Jobs

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The South Coast Chorale seeks an innovative, passionate, and experienced leader to serve as its next Artistic Director to help promote and sustain its mission and growth into our 35th Anniversary season and beyond. 

The Artistic Director reports to the Board of Directors and will be responsible for creating, strategizing, and implementing the Chorale’s artistic vision. Proven choral conducting abilities, knowledge of choral repertoire, and successful planning and execution of concerts within a wide range of musical repertoires and styles are essential. The successful candidate will have highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, be able to inspire and motivate chorus members, serve as an official representative to the community at large and be adept at interfacing with both board members and donors. 

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: 

Artistic 

• Plan an annual performance season consisting of at least two major performances
• Develop/select concert themes and topics that support the Chorale’s mission, brand and artistic vision 
• In partnership with the Board of Directors, plan and implement concert production needs
• Secure performance rights, music licenses and other required permissions as needed
• Procure and distribute any necessary printed or arranged music to chorus members and musicians 
• Create and maintain the annual rehearsal schedule for each season’s performances and community outreach events 
• Convene and manage all regular and special rehearsals in preparation for any and all performances 
• Establish and maintain artistic standards and quality for concerts and appearances
• Provide direction pertaining to concert attire/costumes 
• Conduct auditions for new singers, as needed 
• Audition and select soloists for performances 
• Arrange/acquire band/orchestra charts or engage necessary resources
• Maintain membership and participate in professional choral organizations such as GALA, ACDA and Chorus America 

Strategy & Development 

• In partnership with the Board, establish guidelines and member standards that help maintain accountabilities and ensure members adhere to organizational Mission & Values
• Identify opportunities to advance the Chorale’s strategic goals 
• Establish and assess benchmarks with Board and Staff 
• Support strategic planning at the Board level 

Operations & Oversight 

• Report to the Board, attend Board meetings and provide a monthly report
• Supervise and evaluate artistic staff (Principal Accompanist and Section Leaders), guest artists, instrumentalists and other artistic contractors 
• Maintain timely communication between staff, artists, venues, and contractors
• Work with the Board to establish an annual operating budget and operating plan, to meet organizational goals 
• Work with Chorale committees and perform other duties as directed by the Board
• Assist with writing narratives for concert projects, grants and sponsorships
• Assist with member grievances and any disciplinary or attendance issues
• Attend and provide input for the Chorale’s Annual Membership Meeting 

Communications 

• Represent the Chorale to the public and media 
• Provide input for promotional campaigns 
• Review community performance requests and determine involvement 

WHO YOU ARE: 

Individuality is celebrated at the South Coast Chorale, and the Artistic Director should have a well-rounded set of musical and non-musical competencies that bring a unique perspective to the organization. 

• Self-driven – get things done and meet deadlines without regular oversight
• People person – find joy in collaboration and working with others 
• Tech savvy – proficient in standard computer programs and electronic communication tools 
• Passionate – understand, embody and demonstrate a passion for the basic principles of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), which help drive the Chorale’s mission, vision, values and Harmony and Belonging initiatives 
• Ambitious – willingness to continue learning and growing as a conductor, musician, person and leader 
• Patient – understanding towards all levels of musical skills, abilities and experiences
• Inspirational – engage others and encourage participation through a shared vision
• Clear communicator – speak, listen, and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner
• Professional – model ethical behavior, tact and courtesy 
• Creative and flexible – able to think and work outside of the box in presenting unique performances and musical themes 
• Enthusiasm and humor – also crucial and appreciated! 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Experience conducting or working with singers of various skills and experience levels
• Experience planning and executing concert programs and performance events
• Basic proficiency in music reading/theory and piano (play vocal parts, etc)
• Strong leadership abilities
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• BA in Music or similar, with an emphasis in performance, choral conducting, or equivalent conducting experience
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Prior experience as a choral Artistic Director
• Advanced proficiency in music reading/theory and piano (full accompaniment)
• Have an established network within the Arts and nonprofit communities, including network connections across Southern California, especially within Los Angeles County, Long Beach, Orange County and/or San Diego County areas

TIME & COMPENSATION: 

Part-time, hourly employee with an estimated 10-12 hours per week. 

Benefits: No health insurance or retirement provided. Paid sick time available.

Pay: $23.50 – 28.50 per hour, plus a $50/month home office allowance (*conditions apply). 

HOW TO APPLY: 

Please submit the following to jobs@southcoastchorale.org  by Friday, March 1, 2024. 

• Letter of interest
• Resume/CV
• One-page diversity statement that answers the following questions: 1)What do diversity, equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) mean to you?; 2)How have you practiced these values in your previous relevant roles?; and 3) How will you practice these values as Artistic Director of SCC?
• Samples of previous concert programs conducted including, if desired, a statement regarding this programming.
• OPTIONAL: Links to video samples of concerts you’ve conducted

APPLICATION TIMELINE: