Job Title: General Manager

Classification: Part-Time Independent Contractor
Location: Chicago, IL (hybrid)
Reports to: Board of Directors and Artistic Director
Starting Date: Immediate

Summary
The Lakeview Orchestra is seeking a highly organized and efficient part-time general manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization, including marketing, fundraising, bookkeeping, and concert production. The successful candidate will work closely with the Artistic Director and the Board of Directors to manage all administrative and operational aspects of the orchestra.

Hours
This is a part-time position with a semi-flexible schedule of approximately 12-15 hours per week. Tuesday evenings and occasional Sundays are required. 

Compensation
$18,000–$23,000 annually, commensurate with experience. The position does not include healthcare, retirement, or other fringe benefits.

Skills Required

• Self-starter who takes initiative with a “Fail Fast, Learn Fast” mentality

• Thorough technical proficiency with various apps including: Google Workspace (Mail, Calendar, Drive), NeonCRM, Canva, Squarespace, and common social media platforms (Facebook Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok)

• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and graphic communication skills, including the ability to produce compelling marketing copy, engaging social media content, effective fundraising materials (including grant applications and reports), public speaking, website management, and graphic design (posters, social media content)

• Ability to timely and effectively manage projects, including deadlines, workflows, and personnel (including volunteers)

• Knowledge of and/or willingness to learn about orchestral music (composers, works, styles, etc.)

Apply
To apply, please email your resume to apply+generalmanager@lakevieworchestra.org. Applications are open until the position is filled.

Roles & Responsibilities

Communications & Marketing

• Act as the front-line communicator for Lakeview Orchestra, responding to all patron inquiries in a timely manner, and liaising with various third-party organizations (chambers of commerce, City of Chicago, Illinois Council of Orchestras, etc.)

• Manage and execute an annual communications plan designed to drive ticket sales and patron engagement

• Oversee the planning and development of all materials used to support the orchestra’s events and activities, including brochures, print ads, posters and signs, web and social media ads, email communications, website, and program books

• Assist in the development of ticket pricing strategies and policies that fulfill revenue goals, and conduct audience and market research as needed

Fundraising

• Manage and execute annual fundraising campaigns, including prospect research and identification, major gift solicitations, annual fund / direct marketing solicitations, peer-to-peer fundraising, program ad sales and corporate sponsorships, and grants

• Facilitate donor stewardship activities including timely gift acknowledgments, grant reporting, delegating thank you tasks to board members and other team members as appropriate, special events, and other donor benefits and privileges

• Serve as primary administrator of NeonCRM, the orchestra’s customer relationship management system and database, to ensure pristinely accurate data and record-keeping

• Assist in the development of fundraising strategies, researching fundraising opportunities and best practices

 
Administration and Financial Management

• Serve as the primary bookkeeper for Lakeview Orchestra, providing regular reports to the Board of Directors, and ensuring all financial transactions are recorded accurately and timely

• Manage all contracts and financial obligations of the orchestra to ensure compliance and timely payment

• Assist in the creation of the orchestra’s annual budget

• Assist with the general administration of the organization as needed, including all government filings (local, state, and federal), insurance, and audit requirements

 Concert Production

• Act as primary liaison with the orchestra’s rehearsal and performance venues, ensuring scheduling and reservation of spaces, and all other venue-related needs

• Assist the conductor in identifying and securing musicians for each concert cycle, including regular volunteer members of the Lakeview Orchestra, substitutes, and paid guests; facilitate regular auditions in coordination with the Artistic Director

• Facilitate communications between orchestra leadership and musicians, including distribution of rehearsal schedules and sheet music

• Manage volunteers and venue staff to set up and strike equipment for rehearsals and performances (chairs, stands, risers, etc.)

Request for Proposals (RFP)
Third-Party Nonprofit Management Services for Lakeview Orchestra

1. Overview
Lakeview Orchestra, a volunteer-driven symphonic orchestra based in Chicago, IL, is seeking a mission-aligned nonprofit partner to provide light-touch operational management services through a competitive contract. This Request for Proposals (RFP) outlines the scope of services needed, desired qualifications, and application process.

2. About Lakeview Orchestra
Founded in 2013, Lakeview Orchestra is recognized as one of Chicago's premier non-professional orchestras. We present five core concerts per season with a vibrant volunteer musician base, offering innovative, accessible symphonic programming. Lakeview has a strong and engaged board of directors, a healthy operating reserve, and a loyal base of supporters.

3. Objective
Lakeview Orchestra is exploring a new administrative model to support its next chapter of growth and sustainability. Rather than hiring a single part-time General Manager, we seek to partner with a mission-aligned nonprofit that can provide distributed operational support through a team-based approach.

This arrangement would involve a flat-rate contract, with responsibilities shared across the partner organization’s staff according to their strengths. We believe this structure offers greater stability, efficiency, and continuity as invest in our long-term capacity.

4. Scope of Services
The scope of work is structured to be manageable and scalable, and can be tailored to fit the partner organization’s existing systems and staffing. Core services include the following functional areas:

Communications & Marketing

• Act as front-line communicator with patrons and external partners

• Manage an annual communications plan to drive ticket sales and engagement

• Develop and oversee materials to support orchestra events (e.g. flyers, ads, posters, programs, web and social media content, email communications)
  

Fundraising Operations

• Support annual fundraising campaigns (major gifts, annual fund, peer-to-peer, program ads, sponsorships, grants) in conjunction with the organization's development committee

• Facilitate donor stewardship (acknowledgments, reports, events, board member engagement)

• Serve as primary administrator of NeonCRM, ensuring accurate data and recordkeeping
  

Administration and Financial Management

• Serve as bookkeeper; provide regular financial reports to the board using QuickBooks

• Manage contracts and financial obligations to ensure compliance and timely payment

• Assist in creating the annual operating budget

• Assist Board Treasurer with general administration, including government filings, insurance, and audit preparation

Concert, Rehearsal, and Audition Production Support

• Serve as liaison with rehearsal and performance and rehearsal venues; handle scheduling and logistical needs

• Coordinate annual auditions and musician hiring (volunteers, subs, guests), in collaboration with Artistic Director

• Via email and intranet site, distribute rehearsal schedules and sheet music; communicate with orchestra leadership and musicians

• Manage setup/strike of equipment for rehearsals and concerts (chairs, stands, risers)

5. Contract and Budget
The selected organization will enter into a 12-month contract for a flat monthly fee starting at $1,800 (final amount to be determined based on scope). Services are expected to begin in Fall 2025. The contract may be renewed annually upon mutual agreement and satisfactory performance. A 3-month probationary period may be included.

6. Proposal Requirements
Interested nonprofit organizations should submit a proposal including:

• Organization overview and relevant experience

• Key staff who would contribute and their roles

• Description of how the work would be managed and delivered

• Two references from vendors/partners

7. Submission Process
Please submit proposals electronically to apply+generalmanager@lakevieworchestra.org no later than August 22, 2025. Questions may also be directed to the same address.

8. Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following:

• Organizational alignment with Lakeview’s mission

• Strength and relevance of proposed staff

• Demonstrated ability to manage the outlined scope of services

• Cost-effectiveness and feasibility

• References