ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

MISSION
The Artistic Director (AD) actively focuses on fulfilling the mission of O‘ahu Choral Society (OCS) which is to present and promote choral music at the highest artistic level for the cultural enrichment, education, and aesthetic enjoyment of its members, the people of Hawai‘i and the global community. The AD is a part-time position and reports to the Board Executive Committee, working jointly with the Executive Director (ED) and President of OCS to achieve this mission.

OUTCOMES
Artistic Program Development:

• Conduct weekly (Monday) rehearsals and three to five performances per year
• Program regular season and related activities with 2-4 year vision
• In consultation with the ED, propose budgets for programs, secure venues, and secure supplemental services (e.g., soloists, orchestra, guest artists, etc.)
• Create and foster relationships and performance opportunities with other local groups
• Demonstrate motivational and empathetic leadership to inspire all chorus members to aspire to "greatness"
• Select singing members of OCS through audition and evaluation

Marketing, Fundraising and Community Outreach:

• In cooperation with the Board of Directors and ED, cultivate relationships with traditional and social media, educational institutions and benefactors
• Plan and communicate programs in sufficient detail so that marketing can be done in a timely manner
• Participate fully in all fundraising efforts and organize at least one major fundraising event each season
• Identify potential funding sources and contribute to Development Committee
• Actively participate in advancement of image of OCS in community

Board Relationship:

• Collaborate with Board of Directors to develop artistic goals and vision
• Inform Board of Directors of plans, changes, and progress of programs, on a regular basis

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum:

• Sustained and demonstrated success in directing a chorus of similar size with similar artistic goals preferred
• Sustained and demonstrated success supporting the financial/business success of past choral groups
• Experience conducting a variety of works with choir and orchestra
• A thorough knowledge of choral repertoire with experience in planning and executing concert programs
• Ability to work with adult voices and to develop the vocal proficiency of the choir 
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• A desire to be a collaborative leader in Oahu choral and music community

Preferred:

• Residence on Oahu 
• Doctorate or advanced music degree from an accredited program with equivalent years of choral conducting experience

The OCS Artistic Director will be an individual who: 

• is passionate about the mission of OCS  and has a desire to foster development of its ensembles in size and quality
• is self-motivated to follow through on projects and expectations and has excellent communication skills (both verbal and in writing)
• works well with a variety of different people and personalities and has an understanding of the choral and orchestral music landscape of Hawaii. 
• will network with other artistic organizations locally and further afield to present choral music relevant to today’s community member. 
• is comfortable with technology and can run rehearsals over shared video platforms such as Zoom.
• will actively participate in grant writing and other development activities to identify new streams of revenue for the choir
• will foster a climate of mutual support and respect, and have zero tolerance for bullying and negative behavior.
• will be available on weekends and evenings for chorus activities

GOALS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Artistic and Chorus Development

• Program at least three concerts, in a fiscal year (July-June)
  • Actual number of concerts will be determined by the OCS Board of Directors in consultation with the AD.
• Work with the ED to select venues and musicians, and make all other such arrangements as necessary for each concert, at least three months prior to the scheduled date for the concert.
• Conduct regularly scheduled, weekly rehearsals of OCS.
• Conduct auditions at least twice per year.
  • Immediately following the conclusion of each audition, provide ED with a written report on each candidate on a form provided by ED, with feedback provided.
  • When re-auditioning chorus members, for those members not retained in the chorus, feedback should be provided by the AD to the auditioner.
• Clearly communicate OCS performance expectations to members.
• Organize and/or conduct multiple workshops, classes, retreats, or other opportunities for chorus members to develop their artistic capabilities.
• Prepare a submission for inclusion in the OCS monthly newsletter and/or web site in support of each upcoming concert, as well as addressing any other topic, as desired.
• With the ED, meet with Section Leaders to review plans, expectations and concerns and to identify any members requiring additional assistance or guidance, at the start of the season, in August.
• When preparing the chorus for performance under the baton of a guest conductor, work closely with the guest conductor/organization.  

Board Relationship

• Present recommendations for Fall and Spring seasons to the Board of Directors, ideally no less than nine months prior to the beginning of the Fall season.  It is understood that the following criteria shall be part of the development of these recommendations: 
  • opportunity for engaging, entertaining, and educating the members of the chorus;
  • potential audience;
  • fiduciary practicality.
• Provide a report to the Board of Directors of all current and planned activities at all regularly scheduled Board meetings (may provide a written report to be read into the record, if unable to attend). 
• Foster a relationship with Board members that encourages open and frank communication without consequence for the Board members that also sing in the choir. 

Administrative Relationship

• Work together with the ED to provide information needed (e.g., additional musicians, rental of hall, purchase of music, etc.)  for preparation of budgets for all planned concerts.
• As programs involving groups or artists who are external to OCS are scheduled, establish and coordinate need for additional orchestra and/or choral rehearsals.
  • Identify any need for extra rehearsals and advise the ED of request in writing, a minimum of one month in advance of each occurrence.
  • Submit for prior approval all recommendations that would entail expenditure of OCS funds. 
  • Any expenditure in excess of $100 not included as a budgeted item must be approved in advance by the Board. 
    • Receipts must be provided to the Board Treasurer immediately after making any purchase on behalf of OCS. 
• Advise the ED regarding any and all discussions with third parties concerning  scheduling or planning of programs involving OCS.
  • Copy ED with all written communications or correspondence made on behalf of OCS.
• Participate in Annual Performance Review with the Board Executive Committee.

Development

• Demonstrate initiative and commitment to the organization.  
• Contact personally, or refer for contact, a minimum of two possible funding sources annually.
• Participate as an active member of Committees as requested by the Board of Directors.
• Increase public awareness of OCS and its mission by promoting upcoming auditions and concerts by participating as a guest speaker on social media, radio, Rotary, churches, military groups and TV.
• Participate fully in the choral arts community. 
  • Attend concerts and fundraisers put on by other arts and cultural organizations.other means as identified by the Publicity Committee, ED, or President.
  • Maintain active membership and attend conferences with ACDA and Chorus America.

HOW TO APPLY
First, read our website thoroughly so you understand our mission, philosophy, and values.
Then prepare and submit the following:

1. Resume stating your qualifications and relevant experience
2. Statement of interest that answers the question “Why are you an excellent candidate for our organization?”  Limit your response to no more than one page, single-spaced, 12 pt. font, with one inch margins.

Submit these items via email, as attachments (in user-friendly formats), to [email protected]. Please include "Artistic Director position" in the subject line.


HIRING PROCESS

1. The OCS board of directors committee will review submitted materials and schedule interviews with select candidates.
2. Final candidates will be invited for an interview with the AD selection committee and may be asked to guest conduct a cohort of OCS singers in person (in compliance with CDC guidelines). A virtual rehearsal will be considered, as appropriate. 
3. Final candidates must provide three to five references from supervisors, colleagues, and/or employees.

Applications will be accepted through March 1, 2021, or until the position is filled. Final candidates will be expected to complete an employment application.
Hiring is contingent upon successful completion of employment verification, background check, and fingerprinting.

Pay rate is commensurate with experience and qualifications within the range of $27,000-$35,000 with eventual opportunities for supplemental pay; benefits will not be available, as it is a contract position.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE POSITION
​Sit, stand, bend, stoop, reach above the shoulders, walk short distances, climb stairs, listen effectively, and speak clearly. Accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.