About the Position

The Music Director of the Ottawa Choral Society is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the artistic excellence of the choir.  The ideal candidate combines day-to-day operational skills (conducting, managing rehearsals, etc.) with the capacity to develop and articulate a forward-looking vision / direction for the choir, and the ability to inspire and motivate others in collaboration with the Board of Directors to realize this vision.  The OCS has a tradition of innovation and will support its Music Director in exploring new and exciting opportunities.  In conducting this search, the OCS envisions returning to its traditional model of a sole Music Director but is open to other alternatives that a candidate might propose, including an associate director model.

Qualifications:

·        Degree in music / choral conducting, or equivalent experience

·        Experience in choral conducting and leadership

·        Orchestral conducting experience

·        Broad knowledge of the standard choral repertoire

·        Expertise in choral programming

·        Familiarity with a variety of musical genres and periods

·        Superior choral pedagogy

·        Knowledge of vocal technique and the ability to teach vocal production skills

·        Ability to work collaboratively with choristers, professional musicians and other musical organizations

·        Ability to work collaboratively with a volunteer Board of Directors

·        Ability to develop a rapport with audiences and the public

·        Keyboard skills desirable

Duties:

1.      Artistic:

·        Program annual concert series with the support of the OCS Programming Committee

·        Liaise with Contracts Manager in the selection of season guest artists

·        Set annual rehearsal schedule appropriate to repertoire requirements

·        Prepare and conduct annual concert series and all required rehearsals

·        Provide vocal instruction in rehearsals and choral workshops

·        Conduct annual auditions (general membership, professional choristers and bursary applicants)

·        Actively participate in recruitment of new choristers

·        Participate on the jury of biennial New Discoveries auditions and collaborate with the New Discoveries Registrar and committee in planning the winners’ showcase recitals

2.      Management:

·        Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors in developing and implementing a strategic plan for the choir’s artistic and financial development and outreach

·        Liaise with the Administration Manager, Choir Manager and Librarians in managing the operational logistics of the choir (including rehearsal schedule and venues, orchestral and soloist requirements, choice of music editions, auditions, etc.)

·        Represent the interests of the choir with its performance partners (e.g., NACO, OSO, etc.)

3.      Audience Development and Fundraising:

·        Participate in promotional and fundraising activities

·        Interact with and engage key stakeholders including subscribers, donors, funding agencies, and the greater arts community

·        Promote choir activities through media engagement, outreach functions, etc.

·        Play an active role in youth outreach

Salary / Remuneration:

Remuneration will be determined based on experience level and negotiated duties.