POSITION OVERVIEW AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Half-time position)
The YPCC Artistic Director is one of the two primary leaders of YPCC, along with the YPCC Executive Director. The Artistic Director is broadly responsible for managing all choral aspects of the organization, including programming and artistic partnerships. The Artistic Director reports directly to the YPCC Board of Directors.
We understand that the Artistic Director may have additional employment beyond his or her involvement with YPCC. Outside of regular rehearsal time commitments, the Artistic Director’s scheduled work hours are flexible.
The YPCC Artistic Director’s specific responsibilities include:
Plan, prepare, and conduct up to four concert cycles (Fall, Winter, Gala, & Spring) that include pieces that match and grow the skillset of the chorus.
Create, present, and manage the season production calendar.
Foster an uplifting and joyful atmosphere during rehearsals and performances.
Plan overarching artistic themes for each season and collaborate with Associate Artistic Director to link themes to YPCC’s Chamber Choir programming. Work with Associate Artistic Director and staff to implement special projects and collaborations that come to YPCC, ensuring alignment of thematic elements for the season.
Plan, prepare, and conduct On-Call Sing-Ins.
Create and implement a structured rehearsal plan to ensure all concert material is covered and the choir is adequately prepared for performances.
Seek and create artistic partnerships, projects, and collaborations that fulfill YPCC’s mission and take advantage of Cincinnati’s unique position as a hub for choral music and the arts.
Serve as the artistic face of YPCC in communications with collaborative partners, donors, singers, volunteers, and community members, while storytelling beyond Cincinnati. Represent the organization professionally in all settings.
Explore opportunities for partnerships and collaborations that raise the artistry, profile, budget, and experience factors for the organization and its singers with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Collaborate effectively with the board and staff to move the organization’s strategic plan forward. Ensure that the organization’s values of access, diversity, equity, and inclusion are reflected in all artistic decisions.
Manage and evaluate Artistic Staff and Support Staff Volunteers.
Co-report (with Executive Director) to the Board of Directors.
Collaborate with the Executive Director and Finance Committee to create an annual budget.
Coordinate with Development Associate to create and direct content toward diverse forms of funding.
Work with PR Associate and Designer to clearly share stories, events, and organization brand internally, locally, and beyond the city.
Work with the development team to foster relationships with community and business partners to sustain/grow existing support and explore new sources of funding.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Music and five years of experience with choral conducting and programming.
Experience conducting or working with a community-based chorus comprised of singers with various levels of musical skills and training.
Knowledge of vocal technique and pedagogy.
Commitment to working with and in diverse communities while fostering an inclusive chorus.
Ability to provide strong leadership as well as balance work requirements within a team setting.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Outstanding artistic accomplishments as a choral conductor and concert programmer.
Ability to attract, inspire, and retain gifted, committed singers of varying ages and experience through the presentation of a bold artistic vision and consistent high-quality performances.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
Advanced music or conducting degree.
Experience with budgets, finances, and concert revenue planning.
YPCC values diverse voices in its leadership. Candidates from historically underrecognized communities are strongly encouraged to apply. YPCC is an equal-opportunity employer.
COMPENSATION
Employment with YPCC is through an annual contract, subject to renewal. Salary begins at $25,000 per season (one year season) with potential for future growth.
TARGET TIMELINE
April 1: Application Deadline.
March 22: Candidate Phone Interviews Begin.
By April 12: Semi-Finalists Notified; Candidate Visits Scheduled.
By April 27: Candidate Visits, including in-person interviews, tour of Cincinnati, and leading a choral rehearsal.
May 11: Public Announcement of New Artistic Director.
By July 1: Start Date.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit the following items to boardchair@ypccsing.org by April 1, 2024:
Cover letter including a short description of how your experience prepares you to be YPCC’s Artistic Director and how you will use your skills and experience to support and expand our mission statement
Resumé or curriculum vitae
List of 3 (minimum) professional references, contact information, and their relationship to you
Samples of previous concert programs including a statement regarding this programming and how/why it was chosen (approx. 250 words).
Additional materials may be requested after the initial interview.