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Executive Director Qualifications

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Executive Director Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Experience being a volunteer
  • Minimum of five years of residency in the Syracuse/Wawasee area
  • Minimum of five years active in Syracuse/Wawasee community organizations
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Willing to make a 3-year commitment
  • MS Office software skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or similar

Preferred Qualifications

  • Financial management skills – work with the Finance and Development Teams to develop, monitor and manage the annual budget.
  • Possesses a coaching leadership style; team player who is willing to be involved in the work of the organization
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, build and leverage teamwork within Chautauqua-Wawasee, and partnerships with like-minded community organizations
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Total Rewards

  • Exceptional work/life culture
  • Part-time position initially
  • Estimated average of 15 hours a week for the first 12 months; some weeks more, some less
  • Flexibility, with an office available but not required, and a remote work option
  • Chautauqua-Wawasee provides a personal computer, software and phone
  • Learning and development
  • Autonomy and growth

The Executive Director reports to the President of Chautauqua-Wawasee.

Interested in learning more about this position? Contact Judy Pursley at judemimi@comcast.net or Mark Knecht at mknecht@chqw.org.

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Chautauqua-Wawasee | Seeking an Executive Director

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Executive Director

Important Requirements and Job Description

Chautauqua-Wawasee Organization

Founded in 2014, the Chautauqua-Wawasee organization operates as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation.

Our mission is to provide life-enriching experiences with the goal of making Syracuse and the region a great place to visit, live, work and raise a family. The organization is governed by a 10-member Board of Directors, which provides leadership and strategic direction while accomplishing its work through a system of operating committees, including Development, Finance, Marketing, Governance and Program.

Marketing does the promotion and marketing for all programs and of the organization.

The Executive Director serves as the organization’s chief impact officer, translating the mission into measurable results while overseeing daily operations, staff and volunteers. The Executive Director must balance financial sustainability with mission-driven goals, ensuring programs are effective and resources are well-managed.

Along with the President, he/she is the public face of the organization, representing it to donors, community partners and the media. The position will start as a part-time requirement and grow to full-time over a 2- to 3-year period. The Executive Director will report to the Board President, who will establish specific objectives to assess performance.

Chautauqua-Wawasee is seeking a person who will:

  1. Start as a part-time paid contributor and grow into the full-time strategic leader of the organization.
  2. Grow the organization to the next level via fundraising, volunteers and programs, with fundraising as the initial priority.
  3. Be supported by the Board of Directors and five operating committees/teams who are responsible for Marketing, Programs, Governance, Financial Management and Development.

Required Criteria

  • The Executive Director must reside/be local to Syracuse nine months of the year.
  • The Executive Director must know the Syracuse and Wawasee community.
  • Many in the community should know the Executive Director.
  • The Executive Director should have a passion for community service.
  • The Executive Director must be willing to make a minimum 2- to 3-year commitment.
  • The Executive Director must be capable of fundraising from individuals, businesses and grant sources.
  • The Executive Director must fit the Chautauqua-Wawasee culture: caring, collaborative, team-driven, appreciative and welcoming of others.
  • The Executive Director must understand and appreciate Chautauqua-Wawasee’s mission and goals.
  • Experience as a volunteer, ideally with a nonprofit organization.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS.

Interested in learning more about this position? Contact Judy Pursley at judemimi@comcast.net or Mark Knecht at mknecht@chqw.org.

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Ann Strong Inducted into Chautauqua-Wawasee Emeritus Board

Ann Strong Inducted into Chautauqua-Wawasee’s Emeritus Board

Chautauqua-Wawasee proudly announces the induction of long-time Lake Wawasee resident Ann Strong into the organization’s Emeritus Board. Ann’s leadership, vision, and years of service have been central to the development and growth of Chautauqua-Wawasee since its founding in 2011.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Board President Mark Knecht and Board Member Larry Lane recently presented Ann with a clock, symbolizing the time, dedication, and commitment she has given to Chautauqua-Wawasee. Her induction into the Emeritus Board is a fitting tribute to the lasting impact she has made on the organization and the Syracuse community.

Ann’s Vision for Chautauqua-Wawasee

After visiting the Chautauqua Institution in New York, which was founded in 1874 as a Methodist church camp and built on four foundational pillars (arts, education, religion, and recreation), Ann envisioned bringing a similar organization to Syracuse, based at Oakwood Park.

