• Marketing, Public Relations, & Audience Development
• Board Relations

Submissions should be emailed as PDF attachments to EDsearch@hmckc.org. Review of applications will be made on a rolling basis through January 5, 2026.