Artistic Director

Chorus America

Covington (WA)

On-site

USD 31,000 - 39,000

Part time

12 hours ago

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Job summary

Rainier Youth Choirs in Covington, WA seeks an Artistic Director to guide programming, set repertoire, and lead rehearsals and performances for youth choirs.

You will recruit singers, collaborate with pianists and guest artists, manage season planning, and oversee concert programs with the Executive Director; primary duties include community engagement and ensuring inclusive, high-quality music education.

Qualifications

Experience leading youth choral programs.
Strong foundation in vocal pedagogy for diverse ages.
Ability to plan and interpret varied repertoire.
Excellent written and oral communication.
Familiarity with education outreach and collaboration.

Responsibilities

Set artistic direction for RYC, repertoire, sheet music, venues.
Coordinate weekly rehearsals September–June.
Prepare for and lead concerts, retreats, workshops, festivals, community events.
Recruit and audition new singers.
Collaborate with pianists, instrumentalists, guest artists, staff.

Skills

Youth choral conducting

Music education

Vocal pedagogy

Repertoire knowledge

Written & verbal communication

Digital tools proficiency

Education

Master's degree in choral music education

Tools

Chorus Connection

Google Workspace

SignUpGenius

Givebutter

Mailchimp

Job description

Posted: Nov 6, 2026

Artistic Director

Rainier Youth Choirs - Covington, WA

business_center Part-time

Salary: $30,800.00 - $38,500.00 Annually

Application Deadline: Dec 31, 2026

Rainier Youth Choirs (RYC) is celebrating its 20th season this year, along with the retirement of our founding Artistic Director, Leora Schwitters.

We are looking for a new Artistic Director to guide the organization’s next chapter. The ideal candidate is someone who loves teaching young voices, and wants to build strong connections with singers, families, and the broader Southeast King County community.

This is a part-time independent contractor role based in Covington, WA, designed to fit alongside other work, such as school, church, or university teaching. The selected candidate will assume full leadership in July 2027, with an optional paid transition period beforehand to learn alongside Leora.

About Rainier Youth Choirs

Founded in 2007 in Kent, WA, RYC offers an affordable, family-friendly program where young singers build musical skill, confidence, self-discipline, teamwork, and pride. RYC currently serves roughly 70 singers in grades 2 through 12, with a wide range of musical experience, in four age-based ensembles that rehearse Monday evenings from early September through June.

A Typical Season Includes

Three mainstage concerts (December, March, May) and two informal concerts
Four or more community performances
A local or national festival, retreats, and a summer workshop

Rainier Youth Choirs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a highly engaged and supportive volunteer Board of Directors. The team also includes an Executive Director, Operations Manager, and other artistic staff. We are seeking a leader who wants to help us grow the organization and have an even greater impact on our community.

Mission, Vision, and Values

Mission: To encourage the personal and social growth of our singers and to inspire our community through impactful performances and music education.

Vision: To sing, to build community, to change lives.

Values: Artistry, Excellence, Dedication, Teamwork, Integrity, Kindness, Inclusiveness

For more information about Rainier Youth Choirs, visit rainieryouthchoirs.org.
Videos of our performances: youtube.com/@RainierYouthChoirs
To request a copy of the RYC Member Handbook and 2026-27 calendar, email team@rainieryouthchoirs.org.

Time Commitment And Compensation

Time commitment: Approximately 15-20 hours per week. That covers planning; rehearsal and event preparation; communication with families, staff, and the board; event leadership; monthly board meetings; and conducting one ensemble. Conducting a second ensemble is an option in addition to these hours. Weekly rehearsals are run in two sessions spanning a total of 3.5 hours.

Compensation: $30,800 – $33,700 annually for the Artistic Director role and conducting one ensemble, negotiable based on experience. With additional compensation for conducting a second ensemble the total range for this role can rise to $37,000 – $38,500.

Ensemble conducting: The Artistic Director will conduct one ensemble and may choose to conduct a second ensemble. Conducting a second ensemble will increase the compensation.

Optional paid transition period

Timing: Scheduled with Leora around the candidate’s availability, ideally beginning in April 2027
Pay: $35 per hour
Hours: About 5 hours per week

What You'll Do

Artistic leadership

Set the artistic direction for RYC, including repertoire, sheet music, and venues
Coordinate weekly Monday rehearsals, September through June
Prepare for and lead concerts, retreats, workshops, festivals, and community events
Recruit and audition new singers
Select and work with pianists, instrumentalists, guest artists, and artistic staff
Build partnerships that increase RYC's visibility and impact in the community
Plan the season's events
Write program notes, produce the concert program booklet with the executive director, and oversee recordings

Administration

Attend monthly board meetings and share artistic updates
Develop budgets with the Board, and take part in fee negotiations with the executive director
Maintain membership rosters and attendance, and communicate with singers and families
Collaborate with staff and board members on marketing, fundraising, and publicity

Public representation

Serve as a spokesperson for RYC and take part in community activities and media appearances
Stay connected to local and national musical and professional organizations

What We're Looking For

You’ll be a great fit if you:

Teach, inspire, and motivate singers with warmth and joy, and are committed to an inclusive, positive choir environment
Have demonstrated success in youth choral conducting and music education
Understand vocal pedagogy and care about healthy, age-appropriate vocal development in children and youth
Have the musical knowledge to interpret a wide range of repertoire for youth choirs
Communicate clearly in writing and in person, and manage your time well
Are comfortable with digital tools (The Artistic Director will use Chorus Connection and Google Workspace; RYC also uses SignUpGenius, Givebutter, and Mailchimp; training is available)

Preferred

Five or more years of experience as a choral music educator and/or a master's degree in choral music education with a specialization in choral conducting
Organizational leadership experience, including budget management

Not sure you check every box? Inclusiveness is one of RYC’s core values, and we want our leadership to reflect it. Many talented people hold back from applying unless they meet every qualification, and that includes women and people of color. If you feel qualified and deeply interested in this work, whatever your background, we encourage you to apply.

Timeline