Artistic Director

Job Description
Position Title:
Artistic Director
Reports To:
Gateway Mens Chorus Board of Directors
Director Supervisor:
Board President
Supervises:
Rehearsal Accompanist, Pit Band, Sign Language Interpreter, Chorus Managers,
Dance Captain, Librarian, Section Leaders, Production Committee, Membership
Committee
FLSA Status:
Exempt with pay based on 20 hours/week. Note: GMC anticipates that this
position, which is currently half-time, will grow to a three-quarter time position
under the leadership of this hire.
Compensation/Benefits: Compensation is commensurate with experience; this is a non-benefits
eligible position
Start Date:
July 15, 2015
Feel free to review the GMC website gmcstl.org to obtain more information about our
organization. Please send resume and cover letter to recruiter@gmcstl.org no later than
March 20, 2015. No phone calls please.
Summary
The Gateway Men's Chorus (GMC) affirms and promotes gay culture and acceptance through excellence
in musical performance and education. GMC has become one of the most successful choral arts
organizations in St. Louis. The chorus has distinguished itself in both its breadth of musical repertoire
and longevity. The 2014-15 Season marks the organizations 28th season. GMC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit,
governed by a 10-member Board of Directors with an annual operating budget of roughly $200,000.
With the upcoming departure of GMCs current Artistic Director after four excellent years of
service in the role, GMC has an opening for the position of Artistic Director (AD). With
oversight from the Board, the AD is responsible for developing and executing the artistic
vision of the Gateway Mens Chorus through program and membership development,
creating a positive and professional rehearsal environment, and generating community
engagement. He or she will oversee the development of the artistic and production
components of the budget and, in partnership with the Executive Director and board
leadership, serve as a public face for the organization. The AD is an ex officio member of the
Board of Directors.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Artistic Director is responsible for artistic operations of the Gateway Mens Chorus, a 501(c)(3)nonprofit arts organization, ensuring the organization fulfills its mission to promote gay culture and
acceptance through excellence in musical performance and education.
Develops and communicates programmatic vision for each concert season, determining concert
repertoire which best responds to the needs of GMCs organizational mission, budgetary scope,
singer ability, singer development, and audience engagement.
Determines composition of GMC performance ensembles, guest artist line ups, soloists, section
leaders, Harmonix, Footnotes, Homegrown Cabaret, and other small ensemble touring/community
engagement groups.
Secures all necessary rights and licenses for music performed by GMC, and ensures the organization
is in compliance with all copyright regulations, in performance or subsequent distribution of music.
In collaboration with the Executive Director and Board of Directors, determines appropriate
performance schedule for GMC, including venue and number of performances per concert.
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Gateway Mens Chorus: Artistic Director Job Description

Develops vision for the physical production of each concert in collaboration with the Production
Committee, including but not limited to scenic design, projection design, lighting design, costume
design, and use of choreography.
Develops strategy for singer retention and recruitment in collaboration with the Membership
Committee.
Is responsible for public appearances on behalf of GMC, including but not limited to GMC-sponsored
fundraising events, other events in the St. Louis LGBT or arts communities, media interviews, singer
recruitment events, and donor cultivation opportunities with individuals, corporations, foundations,
or government agencies.
Manages weekly full chorus and small ensemble rehearsals, in partnership with the rehearsal
accompanist, ensuring a high level of singer engagement and education throughout the rehearsal
process.
Develops all external resources for singers, including rehearsal track recordings, listening tracks,
and print and digital music distribution. Maintains archives of these resources.
Develops and implements future touring initiatives, in collaboration with the Executive Director and
Board of Directors, including but not limited to regional collaborations with other choruses and local
education initiatives for school-aged children in the St. Louis region.
Coordinates and manages musical aspects of all organizational events, aiding in developing project
plans in conjunction with the Executive Director.
Handles all aspects of human resource oversight for above-listed direct reports, including paid parttime artistic employees, contract musicians, and between 6 and 10 volunteers, including but not
limited to, hiring and termination, developing position descriptions, and applying board-approved
employee policies in accordance with federal and state requirements.
Builds and maintains relationships with other local and national LGBT and arts organizations, in
particular: GALA Choruses, Chorus America, CHARIS, Band Together, The Muny, and Grand Center.
Represents GMC to GALA, the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses, participating in the GALA
leadership retreat and other GALA groups and activities.
Assists in the development of current and long-term organizational goals and objectives, as well as
policies and procedures for GMC artistic operations.
Establishes plans to achieve goals set by the Board of Directors and implements policies, subject to
approval by the Board of Directors.

