Artistic Director

Posted November 6, 2026 · Covington, WA · Part‑time independent contractor · $30,800–$38,500 annually · Application deadline December 31, 2026

About the Role

Rainier Youth Choirs (RYC) is celebrating its 20th season and the retirement of founding Artistic Director Leora Schwitters. We seek a new Artistic Director to guide the organization’s next chapter — someone who loves teaching young voices and wants to build strong connections with singers, families, and the broader Southeast King County community. This part‑time role is designed to fit alongside other work (school, church, or university teaching). The selected candidate will assume full leadership in July 2027, with an optional paid transition period beforehand to learn alongside Leora.

About Rainier Youth Choirs

Founded in 2007 in Kent, WA, RYC offers an affordable, family‑friendly program where young singers build musical skill, confidence, self‑discipline, teamwork, and pride. RYC currently serves roughly 70 singers in grades 2–12, with a wide range of musical experience, in four age‑based ensembles that rehearse Monday evenings from early September through June.

A typical season includes three mainstage concerts (December, March, May), two informal concerts, four or more community performances, a local or national festival, retreats, and a summer workshop. RYC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit governed by a highly engaged volunteer Board of Directors, with an Executive Director, Operations Manager, and other artistic staff.

Mission: To encourage the personal and social growth of our singers and to inspire our community through impactful performances and music education.
Vision: To sing, to build community, to change lives.
Values: Artistry, Excellence, Dedication, Teamwork, Integrity, Kindness, Inclusiveness.

For more information visit rainieryouthchoirs.org. Performance videos: youtube.com/@RainierYouthChoirs. To request the RYC Member Handbook and 2026‑27 calendar, email team@rainieryouthchoirs.org.

Time Commitment & Compensation

Time commitment: Approximately 15–20 hours per week, covering planning, rehearsal and event preparation, communication with families/staff/board, event leadership, monthly board meetings, and conducting one ensemble. Conducting a second ensemble is optional and adds to these hours. Weekly rehearsals run in two sessions spanning a total of 3.5 hours on Monday evenings, September through June.

Compensation: $30,800–$33,700 annually for the Artistic Director role plus conducting one ensemble, negotiable based on experience. With additional compensation for conducting a second ensemble, the total range can rise to $37,000–$38,500.

Optional Paid Transition Period

As Artistic Director Designate, the incoming director will meet singers, families, and board members; learn program operations with Leora; and begin planning the fall season. Timing is scheduled around the candidate’s availability, ideally beginning April 2027. Pay is $35 per hour for about 5 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Artistic leadership
  • Set the artistic direction for RYC, including repertoire, sheet music, and venues
  • Coordinate weekly Monday rehearsals, September through June
  • Prepare for and lead concerts, retreats, workshops, festivals, and community events
  • Recruit and audition new singers
  • Select and work with pianists, instrumentalists, guest artists, and artistic staff
  • Build partnerships that increase RYC’s visibility and impact in the community
  • Plan the season’s events
  • Write program notes, produce the concert program booklet with the executive director, and oversee recordings
• Administration
  • Attend monthly board meetings and share artistic updates
  • Develop budgets with the Board, and take part in fee negotiations with the executive director
  • Maintain membership rosters and attendance, and communicate with singers and families
  • Collaborate with staff and board members on marketing, fundraising, and publicity
• Public representation
  • Serve as a spokesperson for RYC and take part in community activities and media appearances
  • Stay connected to local and national musical and professional organizations

Requirements

• Teach, inspire, and motivate singers with warmth and joy, and are committed to an inclusive, positive choir environment
• Demonstrated success in youth choral conducting and music education
• Understand vocal pedagogy and care about healthy, age‑appropriate vocal development in children and youth
• Have the musical knowledge to interpret a wide range of repertoire for youth choirs
• Communicate clearly in writing and in person, and manage time well
• Comfortable with digital tools (Chorus Connection, Google Workspace, SignUpGenius, Givebutter, Mailchimp; training available)

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years of experience as a choral music educator and/or a master’s degree in choral music education with a specialization in choral conducting
• Organizational leadership experience, including budget management

Inclusiveness is one of RYC’s core values. Many talented people hold back from applying unless they meet every qualification — including women and people of color. If you feel qualified and deeply interested in this work, whatever your background, we encourage you to apply.