Music Director

Location :

Rehearsals at Main Street Recreation Center, Glen Ellyn

Performances at various locations in DuPage County. College Church, Wheaton, Illinois

Type of position :

Artistic/part time

Application Deadline :

March 27, 2026

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

The Music Director is responsible for artistic operations of the Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale, a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization, ensuring the organization fulfills its mission of bringing harmony to the community through excellence in musical performances.

The Music Director

-Develops and communicates programmatic vision for the entire concert year, determining concert repertoire which best responds to the needs of the Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale (GEWC) organizational mission, budgetary scope, singer ability, singer development, and audience engagement.

-Collaborates with the Accompanist/Ensemble Director music selections for the Ensemble to ensure a cohesive concert.

-Directs the GEWC rehearsals and performances. Manages weekly full chorus rehearsals in partnership with the rehearsal accompanist, ensuring a high level of singer engagement and education throughout the rehearsal process. In the event of an absence from a rehearsal, secures a substitute.

-Conducts vocal placement interviews for new members and auditions for soloists.

-In collaboration with the GEWC Board, determines appropriate performance schedule for GEWC, giving input on venue and number of performances per concert season.

-Develops vision for the physical production of each concert in collaboration with the 2nd Vice President(s) for staging/decorations/technical/choreography. Works with the Music Librarian for pulling of music. Works with booking chair to confirm outreach performance dates/times.

-Participates and assists in the development and implementation of future touring initiatives, in collaboration with the Tour Committee and Board, including but not limited to regional/international collaborations with other choruses.

-Is responsible for occasional public appearances on behalf of the GEWC, including but not limited to GEWC-sponsored fundraising events, other events in the arts communities, media interviews, singer recruitment events, and donor cultivation opportunities with individuals, corporations, foundations, or government agencies.

-Assists in the development of current and long-term organizational goals and objectives, as well as policies and procedures for GEWC artistic operations. Establishes plans to achieve goals set by the Board and implements policies, subject to approval by the Board.

-Builds and maintains relationships with other local and national arts organizations and attends continuing education courses to keep up-to-date on changes in the music community.

-Selects repertoire and hires musicians working within the board-specified budget. Makes budget recommendations for music/musicians when requested by the board.

-Secures special musicians as needed within budget constraints and communicates suchto the Board.

-Updates Director’s blog on the GEWC website. Provides information and content for concert programs, social media, and other marketing efforts when asked by the Publicity Chair.

-Develops strategy for singer retention and recruitment in collaboration with the Board.

-Follows policies and procedures set forth by the hosting site and in corporate bylaws.

-Attends and participates in monthly Board meetings and helps the Board perform an annual program and membership evaluation. Attends other meetings as deemed necessary.

-Provides a self-evaluation of performance year, and participates in an annual performance evaluation.

Core Competencies :

To perform effectively in this position, the individual should demonstrate the followingcompetencies which represent effective administration of the Glen Ellyn-Wheaton (GEWC) and its programs, fulfilling GEWC’s mission.

1. Job Knowledge : The Music Director (MD) understands the technical aspects of managing a company of singers and musicians, as well as working within a nonprofit organization. He or she has the musical background required to improve the quality of vocal production of individuals and ensembles. The MD is an excellent, accomplished choral conductor, adept at conducting music from a wide variety of musical styles. The MD understands the duties and responsibilities of the position, remains up-to-date with best practices, clearly understands the mission of the organization, and continuously works to promote GEWC and achieve its goals.

2. Communication : Strong written and oral communication skills are critical. The MD communicates effectively with multiple audiences using a variety of formats. Examples of oral communication include working with singers who may have varying levels of pre-existing musical knowledge, inspiring audiences from the stage in performance or at special events, and communicating institutional vision to funders. Examples of written communication include program letters, weekly emails to internal singers, and concert descriptions for Board and singers, as well as updated “Director “Notes” on the GEWC website.

3. Management : Successful candidates will have strong organizational management skills. The MD will be comfortable in a hands-on role, willing to do tasks necessary to execute the job successfully. He or she will build solid rapport with Board members, volunteers, and hired musicians. The MD will provide input when the Board builds the annual budget and will be required to operate within that budget.

4. Initiative : The MD looks ahead to the future growth of GEWC by developing strategies and visions that help build the organization’s existing resources so that it may continue to thrive, assessing opportunities for growth on an on-going basis. From interactions with GEWC’s members, donors, sponsors, grantors, audience, Board and staff, as well as others in the nonprofit sector, the MD recognizes and brings to the attention of the Board members challenges that may affect the organization. The MD displays initiative in developing action plans and resolving problems as they occur, in consultation with the Board president, and other members of the Board.

5. Dependability : The MD is relied upon to remain conscientious and thorough with respect to accurately achieving the organization’s goals. He or she ensures each concert achieves the highest level of artistic excellence possible.

Education and/or Experience : A successful candidate will have strong training in chorale conducting. An undergraduate degree in music is required, and the attainment of an advanced degree is a bonus. The MD must possess the above skills, knowledge and qualities with at least three years’ experience successfully leading a chorus.

Work Schedule/Travel : The GEWC organization operates on a fiscal year ending July 31. The GEWC performs four major concerts, typically two in Winter and two in Spring. GEWC also performs at least 2 outreach performances in the community, fundraising events for the GEWC, and attends community venues, festivals and other community involved events. The Chorale holds rehearsal every Tuesday evening during the season, as well as additional rehearsals prior to concerts if needed. The MD holds member auditions twice a year or as needed. Working hours are flexible as activities demand (e.g. more during the lead up to concerts and events, few inweeks/months between concert cycles). The Board meets on a monthly basis, one evening each month. The MD must be willing and able to travel to attend occasional conferences, training, and other events as required to fulfill the responsibilities of the position. The MD must be willing and able to travel both regionally and internationally for concert performances.

Physical Demands : The MD must be able to physically direct the Chorale and communicate clearly (in person and virtually) with all members and Board.

Compensation and Benefits : Compensation is $12,500 with the opportunity for a bonus; this is a non-benefits eligible position. The new Music Director is expected to start by June 2026 in order to begin first rehearsal in September 2026.

Application Procedure :

Please send a letter of interest, a resume, and a list of references we can contact to [email protected] no later than March 27, 2026. No phone calls please.

The Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale does not discriminate against any person based on race, color, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, familial or marital status, veteran status, non-job related disability or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws

Pay: $12,500.00 per year

Work Location: In person