Job Title: ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Supervised by: Board of Directors
Purpose of Position: To guide and implement the artistic vision of the Virginia Chorale through artistic programming and concerts that enhance the mission of the organization.
Chorus Mission: to inspire, enrich, and educate through transformative choral performances that combine masterful vocal artistry and powerful programming.
Time Commitment & Scope of Work
The Artistic Director is a part-time, salaried position, with the greatest time commitment occurring during the planning, rehearsal, and performance periods. The schedule is flexible and includes evening and weekend responsibilities.
Each season consists of four concert programs, as well as various run-out programs. The Artistic Director is responsible for the development and implementation of each program, working collaboratively with the Managing Director and Chorus Manager, as appropriate, to coordinate and accomplish these and other responsibilities.
Responsibilities include:
- Developing the artistic concept and musical programming for each concert.
- Identifying, recruiting, auditioning, and contracting singers for each program and creating a cohesive roster of musicians for each individual program.
- Identifying and securing appropriate performance venues.
- Determining repertoire and securing scores and other necessary music materials.
- Identifying and contracting instrumentalists, soloists, guest artists, or other artistic collaborators as needed.
- Finalizing repertoire and artistic details for each program.
- Planning and preparing for rehearsals and performances.
- Leading rehearsals and conducting performances.
- Preparing program notes, remarks, and other artistic content.
- Attending a monthly Board Executive Committee meeting and a monthly Board of Directors meeting.
- Participating in regular calls and communications with the Managing Director and Chorus Manager as needed.
- Collaborating with staff and Board leadership on scheduling, artistic planning, organizational priorities, and other matters related to the success of the Virginia Chorale.
The Artistic Director's rehearsal and performance schedule generally includes approximately 18 hours of rehearsal per concert program. The following is the current rehearsal schedule for the Virginia Chorale; this schedule can be altered in the future depending on the needs of the ensemble and director.
Two Saturdays preceding concert weekend
- 12:30–3:00 p.m.
- 3:30–5:30 p.m.
- 2:30–5:00 p.m.
- 5:30–7:30 p.m.
- 7:30 p.m. concert in Virginia Beach
- 4:00 p.m. concert in Norfolk or Portsmouth
Schedule is subject to change based on the repertoire, venue, guest artists, and other program requirements.
Artistic Director Responsibilities:
1. Design, coordinate, and direct Chorus programming
- Develop a clear artistic vision and execute vision through dynamic programming that supports the mission statement, ensuring the highest standards of quality are maintained.
- Design each concert performance including theme development and collaboration with guest artists, ensembles, soloists and visual elements.
- Organize an annual rehearsal and performance schedule including subscription concerts, outreach concerts and runouts.
- Conduct auditions annually.
- Create desired roster of singers for each performance.
- Run productive rehearsals, giving direction and artistic feedback that will lead to high-quality performances.
- Communicate with Managing Director and Chorus Manager to ensure all logistics for concerts are in place.
2. Promote growth of the Chorale through community engagement
- Work with the Board, Staff, Singers, and Volunteers to promote a positive atmosphere of community within the organization.
- Network with other arts organizations, musicians, music directors, and community groups to increase the visibility of the Chorus and to encourage collaboration.
- Represent the Virginia Chorale in public forums, media and events.
- Identify opportunities in the community for the Chorale to cultivate strategic partnerships.
3. Young Singers Project
- Identify concert themes and collaborations for YSP. Research and program appropriate music for the upcoming season.
- Identify mentors and adjust as needed based off student participation.
- Hold YSP auditions annually.
- Identify and implement appropriate educational components.
- Identify and hire a guest conductor if needed.
4. Development and Finances
- Help strengthen the financial position of the Chorale by building and nurturing relationships with current and potential donors and community stakeholders.
- Help secure funding and sponsorships for artistic initiatives.
- Write narrative as needed for concert projects, work with Managing Director and Development Committee to position grant focus, prepare grant budgets and fundraising letters.
- Provide information as needed to help prepare annual budget in collaboration with the Board Treasurer and Managing Director.
- Maintain fiscal responsibility for the annual budget in cooperation with the MD and Treasurer.
5. Communicate regularly with the Chorus Board and Staff
- Attend Board meetings and provide a monthly report to the Board.
- Attend and provide input for the annual meeting.
- Meet quarterly with Board President
- Help to identify potential new board members.
- Work with Managing Director to ensure proper marketing concepts and copy for patron emails, social media posts, print ads, postcards, etc.
Required Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
BA or Advanced Degree in Music with an emphasis in choral conducting or equivalent conducting experience (minimum 5-6 years).
Experience conducting or working with a professional or community-based chorus and with singers of advanced musical skills and experience.
Interest in and commitment to embracing the mission of the Chorale.
Excellent networking, interpersonal and community-building skills
Ability to offer strong leadership skills as well as to balance work within a team setting.
Strong decision-making and strategic thinking skills
Flexibility in working with a diverse group of volunteers and personalities.
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Compensation
Part-time salaried position averaging approximately 25 hours per week. Evening and weekend availability is required.
$35,000-$45,000 based on qualifications and experience.
The Application Process
To apply, please submit to [email protected] no later than October 15, 2026:
- Cover letter
- Résumé or CV
- Three Conducting video links
- Three professional references
