Artistic Director & Conductor Position Description

Position Description


The Artistic Director (AD) is responsible for developing and executing artistic programming, collaborations, and concerts that enhance the mission of the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus (PGMC). The AD bears this responsibility with the Board of Directors and the Executive Director (ED). The AD works in close partnership with the ED, performs special assignments, and is empowered to exercise discretion and independent judgment in performing essential business for PGMC within the purview of the AD’s role and responsibilities. The AD will develop harmonious working relationships within the organization (staff, membership, and Board of Directors) and represent the organization to the wider community, clients, donors, patrons, and business partners. The AD will also maintain productive working relationships with GALA and other community Choruses and organizations to increase the visibility of the organization and to encourage collaboration.


Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:


  • Coordinate, schedule, and organize an annual performance schedule including subscription concerts, outreach concerts, engagement concerts, and tours.
  • Organize a rehearsal schedule at the beginning of each concert year
  • Conduct auditions twice annually
  • Design each concert performance including theme development and integration of guest artists, ensembles, soloists, dancers, and visual elements
  • Serve as staff contact to Production Committee ensuring that technical needs, venue contracts, blocking, costuming, and staging details run smoothly
  • Audition, select, and coach soloists and small group ensembles
  • Manage planning, schedule, communication, logistics, and planning details for community and outreach performances
  • Identify, coach, and supervise the activities of Chorus section leaders
  • Communicate regularly with section leaders regarding vocal issues, repertoire to cover in upcoming sectionals and other musical needs
  • Facilitate the work of the Artistic Advisory Committee
  • Identify concert themes and collaborations that support the mission of PGMC
  • Research appropriate music for the upcoming season
  • Ensure that current season music is selected and purchased with the assistance of committee members
  • Secure new arrangements and performance rights where appropriate
  • Coordinate the scanning/uploading of music to Chorus Connection before the first rehearsal of the season
  • Creation and implementation of PGMC’s Artistic budget in collaboration with ED and committee chairs
  • Identify and/or provide music education opportunities for chorus membership
  • Maintain sole responsibility of employment decisions of artistic staff in consultation with the ED and Board of Directors
  • Assists in the development and execution of PGMC’s strategic plan
  • Participate in development efforts in fundraising, donor cultivation and appreciation
  • Work with development committee and staff to identify potential grants and provide artistic information as needed
  • Work with events and/or development chairs to participate and provide artistic collaboration with season events and fundraisers as needed
  • Inform and execute overall marketing strategy in collaboration with Marketing Chair
  • In collaboration with the ED, act as the public face of PGMC
  • Inter-organizational communication
  • Attend area networking events
  • Serve as community collaborator and connector
  • Vendor and artistic staff contract negotiations, in collaboration with the ED
  • As chair of the Artistic Advisory Committee, attend and participate in Board of Directors and committee meetings as an ex officio, non-voting member of the board
  • Venue selection, in collaboration with the ED
  • Work with Chorus, the Board, ED, and volunteers to promote a positive atmosphere of community within the organization
  • Focus on diversity, equity and inclusion in all artistic aspects of the Chorus
  • Ensure external organizational membership benefits are fully utilized
  • Attend all main stage PGMC concerts, events, and rehearsals whenever possible
  • Participate in professional development opportunities


Time Commitment


The Artistic Director role is a full-time, salaried position with flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.


Education & Experience requirements


  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, with an emphasis in choral conducting or equivalent conducting experience working with a community-based chorus and with singers of various musical skills and experience
  • Commitment to the mission of the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus
  • Interest and passion in working with the LGBTQ+ community
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to present a professional and positive image to a wide variety of individuals and organizations
  • Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and tasks
  • Experience and desire working with diverse groups including members, volunteers, and personalities


Employment Details


  • Annual Salary $65,000, payable monthly
  • Flexible hybrid/remote schedule with some requirements for evenings and weekends
  • 20 PTO days in addition to 12 paid holidays
  • Vanguard Simple retirement plan with company match capped at a maximum contribution of 3% of salary
  • $500 monthly health insurance stipend
  • Position start date: July 1, 2025


Application Process


Please submit the following application materials to Steve Dexter, President of the Board of Directors at sdexter@pgmc.org:


  • Cover Letter and Resume
  • Link to a conducting video showcasing candidate’s work with the ensemble as well as a performance in front of an audience
  • List of 3 references
  • Applications will be open until November 1, 2024


Equal Opportunity Employer


The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, age, physical disability, HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, or any other status protected by Federal, Pennsylvania, or Philadelphia laws governing non-discrimination in employment. PGMC is committed to a diverse workplace and strongly encourages people of color, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ candidates to apply.


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