Overview
The Artistic Director of the Sacramento Master Singers (SMS) plays a central role in shaping the artistic identity and success of the organization. With over 40 years of enriching the Sacramento region’s choral arts scene, SMS provides professional-caliber chamber choral performances while fostering educational and community outreach initiatives. The Artistic Director will have the opportunity to shape the creative direction of the SMS’s programming, lead a team of musicians, and contribute to the development of the region’s choral arts.

Mission

The mission of the Sacramento Master Singers is:

• To provide audiences in the greater Sacramento area with world-class concerts that engage and inspire

• To perform a diverse repertoire of music drawing on the best choral literature from early chant to avant-garde

• To offer an opportunity to accomplished choral singers for musical growth, personal fulfillment and fellowship

• To ensure the advancement of the choral arts through outreach activities for area youth

Key Responsibilities

The Artistic Director provides key leadership in the artistic vision of the Sacramento Master Singers and is responsible for the leadership and direction of every aspect of the performances by the choir. The artistic director reports to and works in collaboration with the Board of Directors.

Artistic Management  

• Provides overall artistic leadership and direction to artistic personnel and guest musicians  

• Auditions choir members in collaboration with section leaders and assistant conductor 

• Leads all artistic aspects in the choice of repertoire

• Collaborates with the Board of Directors in venue selection  

• Selects all choir and guest artists/soloists

• Hires artistic personnel in conjunction with the Board of Directors

• Leads all rehearsals and concerts

• Participates in youth development programs  

• Supervises recording activities

• Oversees the writing of program notes for each concert  

• Prepares scores for choir & guest musicians  

• Participates in vision and creation of graphic collateral in collaboration with Patron Services Coordinator and Graphic Artist, including but not limited to, season graphics, season brochure, and concert program

• Responsible for artistic collaborations with other creative groups 

• Works with the choir and Board of Directors to promote a positive atmosphere of community and belonging within the organization

Board Relations  

• Presents reports at board meetings regarding the status of the artistic programs and projects  

• Participates in fundraising activities and donor stewardship 

Public Relations  

• Serves as the official spokesperson for the organization  

• Participates in community activities that further the name recognition of the choir  

• Represents the choir in media appearances  

• Participates in and represents the choir in musical and professional organizations and at conferences  

• Collaborates with the Board of Directors in developing marketing campaigns and publicity for the choir 

Financial Management

• Develops an annual comprehensive artistic plan, that in collaboration with the Board of Directors, provides the basis for the annual budget    

• Adheres to the approved annual budget for the programs  

• Collaborates in the preparation of grant applications

• Participates with the Board of Directors in fee negotiation for artists and other personnel  

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree in Music

• Minimum 5 years of choral conducting experience

• Trained in vocal technique

• Commitment to diverse concert programming, with a primary goal to engage and grow audiences with moving and memorable live performances

• Ability to challenge and inspire singers to meet the highest possible musical standards

• Interest in and commitment to furthering the mission and DEI goals of the choir

• Strong leadership skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team

• Commitment to community and educational outreach and collaboration with community partners

• Commitment to work with the organization on long-term strategic planning and audience development

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work with and adapt to technologies including email, Google Drive, basic website management, ticketing software, and other web and cloud-based tools  

• Reliable transportation to travel to rehearsals and concerts in the Sacramento region, and other outreach and community events as necessary 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Music or Choral Conducting, or equivalent experience

• Experience conducting or working with a community choir and with singers of various musical skills and experience

• Teaching experience

• Performance production experience

Compensation & Benefits

• Exempt

• $29,000-32,000/year for 12-15 hours per week. (Hours are significantly fewer during the summer months)

• Sick time per California law

• Mileage reimbursement for SMS-related business. Does not include mileage to rehearsals or concerts that are in the Sacramento region.

Application Process
Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted during the Fall of 2025. The candidate pool will be narrowed down to 1-2 candidates, who will be asked to attend 1-2 rehearsals to work with the choir, and then conduct two pieces at a concert during March 2026 (March 14 & 15). The input of choir members, the Board of Directors, a selection of patrons, and the search committee will be considered when selecting the final candidate. The final candidate will be announced in April or May 2026, with a start date of June 2026.    

To apply:

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to SMSADsearch@mastersingers.org. 

As candidates move forward in the process, they may be requested to submit further materials such as concert programs, portfolios, and videos that show the candidate conducting concerts and/or rehearsals. Please do not submit these materials until requested to do so.

Application deadline: July 15, 2025.