Artistic Director

Chorus America; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Part time

Job summary

21V in the Bay Area seeks an Artistic Director to lead contemporary treble choral programming and shape the ensemble's artistic vision. The role is part-time and project-based, with two yearly productions including rehearsals and performances; evenings and weekends are typical; in-person rehearsals and performances occur, with remaining work done remotely.

The ideal candidate has prior artistic leadership experience, strong conducting skills, and a commitment to equity, collaboration, and

Qualifications

• Prior artistic leadership experience required.
• Proven ability to lead contemporary treble choral programming and season planning.
• Strong conducting and musicianship with professional-level singers.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and representation.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall artistic vision and long-term planning for the ensemble.
• Select, program, and conduct repertoire for each season.
• Recruit, audition, and develop singers and guest artists.
• Lead rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and main-stage performances.
• Partner with the Board to align art vision with organizational health.
• Participate in fundraising, donor engagement, and growth efforts.
• Develop annual artistic plans to inform budgeting.
• Serve as public-facing spokesperson for marketing and audience development.

Skills

Artistic leadership

Programming

Auditions

Audience engagement

Collaboration

Job description

Position Summary
The Artistic Director serves as the chief artistic leader of 21V, responsible for shaping and advancing the ensemble’s vision, programming, and broader cultural impact. This position reports directly to the Board of Directors. The role is part-time and project-based, with 21V generally presenting two artistic projects each year – one in the fall and one in the spring. Each project typically includes approximately five weeks of rehearsals and generally culminates in two performances. The schedule varies seasonally, with a greater time commitment during active rehearsal and performance cycles, including evenings and weekends. The Artistic Director works in person for rehearsals, performances, and select meetings in the Bay Area, while completing remaining administrative work and meetings remotely.

Core Responsibilities

Artistic Leadership

• Provide overall artistic vision, direction, and long-term planning for the ensemble
• Select, program, and conduct all repertoire for the performance season
• Recruit, audition, and develop singers, core musicians, and guest artists
• Commission new works and cultivate active relationships with composers
• Lead all regular rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and main-stage performances
• Partner with the Board of Directors to align artistic vision with organizational health
• Participate actively in fundraising, donor engagement, and institutional growth
• Develop an annual artistic plan to inform budgeting and operate within approved parameters
• Serve as the public-facing spokesperson to support marketing and audience development
• Build collaborative relationships within local, national, and international music communities

Candidate Profile & Qualifications

The ideal candidate is an imaginative and collaborative artistic leader with a deep commitment to contemporary treble choral music and to the cultural breadth of the Americas. While this distinctive musical focus is our starting point, we welcome a leader who will expand our horizons and guide the ensemble toward new creative possibilities. Prior artistic leadership experience is required. The next Artistic Director will demonstrate:

• Artistic Excellence: Exceptional musicianship and conducting skill, with a proven ability to inspire, develop, and work with professional-level singers.
  Innovative Programming: Curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to take artistic risks in curating compelling programs.
• Audience & Community Engagement: Strong interpersonal and on-stage communication skills to create meaningful connections with listeners and deepen 21V’s relevance in the community.
• Equity, Inclusion & Representation: A commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and representation within the organization and its musical output.
• Collaboration & Strategy: Excellent communication skills to work effectively with singers, board members, and stakeholders, balancing artistic ambition with organizational sustainability.

Please note: Finalists will be required to conduct a live audition with the ensemble in the Bay Area in March 2027. The appointed candidate will be subject to a standard background check prior to formal hire.