Artistic Director
Title: Bridging Voices Artistic Director
Position: Part Time (est. 15-20 hr/wk)
Compensation: DOE paid monthly
Location: Portland, OR
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Who We Are
Bridging Voices is a non-audition youth chorus for LGBTQ+ and allied youth, ages 13-21. We strive to create a safe, accessible place for youth to experience empowerment and unity through music. Bridging Voices is Portland’s first LGBTQ+ and Allied Youth Chorus and is one of the largest choruses of its kind in the nation. However, we view Bridging Voices as more than a chorus. It’s a space where queer members can grow and thrive within a community of like-minded youth and experience a support system of true allies.
Our mission is to break down the foundations of homophobia and transphobia through visibility. Within these walls, the things that make us different are celebrated and encouraged, not hidden or criticized. Over the next few years, we seek to grow our community to pre-COVID attendance levels while expanding our diversity efforts across members, staff, and Board. Additionally, we are focused on increasing the role youth have in shaping the programming and future of the organization to ensure that we continue to meet their needs.
To learn more about our organization, please visit ------------.
Note: In the event that in-person rehearsals are no longer permitted due to changes in CDC guidelines, some of the below job tasks may be adjusted to adapt to a fully remote environment.
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The Position
Bridging Voices is in search of an Artistic Director to lead our chorus. You will be the face of Bridging Voices, leading our weekly in-person chorus rehearsals from auditions through performance. You will be responsible for the overall artistic direction of the organization, working closely with our youth to create beautiful, compelling musical experiences. Additionally, you will serve as the operational leader of the group, guiding our volunteers and Chorus Manager as needed to successfully plan and execute performances throughout the year.
The Artistic Director reports into and works closely with the Board of Directors to set the shared vision for the organization and help our community grow. Additionally, the Artistic Director manages our Chorus Manager and Pianist.
Anticipated hours will vary based on time of the year and performance preparation, concerts and events. During peak times we estimate it could be as much as 25 hours per week, including Sunday afternoons and, when needed, evenings (for performances). There are two breaks during the calendar year between choral terms. Bridging Voices members, its staff, and its volunteers follow all CDC recommendations to create and enforce our COVID policy.
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Qualifications
• A degree in Music (BA required, Masters preferred)
• Previous experience working with youth with a demonstrated ability to work effectively and sensitively with LGBTQ+ youth and their families.
• A passion for Bridging Voices’ mission and ability to lead with patience, flexibility, authenticity, inclusivity, and sincere passion for music and its possibilities.
• Ability to provide proof of full COVID-19 inoculation before accepting the position and willingness to follow CDC guidelines and chorus policies to maintain member safety.
• Eligibility to work in the United States without sponsorship and the ability to pass a background check.
• Ability to attend all chorus rehearsals unless prior approval is given and arrangements are made for coverage. Our in-person rehearsals are Sunday afternoons, 3-6:30p, in SE Portland. (Please note that applicants outside of the Portland area may apply but relocation is required. Bridging Voices is unable to provide relocation assistance.)
• Ability to work a few nights and/or weekends throughout the season. This will include the spring/holiday concert performances and other community outreach events and performances.
----
Primary Duties
• Lead the vision and execution of each choral term from auditions through the final bow.
• Strong experience in conducting choruses supported by knowledge of performance practice, conducting techniques, and music theory.
• Familiarity with a variety of musical styles: traditional to contemporary.
• The ability to create a supportive environment including the willingness to adjust all artistic decisions to suit performance requirements and accommodate talent and ability of the group.
• Ability to conduct main stage concerts and all additional performances as needed.
• Manage the planning and execution of all performances, including proper delegation and tracking of tasks.
• Ability to oversee (through direct ownership or delegation) all tasks associated with putting on an event from date/venue selection through program creation through promotion through final bow.
• Knowledge of, and experience in the technical aspect of production including sound, lighting and set design.
• Oversee and lead our team of dedicated volunteers and staff with efficiency, clarity, and personal accountability.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment, including direct and indirect management of staff/volunteers and the ability to delegate tasks as needed.
• Strong organizational skills for both your own work and the work done by others (e.g., project management of performances, ensuring deadlines are held, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to lead and work with wider arts and youth communities
• Manage all communications with our community, members, and families.
• High standard of verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate respectfully and effectively.
• Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining existing communication practices (e.g., a weekly email to the organization with updates.)
• Participate in partner organizations such as GALA Choruses
• Work closely with the Board of Directors to set the organization’s future
• Ability to attend monthly Board of Director + AD/Chorus Manager meetings, including delivery of Artistic Director’s report
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically from vision through implementation, including an openness to collaboration, brainstorming, and co-creation with our broader team.
• Eagerness to create and share new, fresh ideas for Bridging Voices’ future.
Past experience of the operational skills needed to ensure efficient work including, but not limited to, securing legal rights to music/media, working with vendors in preparation for performances, understanding and staying within budget, ensuring all members’ waivers are complete, etc.
----
To Apply
Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining how your skillset meets our needs and explaining why you want to be a part of the Bridging Voices community.
----
Bridging Voices is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process.
