Executive and Artistic Director: Fontana Chamber Arts

Organization Overview
Fontana Chamber Arts , based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is seeking its next Executive and Artistic Director. Nationally recognized for its artistic vision, Fontana presents a diverse range of acclaimed artists across classical, contemporary, and jazz genres. Each season, Fontana offers a mainstage concert series of 4–6 performances from September through May, presented in both traditional and alternative venues. The organization also engages in meaningful community and educational outreach.

Position Description

The Executive and Artistic Director is responsible for the overall management and artistic leadership of Fontana. This includes developing and implementing programming, outreach, educational partnerships, and internships in collaboration with local schools, colleges, and community organizations.

The Director reports to the Board of Directors and works closely with the Board and staff to realize Fontana’s artistic and organizational goals within the annual budget framework. The position supervises all staff (currently part-time roles covering accounting, outreach, grant writing, operations, and other key functions).

This is a part-time position (approximately 25–30 hours per week), with additional time commitments during performance periods.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college
• Appreciation for chamber music
• Relevant experience in arts administration
• Familiarity with standard office productivity tools such as Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
• Willingness to reside in the Kalamazoo area

Key Areas of Responsibility

Artistic Direction

• Supporting both traditional and innovative musical offerings
• Collaborating with staff and the Artistic Committee to develop programming for the annual series of 4–6 mainstage concerts
• Collaborating with staff and the Outreach Committee to develop educational and community engagement initiatives with partners and visiting

Development & Fundraising

• Creating an annual development plan and presenting it to the Board
• Cultivating strong relationships with corporate donors, major donors, and foundation partners
• Coordinating effective fundraising appeals and stewardship communications
• Pursuing sponsorships with corporations, small businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations

Board Relations

• Meeting monthly with the Executive Committee to provide timely updates
• Preparing materials for Board and Committee meetings
• Communicating essential information promptly to Board leadership

Finance & Budget

• Collaborating with staff and the Finance Committee to create the annual budget for Board approval
• Overseeing day-to-day financial operations, record-keeping, and compliance
• Securing a qualified audit firm and coordinating the annual audit presentation

Marketing

• Collaborating with staff and the Marketing Committee to develop and execute the annual marketing plan
• Overseeing promotional materials for concerts and fundraising
• Building relationships with local media and securing coverage for events and outreach
• Ensuring regular newsletters, social media updates, and website maintenance

Administration & Planning

• Hiring, supervising, and evaluating employees
• Contracting with artists and performance venues
• Maintaining accessible and well-organized institutional records
• Collaborating with the Board to develop a comprehensive strategic plan
• Presenting an annual evaluation of artistic and financial outcomes
• Completing additional mutually agreed-upon duties in discussion with the Board

Compensation

Starting salary: $50,000–$55,000 , commensurate with qualifications.

To Apply

Submit a cover letter and résumé to  April Woodward-Slack at [email protected] .

Materials are due  January 30, 2026, at noon (EST) for initial consideration.

If you believe you are a strong match for this role but do not meet every listed qualification, we encourage you to still apply; we will be happy to review your material.

Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person