Orchestra Seattle and the Seattle Chamber Singers (OSSCS) announce the search for a new Music Director. Applications will be accepted between November 16 and December 16, 2011. Several candidates will be selected to participate as guest conductors during the 2012–2013 season. We expect to announce the appointment of a new Music Director no later than August 1, 2013.

The OSSCS season runs from early September to early June and includes 6–8 subscription concerts. A loyal donor base, grant support and ticket sales provide an overall annual budget of approximately $150,000. A Board of Directors oversees OSSCS, while a part-time, salaried Managing Director performs numerous administrative tasks and volunteers coordinate various other activities.

• More about OSSCS and its history
• Repertoire from past seasons
• Official job description (PDF, 83K)

Duties
In addition to leading two 2½ hour rehearsals each week, the Music Director will select repertoire, prepare soloists, assist in the promotion of concerts, and work with the Board of Directors in regard to financial development, strategic planning, and defining, building and achieving the artistic vision of the organization. Core duties include:

• Provide overall artistic leadership for OSSCS
• Conduct weekly Tuesday night rehearsals of Seattle Chamber Singers
• Conduct weekly Wednesday night rehearsals of Orchestra Seattle
• Conduct dress rehearsals and performances involving both groups
• Select repertoire and plan season
• Select soloists as appropriate
• Assist with auditioning new members
• Collaborate with Board of Directors in all organizational matters, including fundraising and marketing
• Attend additional events as required (e.g. board meetings, fundraising events)
• Maintain a sense of fiscal responsibility and operate within annual budget
• Promote the image of OSSCS and maintain our excellent relationship with our network of supporters, musical collaborators and the Puget Sound musical community

Qualifications
We seek a candidate who will continue the most important aspects of the musical and organizational history of Orchestra Seattle and the Seattle Chamber Singers: a profound sense of joy and love for music; fluent communication of the organization’s enthusiasm to audience members; and a joyful, collaborative and respectful relationship between our Music Director and the musicians who support his or her artistic vision and creativity. Although we stipulate a focus on musicality and joy in performing and sharing our musical talent and interpretations, our incoming Music Director will have the freedom to shape our ensembles to his/her own artistic vision in collaboration with the Board and our membership.

Required skills and attributes for the successful candidate:

• Extensive orchestral and choral conducting experience, including working with soloists and small ensembles
• Ability to demonstrate an awareness of organizational issues and support resolution in a timely and collaborative manner
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to initiate and be comfortable with media interviews and publicity in a way that benefits and promotes the organization.

Strongly preferred skills and attributes:

• Prior Music Director experience
• Financial/board experience
• Prior fundraising success
• Administrative and organizational skills
• Extensive knowledge of the music of Bach and Handel

Application Process
A complete application package will contain the following items:

• Cover letter stating areas of particular musical interest and any other information you would like the Search Committee to consider
• Your résumé
• A completed application form (including the application release form)
• List of references (minimum of three required)
• Links to video recordings of performances you have conducted (optional)

Application Deadline: 5:00 p.m. PST, December 16, 2011

You may e-mail the documents in the application package to mdsearch@osscs.org (please use the subject “OSSCS Music Director Application: [Last Name], [First Name]”) or mail the application package to:

ATTN: Melissa Underhill
Music Director Search Committee
Orchestra Seattle | Seattle Chamber Singers
3710 NE 41ST ST
SEATTLE WA 98105

Up to 12 candidates will be asked to supply video footage along with sample programming for an entire season, and to participate in a telephone interview and screening of references, including a background check. Video footage must be provided in the form of a DVD; candidates should be prepared to mail the DVD no later than December 19, 2011.

Please refer to the official job description for further details and direct any questions about the application process to mdsearch@osscs.org.