Ensemble Director – Rainbow City Jazz Band

  • Contract
  • Seattle, WA
  • 500 USD / Month
  • This position has been filled

Website Rainbow City Jazz Band

Conduct and lead the jazz band while supporting the work of staff and members.

Title                     Ensemble Director – Rainbow City Jazz Band

Position Type    Contract

Reports to          Artistic Director (A.D.)

JOB SUMMARY

Leads and manages the band’s performances and personnel, including season planning, rehearsals and performances, budgets, and communications.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Leading Ensemble:
    • Leads and conducts all rehearsals and performances during the season or ensure that a designated director is available to lead any planned or emergency rehearsal absence.
    • Supervises the Assistant Ensemble Director, Ensemble Manager, and any other staff.
    • Chooses section leaders in consultation with ensemble staff.
    • Leads and guides section leaders to perform their duties and work to ensure equitable outcomes and opportunities across the ensemble.
    • Select and manage alternate performers in consultation with ensemble staff.
    • Fill permanent member vacancies by following the audition policy
  2. Season Planning:
    • Chooses musical selections to play over the season, including music from our library along with music purchased within the provided budget.
    • Plans rehearsal schedule in consultation with A.D. and other staff members to ensure readiness for scheduled performances; coordinates with other ensembles to reduce scheduling conflicts for members.
    • Selects guest artists or conductors in consultation with the A.D.
    • Plans for any graphics, visuals, costumes, uniforms, dance, speakers, or any nonmusical performance element in consultation with ensemble staff or the A.D.
    • Works with Ensemble Manager and Operations Department to assure accessibility and validity of all performance venues.
    • Chooses any solo or featured member performance according to an equitable and inclusive audition process ensuring participation from a broad range of members.
  1. Meetings and Reports:
    • Attends the monthly staff meeting on the first Thursday of every month.
    • Provides an ensemble report every month to the Board one week prior to the staff meeting including activities performed and hours worked in coordination with other staff members.
  2. Communication:
    • Ensures all ensemble members receive necessary communication to be prepared for rehearsals and performances (regular communication can be managed by any ensemble staff member in consultation with all staff).
    • Ensure frequent and concise communication between the organization’s leadership and the ensemble related to performances, budget, personnel, fundraising, etc.
  3. Budget:
    • Manages the ensemble’s spending in accordance with the budget in coordination with the Artistic Director and the administration department.
    • Works with the Artistic Director and other staff to plan future budgets.
  4. Other:
    • Utilizes effective communication and interpersonal skills that align with and support the organization’s Mission and Core Values.
    • Complies with the organization’s by-laws, policies, procedures, and member covenants; seeks clarification and guidance as necessary.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Ensures that the team’s operational goals and objectives, and performance standards, are met.
  • Manages workflow within the team; assigns tasks and, as needed, evaluates direct reports’ work.
  • Develops and maintains job descriptions, recommends pay ranges, and sets staffing levels.
  • Recruits, interviews, hires, and orients/trains staff members.
  • Provides continuous, timely performance feedback and formal performance reviews.
  • Supports direct reports’ continuous professional development.
  • Manages all personnel issues consistent with the organization’s policies and practices.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

  • At least 5 years playing and conducting jazz ensembles
  • Prefer experience working with LGBTQIA+ populations
  • Prefer experience working or performing with a non-profit organization
  • Prefer experience with jazz transcriptions and arranging

EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION

  • Bachelor’s degree in music or education
  • An equivalent combination of education and work experience may be considered.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Work involves walking, talking, and hearing; using hands to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
  • Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • The Ensemble Director may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry objects up to 25 pounds.
  • The Ensemble Director will often work in environments with high noise levels, typically ranging from 70 to 100 decibels, due to musical performances and rehearsals.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

To apply for this role, send us a cover letter and resume to the email address below.