Greater Madison Jazz Consortium Seeks Special Events Consultant

ANNOUNCEMENT: GREATER MADISON JAZZ CONSORTIUM SEEKS SPECIAL EVENTS CONSULTANT

The Greater Madison Jazz Consortium (GMJC) seeks a talented professional to plan, organize, and coordinate implementation and evaluation of special fundraising events.  GMJC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit coalition of presenting organizations, educational institutions, supportive media, and individuals working to create a more vibrant and sustainable local jazz scene.  Founded in October 2012, our goals, current programs and activities are attached to this announcement.  Special event fundraising is one component of our wide-ranging efforts to develop a diversified and sustainable base of support.  At the moment, grants provide the greatest share (69%) of our current operating budget (2015-16) of $126,800, and we aim to reduce that share to less than 50% next year.

Primary Responsibilities of the Special Events Consultant.  The Consultant’s work will focus, but not necessarily be limited to, the following events.

  • 2017 MLK Holiday Weekend fundraiser at The Cardinal Bar.  For the past two years, the Cardinal Bar has hosted a fundraising concert for the Jazz Consortium on the Sunday of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, featuring performances by local jazz musicians/bands.  Our Special Events consultant will be responsible for overall coordination, conduct, and evaluation of the event, including recruiting and coordinating the efforts of Consortium volunteers, working collaboratively with GMJC Program Development and Production Consultant Nick Moran (who books the event’s performers) and Cardinal Bar owner Ricardo Gonzalez (who provides free use of his facility and contributes to event promotion).  Our goal for the 2017 event is net income of $1,500.
  • Major Public Fundraising Event.  In May 2016, Full Compass hosted a major fundraising concert for the Jazz Consortium starring world-class vocalist Kevin Mahogany, the Johannes Wallmann Quartet, and the UW Latin Jazz Ensemble.  Full Compass will once again host a major fundraiser for the Consortium in Summer 2017, with a goal of $30,000 in net income.  Our consultant will be responsible for organizing, promoting, conducting, and evaluating this event, including recruiting and coordinating the work of volunteers and other key participants (including any featured performers), coordinating efforts with Full Compass staff and the Consortium board, managing event finances, etc.
  • Private Fundraising Receptions.  For the past two years, the Jazz Consortium has held a series of fundraising receptions in the homes of our supporters.  They have typically featured performances by local jazz musicians, and have included a brief presentation about the Consortium and a pitch for support.  Our Special Events consultant will work with the event host to plan, conduct and evaluate the event, including scheduling, developing the invitation list, producing and disseminating the invitations, booking the musicians, arranging for refreshments and piano tuning (if needed).  Depending on the size of the home, our net income goal for these receptions is typically in the $1,000 – $2,00 range, and we’d like to hold 3-4 of these events before 9/30/17.

Desired Qualifications and Attributes

  • At least 3 years of conceiving and organizing engaging and successful large- and small-scale fundraising events
  • High degree of professionalism (well-organized with excellent attention to detail, , sensitivity and integrity, excellent oral and written communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to quickly build rapport with people in all social and professional strata, ability to work effectively with volunteers, committees and boards, ability to be self-directed in work, ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting)
  • Expertise in use of social media
  • Familiarity with, and passion for, jazz music

Hours/Schedule

Flexible hours/schedule as required to complete the work in a satisfactory manner

Compensation

Negotiable

Payment for services may be based on milestones achieved, hours worked (at a negotiated hourly rate), flat rate for each event, or other mutually-agreeable method

Contract Period

Through 9/30/17, with opportunity for renewal based on performance and funding available to the Jazz Consortium

Employment Status.

The Special Events Consultant shall be an independent contractor, not an employee of the Jazz Consortium.

Application Process and Timetable

  • Application deadline is day’s end Friday, Thursday, October 13, 2016.
  • The application consists of a professional resume, with references, with special attention to your prior special event organizing work, and a letter (a) explaining how your skills and past experiences align with the Special Events Consultant’s responsibilities and the desired qualification and attributes for this consultancy, and (b) indicating your proposed fee for these services.
  • Applications must be submitted via email to Gary Poulson, Chair, Greater Madison Jazz Consortium, garypoulson@gmail.com.

Questions and More Information

  • Contact Howard Landsman, Board Treasurer, (608) 244-0311, hlandsman@tds.net
  • Request the Jazz Consortium’s 2015 Annual Report from Mr. Landsman.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

In the conduct of all aspects of its business, the Greater Madison Jazz Consortium does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, gender, sexual preference, national origin or ancestry, handicap, marital status, income level or source of income, arrest or conviction record, less than honorable discharge, physical appearance, gender identity, political beliefs, or student status.

Board of Directors

Gary Poulson
Midwest Gypsy Swing Fest
Chairman

Johannes Wallmann
University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Music
Vice Chairman

Laurie Fellenz
Madison Metropolitan School District Arts Education
Secretary

Howard Landsman
At-Large Member
Treasurer

Steve Braunginn
WORT-FM

Gerri DiMaggio
At-Large Member

Mike Kernats
Madison Jazz Society

José Madera
At-Large Member

Ralph Russo
Wisconsin Union Theater

Chris Wagoner
Madison Music Collective

Consultant Team

Susan Fox
Nonprofit Partnerships

Nick Moran
Program Development and Production

Darren Sterud
Venue Development

Doug White
K-8 Programs

Madison Jazz Society  |  Madison Music Collective  |  WORT-FM | Midwest Gypsy Swing Fest  |  University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Music  |  Madison Metropolitan School District Arts Education

 

OUR MISSION

The Greater Madison Jazz Consortium is a community-supported coalition of presenting organizations, educational institutions, supportive media, and individuals working to create a more vibrant and sustainable local jazz scene.

OUR GOALS

  • Create a more supportive climate for our local jazz musicians and venues
  • Expand and diversify the local jazz audience
  • Cultivate the next generation of jazz musicians and fans
  • Attract more top-flight touring jazz musicians to perform in Greater Madison

CURRENT PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

  • Strollin’ “Jazz Crawl” Series in Neighborhood Commercial Districts
  • K-8 Guest Artist Program in Madison district schools
  • Jazz Education Partnerships with Local Nonprofits (Goodman Community Center, Madison Opera)
  • “InDIGenous Jazz” Performance Series, showcasing music composed and performed by local jazz musicians
  • Artistic Development Grant Program, offering funds to local jazz musicians to create engaging new works
  • Venue Development Pilot program, offering professional consulting and transitional financial support to local venues to launch or expand their live jazz programming
  • Online Event Calendar and Website for the Jazz Community (www.jazzinmadison.org)
  • Free Monthly E-newsletter