YOUNG PROFESSIONALS CHORAL COLLECTIVE
Assistant Director (part-time)
The Young Professionals Choral Collective (YPCC), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Cincinnati, Ohio, is searching for a dynamic, collaborative, and engaging new Assistant Director to begin in . This is a 0.25 time position with 7-10 hours average weekly working hours expected. Annual salary is $6000.00 per 12-month season.
ABOUT YPCC
The Young Professionals Choral Collective of Cincinnati (YPCC) believes in creating connections through choral music. YPCC was formed in Cincinnati in November 2011 and has a roster of over 1,200 volunteer singers ranging in age from 21 - 45 who live and work throughout Greater Cincinnati. Singers of all experience levels participate in accessible, non-auditioned, 8-week concert cycles with multiple entry points throughout the year; each cycle averages between 100-150 singers. YPCC fosters an inclusive environment that celebrates the uniqueness and diversity of its members.
YPCC’s programming occurs in spaces that highlight the uniqueness of the city’s urban core. The organization, with support from local funding organizations such as ArtsWave Cincinnati, the Ohio Arts Council, and the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce, is a key anchor for attracting and retaining young professional talent, contracting more than 50 gigs a year in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. YPCC maintains a growing number of important artistic partnerships, including projects with The Cincinnati Opera, The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Madcap Puppet Theater, the Classical Roots choir from the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Elementz, and the Contemporary Arts Center. YPCC is receiving national attention for this unique model, which has already inspired sister choirs nationally and abroad.
YPCC features an additional “On Call” group that rehearses quarterly in casual community spaces including breweries or bars in order to prepare standard on-going repertoire for singers that may be contracted through the organization by local partners for small private events such as cocktail parties, art galas/showcases, weddings, holiday caroling etc. YPCC also features an auditioned Chamber Choir.
POSITION OVERVIEW AND RESPONSIBILITIES (0.25 position, 7-10 hours weekly)
The YPCC Assistant Director is broadly responsible for collaborating with the Artistic Director and Executive Director to conduct YPCC ensembles and support YPCC events. The Assistant Director reports to the Artistic Director.
Outside of certain previously scheduled time commitments, such as rehearsals, concerts and meetings, the Assistant Director’s scheduled work hours are flexible. This position is office-based with flexibility for working from home in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The Assistant Director’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Assist the Artistic Director in planning and executing overarching artistic themes for each season. Specific duties include:
Biannual meetings with the Artistic Advisory Committee
Quarterly cycle planning meetings with the Artistic Director
Monthly staff meeting
Outreach to and curation of local arts and business partners in collaboration with the Artistic Director
Assist with coordination of production details in collaboration with the Artistic Director and the Chorus and Production Manager
Coordinate with Artistic Director to create stage plans for all YPCC events
Coordinate with guest artists as needed
Coordinate with other contractors and vendors as needed, for example, sound and lighting technicians, catering, etc.
Conduct one full Cycle per season
Cycle and music to be chosen in conjunction with Artistic Director
8 rehearsals per Cycle (may request off if needed, AD to fill in)
1 dress rehearsal, 1 performance
Assist with other Cycles in the season
Represent YPCC at concerts and events as a face of the organization
Learn repertoire for each Cycle in case of Artistic Director illness, etc.
Conduct one to two pieces per concert each Cycle
Run sectionals during Tuesday night rehearsals as needed
Arrange outside sectionals upon request
Work with Artistic Director and staff to implement special projects and collaborations that come to YPCC, such as On Call performances
Assist with planning, preparing, and conducting On-Call rehearsals
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
Degree in Music Education, Music Performance, or Choral Conducting
Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s or Doctorate preferred
Other relevant experience will be considered in lieu of advanced degrees
Experience conducting and supporting performing arts groups
Collegiate and community choral experience preferred
Wide knowledge of choral repertoire
Pedagogical experience delivering music instruction to a wide variety of learners
Piano skills - ability to warm up a chorus, play from an octavo, conduct sectionals
Diction skills - both speaking and the teaching of languages other than English (Spanish, Italian, French, German, and Latin are most common; Hebrew, Swahili, Lativian, Russian, Indonesian and others are encouraged)
Demonstrated programming that shows collaboration with diverse partners
Experience in administrating a chorus or choral program
Strong computer skills, including Google Office Suite and web-based applications
Excellent verbal and written communications skills in English
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively with staff members and volunteers
Self-assurance, persistence, patience, sense of humor, and excellent interpersonal skills
Proven ability to maintain confidential information
Appreciation of music and the artistic process
YPCC values diverse voices in its leadership. Women, people of color, and minorities are encouraged to apply. YPCC is an equal-opportunity employer.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Available for Tuesday evening rehearsals from 6 PM - 9 PM, as well as occasional evening and weekend work to support rehearsals, auditions, and performances
Reliable transportation
COMPENSATION
Employment with YPCC is through an annual contract, subject to renewal. Salary begins at $6,000 per season (one year season) with potential for future growth.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit the following items to Executive Director Jenny Spring at ExecutiveDirector@ypccsing.org by January 16, 2022:
Cover letter including a short description of how your experience prepares you to be YPCC’s Assistant Director and why you desire to work with a young professionals org
Resumé
List of 3 professional references with contact information and their relationship to you
Three examples of programs which highlight your programming aesthetic (be genuine!)
Two videos of contrasting samples of your conducting (the camera may be trained on the ensemble and/or you