ARTISTIC DIRECTOR – SAN FRANCISCO GIRLS CHORUS
 
Position Summary
The artistic leader of the San Francisco Girls Chorus will be a charismatic and visionary conductor who nurtures and inspires young artists, is comfortable with and eager to collaborate with other artists of the highest international caliber, is innovative and forward thinking in programming concerts, and is ready to find new ways to engage audiences in a variety of performance opportunities.
 
This person will build on a highly regarded history of choral music excellence, and inherit a very accomplished ensemble of young trained singers.  The artistic leadership position will provide an opportunity to continue SFGC’s tradition of quality, and move the organization and its premier ensemble forward into a new era of growth and innovation.
 
Duties and Responsibilities
The Artistic Director will have the primary responsibility for both long-range artistic planning and planning for specific performances, collaborations, tours and recordings for Chorissima, the premier performing ensemble of the San Francisco Girls Chorus.
 
The Artistic Director will create a multi-year artistic plan for the organization, and will strategize with the Executive Director and Chorus School Director on the implementation and execution of each concert season.
 
The Artistic Director will provide overall artistic leadership to faculty, staff and the Board of Directors.
 
The Artistic Director will supervise rehearsals and concert preparation, and prepare and conduct Chorissima for most public performances each season.
 
The Artistic Director will oversee and participate in the selection and preparation of performers to work with the San Francisco Opera, San Francisco Symphony, and other artistic partners.
 
The Artistic Director will communicate the accomplishments and artistic mission of the organization to the public through the media and at public speaking engagements, in tandem with the Executive Director and/or the Chorus School Director.
 
The Artistic Director will seek out and build fruitful relationships for the organization in the local, national and international arts communities.
 
The Artistic Director will be a key fundraising figure, assisting the Board and administrative staff in making personal fundraising contacts in the community.
 
The Artistic Director will work collaboratively with the Executive Director in creating annual budgets for each concert season and production.
 
The Artistic Director will report to and maintain effective communication with the Board of Directors on a regular basis.
 
 
Traits and Characteristics
 
The Artistic Director will be a dynamic and inspirational artist, with name recognition among peers from other performing arts organizations.  S/he will have an identifiable artistic profile, articulate a strong artistic vision, and be a visible presence in the performing arts community.
 
The successful candidate will have a demonstrated track record of excellence, innovative and compelling concert programming, recording and other performance projects.
 
The Artistic Director will be creative, experimental and willing to push the boundaries of choral music and how it is performed.
 
The Artistic Director will bring an energetic and entrepreneurial perspective to SFGC in fulfilling its mission and vision, and in working as part of an effective management team.
 
The Artistic Director will have strong communication and interpersonal skills, and will be comfortable and familiar with working as part of a senior management team.
 
The Artistic Director will have a deep understanding of healthy vocal technique, and experience in leading and nurturing young voices.
 
The Artistic Director will be a role model and an inspiration, artistically and personally, to young singers.
 
Qualifications
Experience and passion for working with young singers.
Understanding of and proficiency in vocal technique, especially for young female voices.
Established reputation in choral and orchestral conducting.
Deep knowledge of classical and concert music repertoire, and vocal technique.
Knowledge and experience with historically informed performance practices.
Broad experience and networks within classical/choral music field.   
Experience working with high profile soloists, conductors, composers and other artists. 
Master’s degree in music or equivalent.