Arts Hacker is hiring: Music Director in Anchorage

Alaska Youth Orchestras (AYO) is currently accepting applications for the position of Music Director, with a tenure to begin in the 2026-27 Season. Work samples should include, but are not limited to, video recordings of the candidate in rehearsal/performance with an orchestra or musical ensemble. The new music director will also be invited to participate in audition review and planning for the 2026-27 Season.JOB DESCRIPTION:Position Title: Music DirectorStructure: Part-time, salaried position (to begin July 1, 2026)Reports To: Executive Director, Alaska Youth OrchestrasSUMMARYThe AYO Music Director plays an integral role in the strategic vision and direction of the Alaska Youth Orchestras organization. The AYO Music Director works closely in collaboration with the Executive Director as a part of the organization’s leadership team.DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESArtistic/Educational:· Conduct or oversee conducting of the Anchorage Youth Symphony and AYO’s Symphony School ensembles, leading the ensembles in all concerts, weekly rehearsals, and special engagements in a timely and professional manner.· Select season repertoire for AYO ensembles in keeping with the organization’s mission and vision, and in cooperation with designated participants in the process.· Participate in the musician screening process, in collaboration with AYO’s section coaches. Collaborate with AYO section coaches to determine and clearly communicate rehearsal and sectional coaching priorities.· Engage in planning and discovery of artistic collaborations with other arts organizations, in collaboration with the Executive Director.· Maintain a high knowledge of standard orchestral repertoire including, but not limited to, standard youth symphony repertoire.Community Engagement, Advocacy, and Recruitment:· Actively participate in musician identification and recruitment for participation in AYO ensembles.· Build, develop, and maintain fruitful relationships with music professionals, educators and private teachers in Southcentral Alaska, including regular outreach and visits in classroom settings.· Represent AYO as a guest educator/clinician in area schools and events.· Collaborate with the Executive Director to advocate for music education, represent AYO, and remain visible and active in the community, including visits with stakeholders, donors, music educators, music professionals and private teachers.· Serve as the organization’s artistic and educational voice through public appearances, including, but not limited to, media appearances, online and print communications in consultation with the Executive Director.Program Administration:· Work closely with AYO staff to coordinate ensemble activities and communications.· Provide input and collaborate with the Executive Director and Board to shape and define AYO programs.· Make recommendations to the Executive Director regarding adjustments and refinements in program structure, scope, offerings.· Consult with the Executive Director on the overall efficacy of AYO programs.· Collaborate with the Executive Director and operations staff to determine personnel needs and other program aspects and needs.· Collaborate with Executive Director and operations staff to evaluate, refine and determine core programmatic processes, including annual auditions, chair auditions and other criteria pertinent to student participation; participate in execution of such processes.Miscellany:· Adhere to budgets and submission timelines for program-related information and execution.· Participate in organizational meetings, including staff meetings and board meetings as requested; attend special events and constituent relationship meetings as requested.· Foster a strong culture of collegiality among all AYO youth musicians, families, and staff.· Maintain residency within the Anchorage Area.· Other duties as assigned.OTHER DETAILSCompensation: $34,000 – $37,400Benefits: No benefits are associated with this part-time position.Workload: This position is a part-time, salaried position.