Careers

Job Opening: Artistic Director

  • Term: September 2027 to May / June 2031 (subject to annual review, and renewable)
  • Part-time: up to 60 hours/month
  • Application Deadline: 15 January 2027

(We encourage applicants to submit their application at any time before the deadline).

About the Ottawa Choral Society

The Ottawa Choral Society (OCS) has an 85-year history as the National Capital Region’s premier symphonic chorus with over 100 auditioned voices. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Gabrielle Gaudreault, the OCS’ innovative programming has included a wide variety of choral repertoire from centuries past to the present.

The Choral Society’s annual series normally comprises three or four self-produced concerts, primarily choral but featuring the National Capital Region’s leading instrumentalists and notable soloists. Additionally, the OCS is often hired to perform with the National Arts Centre Orchestra and / or collaborates with the NACO, the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra and other artistic partners in joint artistic endeavors. For the Society’s engagements with the NACO, the OCS Director regularly serves as chorus master for world-renowned conductors in concerts that feature world-class soloists.

For further information and details about the OCS, visit our website at: www.ottawachoralsociety.com

About the Position

The Artistic Director of the Ottawa Choral Society is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the artistic excellence of the choir. The ideal candidate combines day-to-day operational skills (conducting, managing rehearsals, etc.) with the capacity to develop and articulate a forward-looking vision/direction for the choir, and the ability to inspire and motivate others to realize this vision (in collaboration with the Board of Directors). The OCS has a tradition of innovation and will support its Music Director in exploring new and exciting opportunities.

Core Functions

  • Working with the OCS board’s Programming Committee, and in consultation with other artistic team members, the Artistic Director is the central catalyst in the conception, design, leadership and, ultimately, the delivery of all OCS’ artistic programming.
  • Of foremost importance is the preparation of the choir for concert performances of the highest possible standard, employing effective pedagogical techniques in support of the continual development and enhancement of the overall choral ensemble.
  • Required services include regular Wednesday evening rehearsals and additional activities on specific weekends and concert production weeks.

Other Duties

Artistic:

  • Program annual concert series with the support of the OCS Programming Committee;
  • Work closely with the members of the Artistic Team (e.g., collaborative pianist and/or assistant director) to develop and manage a cohesive and well-organized rehearsal and performance plan;
  • Participate in guest artist selection;
  • Set annual rehearsal schedule appropriate to repertoire requirements;
  • Prepare and conduct annual concert series and required rehearsals;
  • Provide vocal instruction in rehearsals and choral workshops, retreats and other choral skill development activities;
  • Conduct auditions as required (e.g., of new singers, section leads, choral scholars, ad hoc semi-chorus/soloists, and choir members at the director’s discretion);
  • Actively participate in recruitment of new choristers

Management:

  • Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors in developing and implementing a strategic plan for the choir’s artistic and financial development and outreach;
  • Attend OCS Board meetings when warranted, to facilitate communication between OCS Governance, Executive, Administration, and Artistic staff;
  • Liaise with the Administration Manager, Choir Manager and Librarians in managing the operational logistics of the choir (including rehearsal schedule and venues, orchestral and soloist requirements, choice of music editions, auditions, etc.);
  • Represent the interests of the choir with its performance partners (e.g., NACO, OSO, )

Audience Development and Fundraising:

  • Participate in promotional and fundraising activities;
  • Interact with and engage key stakeholders including subscribers, donors, funding agencies, and the greater arts community;
  • Promote choir activities through media engagement, outreach functions, ;
  • Play an active role in youth outreach;
  • Engage audiences and communicate artistic vision within a wide variety of collaborative musical productions;
  • Act as the important public face of OCS, stay connected within the local music scene and aspire to foster close collaborative ties with important community stakeholders, patrons and media channels.

Qualifications

  • Degree in Music is mandatory; graduate studies in conducting preferred;
  • Minimum of 5 years experience conducting choral ensembles; particularly conducting major choral-orchestral works;
  • Proven track record of strong artistic leadership, choral programming, choral conducting and rehearsal skills;
  • Superior choral and vocal pedagogy with a strong focus on skills development;
  • Comprehensive familiarity with choral repertoire spanning different genres and periods;
  • Effective communication in English;
  • Strong team player with attention to

Additional valued attributes

  • Keyboard proficiency;
  • Arts administration experience;
  • Fluency in French;
  • Residency in the National Capital

Salary

Competitive remuneration, commensurate with experience.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

The Ottawa Choral Society is strongly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas (this includes candidates of any racial or cultural heritage, sexual or gender orientation, dis/ability, etc.).

Application Process

All interested applicants should submit:

  • Cover Letter;
  • Curriculum vitae;
  • Name and contact information for three references;
  • Link to 3 videos showing the applicant’s musical and conducting The interview and audition process are planned for the second quarter of 2027.

All application material should be sent by email to: applications@ottawachoralsociety.com

Full Job Posting (PDF)