Oakwood Park’s History and Transition

With the philanthropic commitment of Howard Brembeck, in 1993 the Oakwood Foundation received Oakwood Park’s hotel and other properties, continuing Oakwood Park’s tradition as a recreational, cultural, and spiritual retreat center. However, after the Foundation fell upon difficult financial times and entered receivership, a new chapter began.

The Founding of Chautauqua-Wawasee

It was during this period that the Oakwood Park tradition found new life with the creation of Chautauqua-Wawasee. In 2008, Ann set in motion three years of dedicated planning with the support of the receiver. Her vision became a reality in 2011, when Chautauqua-Wawasee officially launched its first programs for the community.

Ann’s Continuing Impact

Ann served as the founder and chairman of Chautauqua-Wawasee beginning in 2011. Following the organization’s merger with the Oakwood Foundation in 2014, she continued to serve as a member of the Board of Directors, contributing her leadership and guidance to the organization’s development.

In 2014, following the organization’s merger with the Oakwood Foundation, Chautauqua-Wawasee expanded its programming and outreach with the support of Ian Rolland and the Rex Parent family. Their contributions helped strengthen Chautauqua-Wawasee’s mission to make Syracuse and the surrounding region a wonderful place to visit, live, work, and raise a family.

Today, the organization remains committed to the four pillars that shaped Ann’s original vision, offering programs throughout the year that promote the arts, encourage education, strengthen faith, and support recreation in the community.

Chautauqua-Wawasee has an exciting lineup of programs planned for 2025, continuing our tradition of celebrating arts, education, faith, and recreation. We invite you to explore all of this year’s events HERE, and why not consider joining us as a volunteer to help bring these experiences to life?  Sign up to volunteer, HERE. 

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Reflections as a Ball State Singer-by Devin Van Lue, WHS Graduate

Devin Van Lue-Reflections by a Ball State Singer

Reflections as a Ball State Singer By Devin Van Lue, WHS Graduate

Gratitude for the Journey

As I reflect on my time with the Ball State Singers, I am filled with gratitude for the ways this experience has shaped me—not only as a musician but also as a leader and as a person. From the first rehearsal to this final performance, the Ball State Singers have been a place of faith, hope, laughter, and love, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of this group.

More Than Just Music

A Community of Support

When I first joined the Singers, I came with a deep love for music, but I quickly learned that this group was much more than a place to sing—it was a community. Each member brings something unique. Over time, I realized that the Ball State Singers were about more than just rehearsals and performances; they were about building relationships and supporting one another, both on and off the stage. We laughed together, faced challenges together, and celebrated each other’s successes.

It’s a place where faith in one another’s abilities and a shared sense of hope in our goals allowed us to achieve far more than we ever could alone.

Growing Through Leadership Roles

Through my time with the Singers, I’ve had the privilege of growing into leadership roles that have helped shape who I am today. Starting as Outreach Coordinator, I learned to organize, communicate, and build connections. This role helped me see the importance of bridging the gap between the group and the community.

I transitioned into the role of Assistant Company Manager, where I gained more responsibility and a deeper understanding of what it takes to keep everything running smoothly. Now, as Company Manager, I’ve had the honor of working closely with the team, making sure everything from rehearsals to performances is executed flawlessly.

These leadership opportunities have pushed me to grow, and I am forever grateful for the trust and confidence my fellow Singers have shown me.

Living by Faith, Hope, and Love

In addition to leadership, the values of faith, hope, and love have been central to my journey. I’ve learned that leadership is about inspiring others and creating an environment where everyone feels supported and valued. There is a deep faith and hope that every performance will reflect our collective effort, and a love for the music and the people we share it with.

These values have guided me through every challenge and triumph, both in the group and in my own life.

A Meaningful Final Performance

This year holds special meaning for me, as it marks one of my final performances with the Ball State Singers at my alma mater, Wawasee High School. Performing here, where my love for music began, is a full-circle moment I’ll treasure. It reminds me of how far I’ve come and the powerful impact that music, community, and leadership have had on me.

Carrying the Memories Forward

As I take the stage one last time, I’ll carry with me all the lessons, memories, and relationships I’ve gained through the Ball State Singers. The laughter, faith, hope, and love we’ve shared will stay with me long after my final performance. I’ll forever be grateful.

Chautauqua-Wawasee presents the Ball State Singers
Sunday, Feb. 16, 3:30 – 5 PM at Wawasee High School.
For complete details and tickets, click HERE.

(For your convenience, you may also purchase tickets at the door on the afternoon of the performance!)

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