JOBS

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

OAKLAND GAY MEN’S CHORUS

Location: Oakland, CA (Hybrid/On-Site)

Position Type: Part-Time (40% FTE)

Salary: $40,000 to $45,000 annually, commensurate with experience

Position Summary:

The Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus (OaklandGMC) is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Artistic Director to join our dynamic team. The Artistic Director will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing our artistic vision, guiding our performances and outreach efforts, and fostering a supportive and vibrant community within the Chorus. Reporting to the Board President, the Artistic Director will be responsible for developing artistic programming that aligns with our mission of giving voice through song to a community where everyone matters.

Key Responsibilities:

1.  Promote the Chorus focus on its mission

• Work with the Chorus, the Board, and volunteers to promote a positive atmosphere of community within the organization.
• Network with other arts organizations, music directors, and community groups to increase the visibility of the Chorus and to encourage collaboration.

2. Design, coordinate, and direct Chorus programming 

• Organize an annual performance schedule including concerts, outreach concerts and tours (if applicable) 
• Organize a rehearsal schedule at the beginning of each concert year.
• Conduct auditions three times annually. 
• Design each concert season, including theme development and integration of guest artists, ensembles, soloists and visual elements.
• Identify and hire workshop presenters for vocal clinics and other workshops.
• Contract with technicians and musicians for each concert project.
• Serve as staff contact to the Production Committee, ensuring that technical needs, venue contracts, blocking, costuming, and staging details run smoothly.
• Audition, select and coach soloists and small group ensembles.
• Provide liaison assistance with concert venue representatives and assist with venue contracts.

3.  Administrative and artistic detail for outreach projects 

• Provide support in communication, logistics and planning details for outreach performances. 
• Provide support in planning, schedule, communication, and programming for Chorus outreach tours (if applicable) 
• Organize and facilitate a small ensemble for outreach performances

4. Provide supervision for music-related staff and volunteers 

• Supervise the Accompanist. 
• Identify, coach, and supervise the activities of Chorus section leaders
• Communicate regularly with section leaders regarding vocal issues, repertoire to cover in upcoming sectionals and other musical needs.

5.  Support the work of the Artistic Committee

• Identify concert themes and collaborations that support the chorus mission. Research appropriate music for the upcoming season.
• Ensure that current season music is selected and purchased with the assistance of the artistic committee
• Communicate with the Accompanist regarding the rehearsal list, tempos and other performance details for recording rehearsal tapes.
• Secure new arrangements and performance rights where appropriate.
• Organize and facilitate the creation of rehearsal tracks for all concert repertoire

6.   Development and Finances 

• Manage the artistic aspects of the budget, in cooperation with the Treasurer and subject to approval by the Board of Directors. 
• Write narrative as needed for concert projects, work with development staff to position grant focus, prepare grant budgets.
• Collaborate with Board Treasurer and finance committee for annual budget 

7.  Communication

• Attend Board meetings and provide a monthly report to the Board.
• Attend and provide input for the annual Leadership retreat.
• Attend and provide input for Leadership Council meetings.
• Attend and provide input for Artistic Committee meetings.
• Provide regular communication to chorus constituents in weekly Alla Breve newsletter
• Collaborate with the PR/Marketing committee for press releases, marketing materials, and all outward communication 
• Represent the chorus in media appearances. 
• Participate in community activities that advance the mission and purpose of the chorus. 

8. Participate in professional development

• Participate in professional organizations: American Choral Director’s Association, GALA, Chorus America, etc.
• Maintain and update professional competence by attending workshops, classes and conferences. 
• Review new choral works and recordings; read professional journals.
• Attend concerts of other choral organizations.

Position Qualifications:

• BA or Advanced Degree in Music with an emphasis in choral conducting, or equivalent conducting experience 
• Experience conducting or working with a community-based chorus and with singers of various musical skills and experience
• Interest in and commitment to embracing the Chorus mission
• Strong leadership skills as well as the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of volunteers and personalities.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

About the Organization:

The Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus is a 70+ voice ensemble known for its diverse musical repertoire, including Classical and Broadway selections. As the most active and renowned Gay Arts organization in Oakland and the East Bay, we serve a broad community and are dedicated to fostering inclusivity and celebrating diversity.  Find more information at www.oaklandgmc.org..

To Apply: 

Please submit the following materials to the AD Search Committee at ADSearch@oaklandgmc.org:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three references (including one colleague and one member of a chorus you have conducted)
• Any applicable supporting materials

Application Deadline: Friday, September 6th, 2024.