Renaissance City Choir Seeks New Artistic Director

Renaissance City Choir is currently accepting applications for its next Artistic Director.

RCC affirms and celebrates LGBTQIA+ identity through the unifying power of music.

RCC is western Pennsylvania’s only LGBTQIA+ choral group. We strive to promote a positive image of the LGBTQIA+ community and to be a leading contributor to the cultural life of the tri-state area. We seek to build bridges both within the LGBTQIA+ community, the musical community, and with the community at large. Our programming blends challenging contemporary music, commissions of new works, an ambitious traditional repertoire, and music from various world cultures.

We seek to educate, challenge, and enlighten both our audiences and our singing membership. We continue to affirm, by example and through song, the worth and dignity of those in our community. Music that is queer-positive and openly supports issues related to human equality and justice is represented at all concerts.

Our office and rehearsal space are located at East Liberty Presbyterian Church. Currently there are 3 major productions per year with additional supporting performances (fundraisers, outreach, etc.) as determined by the Artistic Director in cooperation with the Board of Directors. This is a salaried part time exempt position, approx. 25 hours per week. The position contract will run July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020 with opportunity for renewal. 

Interested applicants, please submit a resume, cover letter, and any applicable supporting materials (i.e. videos, programs, etc.) to president@rccpittsburgh.com by April 22, 2019. 

FULL JOB DESCRIPTION:

1. Promote RCC’s focus on our 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.
• Seek and coordinate opportunities for the chorus to increase its visibility in relevant communities through outreach performances and appearances.

2. Design, coordinate, and direct chorus programming 

• Organize and conduct an annual schedule of auditions, performances, and rehearsals.
• Design each concert performance including theme development and integration of guest artists, ensembles, soloists and visual elements.
• Identify concert themes and collaborations that support the chorus mission and appeal to a diverse audience and membership; research appropriate music for upcoming seasons; seek input and feedback from chorus members regarding music and theme selection.
• Ensure that current season music is selected and purchased; secure new arrangements and performance rights where appropriate; maintain the music library.
• Supervise and communicate with the accompanist regarding the rehearsal list, tempos and other performance details.
• Coordinate creation of piano or vocal recordings of vocal parts and provide to chorus members.
• Contract with and supervise technicians and guest musicians/performers for each concert project; ensure that technical needs, venue contracts, blocking, costuming, and staging details run smoothly.
• Audition, select, and rehearse soloists, small group ensembles, and instrumentalists as needed.
• Hold and/or facilitate vocal clinics and other development workshops for chorus members.
• Coordinate accessibility accommodations as needed.

3. Administration and Development

• Write narrative as needed for concert projects; work with development staff to position grant focus and provide financial information as needed.
• Provide relevant financial information to Board Treasurer and Board of Directors during the annual budget development process.
• Support Board fundraising activities by attending fundraising events and cultivating relationships with volunteers, funders, donors, etc.
• Seek income-generating opportunities via outreach performances, private performances, etc.
• Adhere to budget and seek opportunities to reduce costs when possible.
• Attend monthly Board meetings and provide a monthly report to the Board.
• Use weekly emails to communicate with chorus and Board regarding rehearsal and performance details and other relevant information, including digital access to printed music.

Desired Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• BA or Advanced Degree in Music with an emphasis in choral conducting or equivalent conducting experience (minimum 5-6 years).
• Experience conducting or working with a community-based chorus and with singers of various musical skills and experience.
• Interest in and commitment to furthering the mission the chorus.
• Commitment to diversity, intersectionality, and active inclusion.
• Experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community and/or other marginalized communities. Nonprofit management experience is a plus.
• Ability to offer strong leadership skills as well as to balance work within a team setting.
• Flexibility in working with a diverse group of volunteers and personalities.
• Proficiency with relevant technology (online music downloads, creating rehearsal audio recordings, Google Drive, etc.).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Basic piano skills.