Artistic Director

Overview
The Artistic Director of the Sacramento Master Singers (SMS) plays a central role in shaping the artistic identity and success of the organization. With over 40 years of enriching the Sacramento region’s choral arts scene, SMS provides professional-caliber chamber choral performances while fostering educational and community outreach initiatives. The Artistic Director will have the opportunity to shape the creative direction of the SMS’s programming, lead a team of musicians, and contribute to the development of the region’s choral arts.

Mission

The mission of the Sacramento Master Singers is:

• To provide audiences in the greater Sacramento area with world-class concerts that engage & inspire
• To perform a diverse repertoire of music drawing on the best choral literature from early chant to avant-garde
• To offer an opportunity to accomplished choral singers for musical growth, personal fulfillment, & fellowship
• To ensure the advancement of the choral arts through outreach activities for area youth

Key Responsibilities

Provides key leadership in the artistic vision of the SMS and is responsible for the leadership and direction of every aspect of the performances by the choir. The artistic director reports to and works in collaboration with the Board of Directors.

Artistic Management  

• Provides overall artistic leadership and direction to artistic personnel and guest musicians  
• Auditions choir members in collaboration with section leaders and asst. conductor 
• Leads all artistic aspects in choice of repertoire
• Collaborates with the Board in venue selection  
• Selects all choir and guest artists/soloists
• Hires artistic personnel in conjunction with Board
• Leads all rehearsals and concerts
• Participates in youth development programs  
• Supervises recording activities
• Oversees writing of program notes for each concert  
• Prepares scores for choir & guest musicians  
• Participates in vision and creation of graphic collateral in collaboration with Graphic Artist, including but not limited to, season graphics, season brochure, and concert program
• Responsible for artistic collaborations with other creative groups 
• Works with the choir and Board to promote a positive atmosphere of community and belonging

Board Relations  

• Presents reports at board meetings regarding the status of the artistic programs & projects  
• Participates in fundraising activities and donor stewardship 

Public Relations  

• Serves as the official spokesperson for SMS  
• Participates in community activities that further the name recognition of SMS 
• Represents SMS in media appearances  
• Participates in and represents SMS in musical and professional organizations and at conferences  
• Collaborates with the Board of Directors in developing marketing campaigns and publicity
  

Financial Management

• Develops an annual comprehensive artistic plan, that in collaboration with the Board, provides the basis for the annual budget    
• Adheres to the approved annual budget for the programs  
• Collaborates in the preparation of grant applications
• Participates with the Board in fee negotiation for artists and other personnel  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Music
• Minimum 5 years of choral conducting experience
• Trained in vocal technique
• Commitment to diverse concert programming, with a primary goal to engage and grow audiences with moving and memorable live performances
• Ability to challenge and inspire singers to meet the highest possible musical standards
• Interest in and commitment to furthering the mission and DEI goals of the choir
• Strong leadership skills & ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Commitment to community and educational outreach and collaboration with community partners
• Commitment to work with the organization on long-term strategic planning and audience development
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work with and adapt to technologies including email, Google Drive, basic website management, ticketing software, and other web and cloud-based tools  
• Reliable transportation to travel to rehearsals and concerts in the Sacramento region, & other outreach and community events as necessary 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Music or Choral Conducting, or equivalent experience
• Experience conducting or working with a community choir and with singers of various musical skills and experience
• Teaching experience
• Performance production experience

Compensation & Benefits

• $29,000-32,000/year for 12-15 hours per week. (Hours are significantly fewer during the summer months)
• Sick time
• Mileage reimbursement for SMS-related business excluding regular rehearsals or concerts