Artistic Director – Concert Band

Rainbow City Marching Band; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Rainbow City Performing Arts (RCPA) seeks an Artistic Director to lead the concert band program with a bold artistic vision aligned to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging. You will collaborate with the Board, staff, and community to deliver socially relevant performances that reflect contemporary voices and cultural breadth.

The AD will independently manage artistic decisions, mentor conductors, curate repertoire, and oversee rehearsals and community engagement efforts to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in music, arts administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership role within a musical or performing arts organization.
• Experience working with diverse communities and promoting social justice through the arts.
• Demonstrated success in program development and management.
• An equivalent combination of education and work experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements the artistic vision for RCPA’s program.
• Plans and oversees concerts, events, and performances.
• Ensures that all artistic activities align with RCPA’s mission and values.
• Collaborates with other Artistic Directors to create cohesive and innovative programming.
• Designs and implements performances that reflect social justice themes and promote community engagement.
• Oversees rehearsals, ensuring high artistic standards and effective use of rehearsal time.
• Mentors conductors and musical leaders, providing guidance and support to enhance their skills and performance.
• Plans rehearsal schedules in accordance with contract and policy requirements.
• Selects candidates for featured performance roles using RCPA’s audition process.
• Stays apprised of best practices and innovations in the specific artistic discipline or ensemble type related to the program.

Skills

Program development

Artistic leadership

Communication

Diversity & inclusion

Independent work

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in music / arts administration

5+ years leadership experience

Experience with diverse communities

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Artistic Director (AD) of Rainbow City Performing Arts (RCPA) will oversee the concert band program, providing artistic vision and leadership while ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission of promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging. The AD will work independently, maintaining artistic autonomy, and will collaborate with the Board of Directors, staff, and community stakeholders to create impactful and socially relevant performances.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Artistic Vision and Leadership

• Develops and implements the artistic vision for RCPA’s program.
• Plans and oversees the production of concerts, events, and other performances of the program.
• Ensures that all artistic activities align with RCPA’s mission and values.
• Collaborates with other Artistic Directors to create cohesive and innovative programming, agreeing on decisions and equally trading vision leadership for recurring shared performances.

Program Development and Management

• Designs and implements performances that reflect social justice themes and promote community engagement.
• Selects repertoire, guest artists, and collaborators that enhance the artistic quality and diversity of performances.
• Oversees rehearsals, ensuring high artistic standards and effective use of rehearsal time.
• Evaluates program effectiveness and adjusts as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
• Selects and guides personnel to lead rehearsals and sectionals.
• Mentors conductors and musical leaders, providing guidance and support to enhance their skills and performance.
• Plans rehearsal schedules in accordance with contract and policy requirements.
• Selects candidates for featured performance roles using RCPA’s audition process.
• Stays apprised of best practices and innovations in the specific artistic discipline or ensemble type related to the program.

Community Engagement and Advocacy

• Builds and maintains relationships with community organizations, artists, and stakeholders.
• Advocates for social justice and equity within the performing arts community.
• Represents RCPA at community events, conferences, and other public engagements.
• Promotes RCPA’s programs and initiatives through outreach and engagement efforts.

Collaboration and Communication

• Works closely with the Board and staff to support organizational goals.
• Ensures effective communication and collaboration with other Artistic Directors and program staff.
• Provides regular updates on program progress and performance to the Board.
• Participates in strategic planning and organizational development activities.

Compliance and Independent Contractor Requirements

• Operates as an independent contractor, maintaining control over artistic decisions and program implementation.
• Ensures compliance with all relevant regulations and requirements for independent contractors in Washington State.
• Maintains appropriate business licenses and registrations as required.
• Manages own schedule, expenses, and resources related to program activities, noting that RCPA can only fund expenses up to the prescribed budget.
• Ensures all contracts are signed by the Executive Director and meet policy and budgetary requirements.
• Complies with the organization’s by-laws, policies, procedures, and Code of Conduct; seeks clarification and guidance as necessary.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Strong understanding of program development and production.
• Extensive experience and knowledge in the specific artistic discipline or ensemble type related to the program.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to develop and implement artistic vision.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills.

Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s degree in music, arts administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership role within a musical or performing arts organization.
• Experience working with diverse communities and promoting social justice through the arts.
• Demonstrated success in program development and management.
• An equivalent combination of education and work experience may be considered.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work involves walking, talking, and hearing; using hands to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The individual may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry objects up to 25 pounds.
• The individual will often work in environments with high noise levels, typically ranging from 70 to 100 decibels, due to musical performances and rehearsals.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.