Title: Bridging Voices Artistic Director
Position: Part Time (est. 15-20 hr/wk)
Compensation: DOE paid monthly
Location: Portland, OR
----
Who We Are
Bridging Voices is a non-audition youth chorus for LGBTQ+ and allied youth, ages 13-21. We strive to create a safe, accessible place for youth to experience empowerment and unity through music. Bridging Voices is Portland’s first LGBTQ+ and Allied Youth Chorus and is one of the largest choruses of its kind in the nation. However, we view Bridging Voices as more than a chorus. It’s a space where queer members can grow and thrive within a community of like-minded youth and experience a support system of true allies.
Our mission is to break down the foundations of homophobia and transphobia through visibility. Within these walls, the things that make us different are celebrated and encouraged, not hidden or criticized. Over the next few years, we seek to grow our community to pre-COVID attendance levels while expanding our diversity efforts across members, staff, and Board. Additionally, we are focused on increasing the role youth have in shaping the programming and future of the organization to ensure that we continue to meet their needs.
To learn more about our organization, please visit ------------.
Note: In the event that in-person rehearsals are no longer permitted due to changes in CDC guidelines, some of the below job tasks may be adjusted to adapt to a fully remote environment.
----
The Position
Bridging Voices is in search of an Artistic Director to lead our chorus. You will be the face of Bridging Voices, leading our weekly in-person chorus rehearsals from auditions through performance. You will be responsible for the overall artistic direction of the organization, working closely with our youth to create beautiful, compelling musical experiences. Additionally, you will serve as the operational leader of the group, guiding our volunteers and Chorus Manager as needed to successfully plan and execute performances throughout the year.
The Artistic Director reports into and works closely with the Board of Directors to set the shared vision for the organization and help our community grow. Additionally, the Artistic Director manages our Chorus Manager and Pianist.
Anticipated hours will vary based on time of the year and performance preparation, concerts and events. During peak times we estimate it could be as much as 25 hours per week, including Sunday afternoons and, when needed, evenings (for performances). There are two breaks during the calendar year between choral terms. Bridging Voices members, its staff, and its volunteers follow all CDC recommendations to create and enforce our COVID policy.
----
Qualifications
• A degree in Music (BA required, Masters preferred)
• Previous experience working with youth with a demonstrated ability to work effectively and sensitively with LGBTQ+ youth and their families.
• A passion for Bridging Voices’ mission and ability to lead with patience, flexibility, authenticity, inclusivity, and sincere passion for music and its possibilities.
• Ability to provide proof of full COVID-19 inoculation before accepting the position and willingness to follow CDC guidelines and chorus policies to maintain member safety.
• Eligibility to work in the United States without sponsorship and the ability to pass a background check.
• Ability to attend all chorus rehearsals unless prior approval is given and arrangements are made for coverage. Our in-person rehearsals are Sunday afternoons, 3-6:30p, in SE Portland. (Please note that applicants outside of the Portland area may apply but relocation is required. Bridging Voices is unable to provide relocation assistance.)
• Ability to work a few nights and/or weekends throughout the season. This will include the spring/holiday concert performances and other community outreach events and performances.
----
Primary Duties
• Lead the vision and execution of each choral term from auditions through the final bow.
• Strong experience in conducting choruses supported by knowledge of performance practice, conducting techniques, and music theory.
• Familiarity with a variety of musical styles: traditional to contemporary.
• The ability to create a supportive environment including the willingness to adjust all artistic decisions to suit performance requirements and accommodate talent and ability of the group.
• Ability to conduct main stage concerts and all additional performances as needed.
• Manage the planning and execution of all performances, including proper delegation and tracking of tasks.
• Ability to oversee (through direct ownership or delegation) all tasks associated with putting on an event from date/venue selection through program creation through promotion through final bow.
• Knowledge of, and experience in the technical aspect of production including sound, lighting and set design.
• Oversee and lead our team of dedicated volunteers and staff with efficiency, clarity, and personal accountability.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment, including direct and indirect management of staff/volunteers and the ability to delegate tasks as needed.
• Strong organizational skills for both your own work and the work done by others (e.g., project management of performances, ensuring deadlines are held, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to lead and work with wider arts and youth communities
• Manage all communications with our community, members, and families.
• High standard of verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate respectfully and effectively.
• Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining existing communication practices (e.g., a weekly email to the organization with updates.)
• Participate in partner organizations such as GALA Choruses
• Work closely with the Board of Directors to set the organization’s future
• Ability to attend monthly Board of Director + AD/Chorus Manager meetings, including delivery of Artistic Director’s report
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically from vision through implementation, including an openness to collaboration, brainstorming, and co-creation with our broader team.
• Eagerness to create and share new, fresh ideas for Bridging Voices’ future.
Past experience of the operational skills needed to ensure efficient work including, but not limited to, securing legal rights to music/media, working with vendors in preparation for performances, understanding and staying within budget, ensuring all members’ waivers are complete, etc.
----
To Apply
Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining how your skillset meets our needs and explaining why you want to be a part of the Bridging Voices community.
----
Bridging Voices is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process.