Board Treasurer

Summary of Organization

History and Background

The Milwaukee Choristers, an auditioned, mixed-voice chorus, are seeking a new Board Treasurer as our current treasurer is retiring after more than a dozen years. The Milwaukee Choristers came into being in November 1933, when nearly 20 graduates of Milwaukee’s Riverside High School A Cappella Choir decided to continue singing under the direction of their high school conductor, Ellen Sargeant. Dorothy Royt, Donald Mohr, Roger Tweiten, Mark Aamot, and B.H. Diekhoff have also previously served as music directors. Since 1993, the chorus has been led by Dr. James B. Kinchen, Jr., Professor and Director of Choral Arts at UW-Parkside. Artistic staff also include an assistant music director and a collaborative accompanist. The organization is governed by an 8-member board of directors comprising a working board with direct responsibilities.

Our Community Programming

The Milwaukee Choristers perform Christmas and Spring concerts in December and April each year. Having been formed by high school choir alumni, we have a special affinity for young singers. In 2021, we launched the James B. Kinchen, Jr. Roots Young Singers Apprenticeship Program to mentor high school and college students, providing successfully auditioned students with a cash stipend and full membership in the choir during their tenure, at no cost to them (value $1000). The Choristers also enjoy performing locally, regionally, and nationally with other community organizations. In 2025, we collaborated with the Concord Chamber Choir to present our Christmas concert at the Saber Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin, WI.

Commitment to Diversity

With an average of 75-90 active, singing members per season, aged 16 and up, the Choristers provide a supportive, welcoming atmosphere for anyone interested in choral music. We value the wealth of diversity reflected in our members, audiences, and communities. We celebrate all members for the strength their individual uniqueness, perspectives and lived experiences bring to our organization. We acknowledge that this is a journey. We commit to finding new ways to ensure inclusive and equitable opportunities and experiences for everyone. As we prepare for our 94th season, our vision remains strong: to be a vibrant and inclusive chorus, advancing the finest of the choral arts and inspiring audiences in Southeast Wisconsin and beyond.

Summary of Position

The Board Treasurer has a vital role in overseeing the financial health and accountability of the Milwaukee Choristers. This appointed position ensures that the organization maintains strong financial practices and priorities that ensure the Choristers’ ability to fulfill it’s mission of sharing rich, diverse, and artistically excellent choral experiences that bring together our members, audiences, and communities.

• General board officer responsibilities include attending monthly meetings, sub-committee involvement as necessary, and giving monthly reports for board review.
• Bookkeeping and tax compliance are critical duties of the Treasurer. 
• The Treasurer is a non-voting, appointed officer of the Board. Appointment is renewable annually with satisfactory performance.
• Our fiscal year runs August 1-July 31.
• The Board meets monthly August through November, and January through May, with occasional ad hoc meetings as needed. A remote option is available for all attendees.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial oversight and guidance to the board
• Bookkeeping, including payroll, tax remittances, and required tax filings and registrations
• Review and present financial reports, budgets, and forecasts in a clear, accessible way
• Manage related operations, including the concert ticket sales process and maintaining proper insurance coverage
• Monitor organizational financial performance and flag risks or concerns
• Support the development and approval of the annual budget
• Ensure appropriate financial controls, policies, and compliance with nonprofit regulations
• Advise on long-term financial planning, sustainability, and funding strategy

Ideal Qualifications

• Background in finance, accounting, or related field
• Experience with nonprofit financial management software preferred (Quickbooks)
• Ability to translate financial information for non-financial board members
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to transparency and accountability
• Alignment with the Milwaukee Choristers’ mission and values
• Board members do not need to be singing members of the choir, but are welcome to audition (season auditions are in mid-August)

Time Commitment

12-15 hours per month, including board meetings

Compensation

This is board-appointed volunteer officer position in which your skills, knowledge, and experience will truly make a significant contribution to our small budget, 93-year-old performing arts organization.