Artistic Director

Posted: Sep 20, 2026 • Oakland, CA • Contractor • Application Deadline: Nov 15, 2026

About the role

The Artistic Director serves as the chief artistic leader of 21V, responsible for shaping and advancing the ensemble’s vision, programming, and broader cultural impact. This position reports directly to the Board of Directors. The role is part-time and project-based, with 21V generally presenting two artistic projects each year – one in the fall and one in the spring. Each project typically includes approximately five weeks of rehearsals and generally culminates in two performances. The schedule varies seasonally, with a greater time commitment during active rehearsal and performance cycles, including evenings and weekends. The Artistic Director works in person for rehearsals, performances, and select meetings in the Bay Area, while completing remaining administrative work and meetings remotely.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall artistic vision, direction, and long-term planning for the ensemble
• Select, program, and conduct all repertoire for the performance season
• Recruit, audition, and develop singers, core musicians, and guest artists
• Commission new works and cultivate active relationships with composers
• Lead all regular rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and main-stage performances
• Partner with the Board of Directors to align artistic vision with organizational health
• Participate actively in fundraising, donor engagement, and institutional growth
• Develop an annual artistic plan to inform budgeting and operate within approved parameters
• Serve as the public-facing spokesperson to support marketing and audience development
• Build collaborative relationships within local, national, and international music communities

Qualifications

• Exceptional musicianship and conducting skill, with a proven ability to inspire, develop, and work with professional-level singers
• Curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to take artistic risks in curating compelling programs
• Strong interpersonal and on-stage communication skills to create meaningful connections with listeners and deepen 21V’s relevance in the community
• A commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and representation within the organization and its musical output
• Excellent communication skills to work effectively with singers, board members, and stakeholders, balancing artistic ambition with organizational sustainability

Pay

Salary: $8,500.00 - $10,000.00 Annually

Schedule

Part-time, project-based; two artistic projects per year (fall and spring) with approximately five weeks of rehearsals and two performances each. Schedule varies seasonally, with increased time commitment during rehearsal and performance cycles (evenings and weekends). In-person work required for rehearsals, performances, and select Bay Area meetings; administrative work and meetings can be done remotely.