Join our Board of Directors

HCL seeks board members interested in shaping the future of our organization.

Apply by July 31 to join the board in September 2024.

High Concept Lab’s Board of Directors is seeking inspired new members to help provide active, forward-thinking leadership of the organization in service of its mission.

This is a terrific opportunity for an individual who is familiar with our work and passionate about HCL’s mission and the artistic practices supported by HCL. We seek strategic thinkers, artists, arts advocates, and representatives from a variety of professional fields and backgrounds to support the organization’s many goals, among them that we remain equitable, inclusive, wide-reaching and support artists’ experimentation in the interest of lasting creative growth. The HCL board is a great way to connect with Chicago’s vibrant arts and culture community.

The HCL Board is a group of up to nine people with a range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds who reflect the artists and communities we serve, with one member of HCL’s Artistic Advisory Council serving in a dedicated representative position. HCL is committed to racial equity and accessibility. We are seeking individuals committed to working towards our mission within a framework of anti-racism, inclusion, accessibility and belonging.

We look forward to hearing from you if you are interested in:

  • Participating in the governance of a non-profit organization;

  • Increasing interconnectivity among Chicago arts organizations;

  • Envisioning and bringing about a future where more artists are well-resourced;

  • Expanding visibility and opportunity for artists;

  • Expanding where art gets made and seen in Chicago

  • The creative development process of artists across disciplines;

  • Learning the ins and outs of how nonprofits work in our current economic landscape and identifying as well as executing effective paths forward.

Key Responsibilities

Stewardship:

  • Collaborate with staff and board members to develop and implement organizational objectives

  • Interpret the organization's work and values;

  • Serve and represent HCL stakeholders through annual budget processes, business decisions, and strategic goals;

  • Contribute to ongoing work towards equity, inclusion, and anti-racism;

  • Stay informed about current programming;

  • Provide oversight of and support to executive leadership;

  • If needed, attend Legal & Fiduciary Responsibilities training upon commencement of the first board term.

Outreach & Development:

  • Promote and attend a variety of public programs and fundraising events;

  • Represent the organization and act as a spokesperson within your network;

  • Extend personal invitations to potential supporters, continually expanding our network of donors;

  • Grow partnerships and relationships with external communities when able; 

  • Commit to an annual financial contribution of an amount that is personally significant to you (a $250 minimum donation is encouraged). 

Consultation and Expertise:

  • Attend and actively participate in Board and committee meetings.. 

  • Support HCL through professional expertise and consultation. 

Time Commitment & Structure

  • Average time commitment is 4-10 hours per month, including attending events. 

  • The initial board term is one year. Subsequent terms are two years and renewable.

  • Board meetings are held monthly, either virtually from 5:00–6:30 pm or in person from 5:30-7:00 pm.

  • An Annual Meeting will include the Board of Directors, staff, and Artistic Advisory Council to reflect upon the past year and strategically look ahead.

  • Directors are encouraged to consider officer positions and join ad hoc committees. 

  • HCL seeks to nurture a strong community among its leadership, artists, and audiences. Attendance at any additional social gatherings is encouraged. 

How to Apply

Send an email with the following to apply@highconceptlabs.org:  

  • A letter to regarding your interest in joining the HCL Board of Directors and your connection to our work, mission, and values;

  • A resume, CV, bio, website, or LinkedIn profile that summarizes qualifications.

Please apply by July 31 to join the board in September. Following this annual open call, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The Selection Process

Priority will be given to applicants who have professional experience in areas of need to the organization such as finance, meeting facilitation, project management, governance, public relations, data assessment, and the performing arts. Additionally, High Concept Labs is committed to having a diverse board of directors in regards to race, ethnicity, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, and physical ability.

Compelling candidates will be invited to meet with representatives of the HCL Board. Finalists will be presented to the Board for a vote, with invitations to join the board extended immediately following.