Assistant Director Of The Ambassador Chorale (2297)

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION/ JOB FAMILY:            Assistant Director of the Ambassador Chorale

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT:          Visual and Performing Arts | School of Arts & Sciences 

FLSA STATUS:                                Full-Time Staff | Exempt

The Assistant Director of the Ambassador Chorale shall have the primary responsibility of assisting the Director in providing musical instruction, rehearsal leadership, and artistic support for the Ambassador Chorale. This position requires the ability to create meaningful experiences with students that are inspiring, engaging, exciting, and transformative while fostering artistic growth, discipline, and confidence through the study, practice, and performance of music in both academic and social settings. This position also requires participation in weekend rehearsals, performances, tours, and university-related travel. The candidate must possess the ability and flexibility to travel and perform on weekday evenings, weekends, and as required by the performance schedule and operational needs of the Ambassador Chorale.

Essential Functions

• Assist and support in fostering an environment and culture that inspires students to grow and supports the educational focus and institutional objectives of the chorale program and university. 
• Create an environment of active and genuine learning by employing a range of teaching strategies that meet the needs of all students.
• Provide musical instruction and rehearsal leadership for undergraduate students enrolled in the Ambassador Chorale. 
• Support the Director of the Ambassador Chorale in advancing student learning outcomes, vocal development, musical excellence, and ensemble performance standards.
• Assist students in developing healthy vocal techniques, musicianship skills, stage presence, and ensemble awareness. 
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with students from diverse musical, cultural, and educational backgrounds. 
• Teach vocal parts accurately and efficiently, with strong aural skills and the ability to hear, identify, and instruct individual vocal lines within ensemble settings. 
• Demonstrate proficiency in teaching and rehearsing music in various idioms. i.e. gospel, classical chorale literature, and jazz vocal styles. 
• Assist with sectional rehearsals, performance preparation, repertoire instruction, and ensemble coordination.
• Manage, prioritize, and successfully complete multiple tasks and projects simultaneously within a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. 
• Assist in promoting the mission, visibility, and artistic excellence of the Ambassador Chorale through performances, outreach activities, and recruitment initiatives. 
• Skills and abilities required: Previous conducting/directing skills are desirable.
• The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that logically relate to the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Previous conducting and chorale directive experience is required.
• Knowledge of chorale rehearsal techniques, vocal pedagogy, ensemble development, and performance preparation. 
• Strong musicianship skills, including sight-reading, score study, ear training, and vocal part instruction. 
• Advanced piano proficiency with the ability to accompany the choir during rehearsals, performances, and instructional settings. 
• Ability to accompany vocal ensembles effectively while simultaneously providing music direction and instruction to the rhythm section.
• Ability to teach and rehearse music in multiple styles, including gospel, classical chorale literature, jazz choir, and vocal jazz idioms.
• Strong oral, written, interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to motivate, mentor, and develop undergraduate students. 
• Maintain professionalism, collaboration, and effective communication with students, faculty, staff, and community partners. 
• Skilled multitasker. Detail-oriented skill set needed.
• Ability to work effectively with students of varying musical backgrounds, skill levels, and experiences. 
• Demonstrated organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines simultaneously. 
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, music software, as well as knowledge and understanding of the organizational structure, workflow, and operating procedures. Familiarity with Jenzabar technology suite for higher education.
• A record showing commitment to customer service and the application of appropriate flexibility in response to issues and opposing points of view.  
• Proficiency in basic administrative tasks, music organization, scheduling, and ensemble coordination. 
• Commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment that promotes respect, accountability, confidence, professionalism, punctuality, and artistic excellence.  
• Ability to handle information of a sensitive and confidential nature in the utmost professional manner. 
• Demonstrate a high level of professionalism, initiative, resourcefulness, and personal accountability.
• Moderate physical activity. Requires handling objects of average weight up to fifty (50) pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.

Minimum Requirements

• The position requires a bachelor's degree. 
• Chorale Music/Conducting Master's Degree is preferred. Grade 5/6 level performance and sight-reading skills. 
• Preferred qualifications: Experience directing groups.
• Demonstrated skill on instrument or voice. 
• Demonstrated sensitivity to and desire to promote diversity.   
• An active passion for music and the local and international scene.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule that may include working nights and weekends (if applicable).

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Criminal background check

Florida Memorial University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA), those functions of the job that are identified as essential are required to be performed with or without reasonable accommodations. Requests to facilitate the performance of essential functions will be given careful consideration.