Core Competencies
To perform effectively in this position, the individual should demonstrate the following competencies.
These core competencies represent effective administration of GMC and its programs, fulfilling GMCs
mission.

Job Knowledge: The AD understands the technical aspects of managing a company of singers and
musicians, as well as working within a nonprofit organization. He or she has the musical background
required to improve the quality of vocal production of individuals and ensembles. The AD is an
excellent, accomplished choral conductor, adept at a wide variety of musical styles. The AD
understands the duties and responsibilities of the position, remains up-to-date with best practices,
clearly understands the mission of the organization, and continuously works to promote GMC and
achieve its goals.
Communication: Strong written and oral communication skills are critical. The AD communicates
effectively with multiple audiences using a variety of formats. Examples of oral communication
include working with singers who may have varying levels of pre-existing musical knowledge,
inspiring audiences from the stage in performance or at special events, and communicating
institutional vision to funders. Examples of written communication include program letters, a weekly
column in GMCs internal singer e-newsletter, and concert descriptions for board, staff, and singers.
Charisma: As the primary face of GMC to the organizations many audiences, it is critical that a
successful candidate can delight, entertain, and charm a wide range of constituents, from occasional
ticket buyers to long-time supporters and from deeply committed members of the LGBT community
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Gateway Mens Chorus: Artistic Director Job Description

to straight allies. The AD builds support and internal buy-in for GMC initiatives across the
organization.
Management: Successful candidates will have strong organizational and HR management skills. The
AD will be comfortable in a hands-on role, willing to do the tasks necessary to execute the job
successfully. He or she will build solid rapport with his or her team of direct reports and assist in
transition planning for specific positions as needs arise. . The AD will also be responsible for helping
set the Production Budget each year and working within it.
Initiative: The AD looks ahead to the future growth of GMC by developing strategies and visions that
help build the companys existing resources so that it may continue to thrive, assessing
opportunities for growth on an on-going basis. From interactions with GMCs members, donors,
sponsors, grantors, audience, Board and staff, as well as others in the nonprofit sector, the AD
recognizes and brings to the attention of the President of the Board challenges that may affect the
organization. The AD displays initiative in developing action plans and resolving problems as they
occur, in consultation with the Executive Director, President, and other members of the Board.
Dependability: The AD is relied upon to remain conscientious and thorough with respect to
accurately achieving the organizations goals. He or she ensures each concert achieves the highest
level of artistic excellence possible.

Education and/or Experience

A successful candidate will have strong training in choral conducting. An undergraduate degree is
required, and the attainment of an advanced degree is preferred. The Artistic Director must possess the
above skills, knowledge and qualities with at least three years experience successfully leading a choral
ensemble. Background in education and existing relationships within the LGBT community and/or the St.
Louis arts community is a plus.
Work Schedule / Travel
The production-centered nature of the ADs role makes many of the positions responsibilities cyclical.
With a fiscal year of August 1-July 31, GMC produces three major concerts, typically in December,
March, and June. GMC also produce at least three other fundraising events per year, and a series of
member recruitment events. The Chorus holds rehearsal every Monday night during the season, as well
as one full-day intensive rehearsal on a Saturday each concert cycle. The Board meets on a monthly
basis, one evening each month. Board Committees meet one to two times per month, typically in the
evenings. While some of the work of the AD must be accomplished during rehearsals, the Artistic
Director will work with the President and Executive Director to determine regular in office hours.
Working hours may flex as activities demand (e.g., more during the lead up to concerts and events,
fewer in weeks / months between concert cycles). The AD must be able to travel to attend occasional
conferences, training, and other events as required to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.
Physical Demands
While performing these duties, the Artistic Director is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, speak, and
hear. The position requires occasional computer use so the employee must have sufficient hand
dexterity to use a computer keyboard and be capable of reading a computer screen. The employee
must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to
enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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