Employment Opportunities

The Music Director reports directly to the board and is responsible for the fulfillment of the orchestra’s artistic potential and public image. The person who holds this position exercises authority in artistic matters, including repertoire selection, programming and artistic production, according to the guidelines established by the Board of Directors and mutually agreed upon at the time of engagement. As the orchestra’s artistic leader, s/he must build and sustain the orchestra’s visibility and involvement in the community. The Music Director is expected to work closely with the board in carrying out these responsibilities and to participate actively in the orchestra’s fundraising activities. The Music Director will work in close consultation with the members of the Board within the limits set by the budget, and in accordance with the terms of the working agreements with musicians and guest artists.

The ideal candidate will possess exceptional musicianship and conducting skills; significant conducting experience, including work with professional musicians; knowledge of a broad range of repertoire; strong interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills; vision, passion, and ability to make intimate orchestral music relevant and exciting for existing and new audiences. Previous or current music directorship or comparable experience preferred. While it is not required that the candidate reside in the Portland metro area full-time, it is expected that the candidate will prioritize time in the community to cultivate board relations, fundraising and audience development. It is expected that the candidate will have strong interpersonal skills and is charismatic, disciplined, passionate, driven, curious, confident, expansive, inspiring, and imaginative. Verbal communication and time management skills are essential.

• Significant musical talent including an acute ear for orchestral intonation, balance, and color and skills in sight-reading and transposition 

• Proven ability to provide a performance experience of the highest caliber through application of effective baton and rehearsal technique 

• Podium presence that captures the power of body language to enhance the quality of the orchestra’s performance and support the orchestra’s physical and emotional well-being

• Proven ability for developing imaginative programming ideas that have significance to the orchestra, the community, and the occasion 

• Basic knowledge of a nonprofit organization, with an understanding and appreciation of the roles of the board, the musicians, and the support volunteers. The Music Director is a non-voting member of the board of directors 

• Awareness of the current field of solo artists, contemporary music, and performance practices 

• Skills necessary to communicate effectively both in writing and public speaking 

• Ability to work with an orchestra membership that includes musicians of varying backgrounds and abilities 

• BA Degree or higher 

• Three or more years of related experience performing the majority of the duties outlined above

• Conduct concerts as agreed upon by contract and supervise the work of any assistant and/or guest conductors 

• Work with the organization, including the members of the Board in developing and planning the orchestral artistic season and communicate effectively with all entities.

• Select guest artists and guest conductors, recruit permanent and supplemental musicians, and determine the number and format of rehearsals

• Collaborate with community organizations and initiatives

• Supervise the audition and selection process for the Young Artist’s Competition 

• Commit to fulfilling the orchestra’s potential as an artistic and community resource and a willingness to participate in the promotional endeavors of the orchestra

 • Assist in the general promotion of the orchestra by being available for public appearances and fundraising activities 

• Demonstrate a concern for the effect the Music Director and guest conductors have on the professional lives and performance quality of the musicians 

• Perform other similar and related duties, as directed by the Board, not requiring materially different qualifications from those described above

The Music Director will be paid on a per-event basis; mainstage concerts that are part of the orchestra’s regular season (3 - 4 per year) are paid at $4K per concert set. If Music Director is traveling to Portland from out of town, PCO will cover accommodations during the required duration of stay; all travel costs (including airfare and ground transportation) will be the responsibility of the Music Director. While this compensation is modest and reflects PCO’s current budget, the organization is poised for growth and the board is committed to supporting increased compensation for the Director and musicians, in addition to paid staff support, as fundraising efforts allow. This is an excellent opportunity for the right candidate. 

Application must include: personal letter of interest from the candidate, 1-2 page resume, sample programs conducted by the candidate , 3 video links to samples of candidate’s conducting, names and phone numbers of at least three professional references. Submit PDFs only, and no phone inquiries, please. The Portland Chamber Orchestra is an equal-opportunity employer. Learn more at www.portlandchamberorchestra.org

Please submit applications by Monday, September 30, 2024 to: pcoconductorsearch@gmail.com