Hampshire Young People’s Chorus (HYPC), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Amherst, Massachusetts, is searching for an innovative, community-minded choral artist to serve as its next Artistic Director, beginning with the 2026-2027 season. The Artistic Director is responsible for promoting and executing HYPC’s mission––to provide a joyful and welcoming musical home for children in and around Hampshire County. The Artistic Director will serve as the conductor for HYPC’s two ensembles. Weekly rehearsals are Tuesday afternoons and evenings from September through May.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Artistic Leadership

• Select innovative, engaging, and age-appropriate music for singers that promotes culturally rich and well-rounded musical experiences
• Prepare and conduct rehearsals, performances, retreats, and tours
• Collaborate with Collaborative Pianist and hire additional musicians, as needed

Outreach

• Collaborate with local arts and other community organizations
• Build and maintain connections with local music educators
• Recruit and retain singers

Board of Directors Partnership

• Develop annual budget and strategic plan with the Board
• Attend Board meetings and submit Artistic Director Report prior to each meeting
• Hire and supervise Administrative Director in collaboration with the Board
• Cultivate relationships with potential donors
• Support fundraising efforts

Administration

• Create rehearsal, event, and performance schedule in collaboration with Collaborative Pianist and Administrative Director
• Serve as the public face of HYPC for internal and external communications
• Identify grants and collaborate with the Administrative Director to submit grant applications

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

• BA, BM, or advanced degree in music education or choral conducting or equivalent experience 
• Choral conducting experience with children of various ages and musical skills
• Experience in managing and producing choral performances
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to create productive relationships with staff, singers, donors and partners
• Ability to work with singers and their families
• Ability to maintain and organize records
• Access to a computer and high-speed internet for remote work and video conferencing

Preferred Qualifications

• Training and experience in choral music education methods

• Experience developing and managing budgets
• Experience with fundraising
• Proficient with web-based productivity tools and social media

COMPENSATION

Compensation is $7500, which includes all rehearsals, performances, retreats, tours, meetings, rehearsal preparation, and season planning. Compensation is contingent upon enrollment. There are no benefits with this position. This position reports to the Hampshire Young People’s Chorus Board of Directors.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, submit the following to Jeffers Engelhardt, Search Committee Chair, via email (jeffers.engelhardt@gmail.com):

1. Resume
2. Cover letter, describing how this position connects to your goals as a choral artist
3. A link to video footage of a rehearsal approximately 25-30 minutes long and footage of a concert featuring 3-5 selections

Review of applications will begin on April 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Hiring of the Artistic Director is subject to approval by the Board of Directors.