Employment Opportunities​

 

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SEEKING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR 
 

The Minnesota Chorale, a semi-professional chorus in its 54th season, serves as the official choral partner of the Minnesota Orchestra and presents its own award-winning programming. With the upcoming retirement of its longtime director, Kathy Saltzman Romey, the Minnesota Chorale seeks an Artistic Director who will bring new ideas that build upon its traditions of success in artistic partnerships, community collaborations, educational experiences, and intergenerational singing. The Artistic Director sets the creative direction for and ensures the musical excellence of the Minnesota Chorale while fostering a collaborative environment for innovation and growth.  

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Key Responsibilities  

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 1.           Creative Direction  

• Establishes artistic direction for Chorale  

• Partners with Executive Director to create overall schedule of concerts and commissioned works 

• Selects repertoire for Chorale-produced concerts guided by Chorale’s Mission, Vision, Values, Guiding Principles and United Belonging Statement

• Produces program notes, reviews publicity, and provides remarks for Chorale-produced concerts  

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2.            Musical Leadership  and Management  

• Auditions  all members of the Chorale and creates rosters for each concert from the pool of volunteer singers and section leaders (currently 180 and 70 respectively).

• Prepares and rehearses Chorale for Minnesota Orchestra concerts while discerning and implementing the vision of the orchestra conductor  

• Prepares and directs rehearsals and performances for Chorale-produced concerts  

• Selects Chorale assistant directors, accompanists, soloists, and instrumentalists and leads searches for conductors of other groups in Chorale’s Family of Choirs as needed 

• Oversees artistic staff of Chorale – Organization Structure linked below

  

​3.            Collaborative Relationships   

• Maintains clear and open communications with the Board, Chorale staff, and musicians 

• Partners with the Board and Executive Director to assure fiscal health and organizational stability

• As choral advisor to the Minnesota Orchestra, consults on programming and advises on choral resources for joint projects

• Supports stewardship through engagement with sponsors and donors 

• Develops and fosters collaborations with community partners 

• Represents the Chorale as its artistic leader in local, regional, national and international settings  

 

​ Qualifications  

• Education: Master of Music degree in choral conducting or related field   

• Experience: five years or more choral conducting experience, prefer experience conducting a semi-professional chorus or adult chorus 

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Attributes 

• Accomplished: has broad knowledge of choral repertoire ranging from a cappella pieces to masterworks; leads performances that include choral and orchestral musicians and soloists; runs motivating and efficient rehearsals that promote vocal health; has expertise in vocal technique, choral diction, and pedagogical skills; leads with empathy, integrity, and respect 

• Connected: creates and thrives on strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, has a network of established relationships within the Twin Cities or the ability to create one with targeted introductions, active in Chorus America and/or American Choral Directors Association  

• Dynamic: demonstrates confidence and resiliency, anticipates and adapts to changing circumstances while preserving enthusiasm and artistic excellence, implements detailed plans well   

• Engaging: inspires and connects with singers and audiences, communicates with authenticity, demonstrates humility and humor, has emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills

• Innovative: shows passion for developing new ideas and embracing new technologies to lead the Chorale and its Family of Choirs into a vibrant future  

 

Commitment and Compensation 

• Time Commitment: this Minnesota-based position averages 20 hours per week, more in concert weeks and less in the summer  

• Reporting Structure: reports to the Board of Directors per linked organization chart below

• Salary: $45,000 - $55,000 annually depending on qualifications and experience 

• Benefits: stipend for health insurance; 401(k) plan; vacation; earned sick and safe time; budget for professional memberships and development; Minnesota Chorale offices are closed the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day as well as the week of the Fourth of July

 

​Application Requirements and Process 

 

By July 31, 2026, please submit these materials using the form, below.

• Letter of interest 

• Resume or curriculum vitae 

• Link to a live video recording of about ten minutes of a recent choral rehearsal and about ten minutes of a recent performance 

• Two programs from recent concerts and a description of your conducting and programming role 

• List of three to five professional references 

• Completed chart of major choral works linked below

• Completed selections for mock concert as described in file linked below

 

A search committee composed of Chorale Board members, singers, and community representatives will consider applications according to this timeline: 

• Review of Applications will begin August 1, 2026  

• Anticipated Virtual Interviews October 20-23, 2026 

• Anticipated In Person Interview/Audition January 9-10, 2027 

• Anticipated Extended Offer February 2027 

• Employment will begin July 1, 2027 for the 2027-2028 concert season 

 

Questions? Email search@mnchorale.org 

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Application Materials:

• Job Description PDF

• About the Minnesota Chorale PDF

• Organization Structure PDF

• About Minnesota PDF

• Choral Works Chart Assignment - Word document. Please complete, save and attach to your application.

• Mock Family Concert Assignment​- Word document. Please complete, save and attach to your application.