Description

View the entire job description at https://aicmf.org/blog/adjob/

POSITION SUMMARY

Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival is seeking an Artistic Director to lead the artistic programs and initiatives of the organization. The Artistic Director will be responsible for planning vibrant and varied concerts utilizing world-class chamber music musicians while collaborating with other staff and the Board of Directors to implement the Festival's mission and vision. The Artistic Director should be collaborative, have excellent communication skills, vast knowledge of classical music, active relationships with classical music artists and stakeholders, and a vision that helps guide the Festival to new artistic achievements and growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Artistic Planning and Programming 
o With support from the Executive Committee and Executive Director, design and implement a cohesive season proposal in which the full concert series, fundraising events, educational and civic engagement programs, and master classes are conceived as a unified artistic vision, then negotiate and engage all performers to execute that vision.
o Maintain and evolve the artistic identity of the Festival in a way that respects its legacy.
o Develop and sustain strong working relationships with individual artists, ensembles, and artist managers.
o Identify special projects to advance the artistic reputation of the Festival.

Artist Relations  
o Serve as the primary liaison between the Festival and its artists and their agents or managers before, during, and after each concert.
o Initiate and maintain pre-concert communication to coordinate rehearsal schedules, technical requirements, and logistical details.
o Be present at rehearsal and concert venues to ensure artists are comfortable, prepared, and have everything they need.
o Follow up with artists and managers after performances to sustain relationships that serve the Festival's long-term artistic goals.

Audience Development  
o Approach programming with the Festival's existing audiences and broader community in mind, with attention to deepening engagement with current attendees while expanding access to new ones.  
o Strengthen audience development through thoughtful programming and community engagement initiatives, without alienating longtime patrons.

Public Presence and Organizational Leadership
o Alongside the Executive Director, serve as a public face of the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival.
o Deliver remarks, introductions, and speeches at concerts and events; participate in outreach and promotional activities that advance the Festival's visibility.
o Represent the organization at community, civic, and professional events.
o Engage in public relations opportunities and give interviews to local, regional, and national media.

Donor Relations
o Build and maintain personal relationships with the Festival's donors, engaging them at concerts, events, and through direct communication.
o Alongside the Executive Director and Board of Directors, identify, cultivate, and solicit donors to meet fundraising goals, and actively work to introduce new supporters to the Festival.
o Serve as an articulate and passionate spokesperson for the organization's mission and impact.
o When requested, provide written artistic statements for grant applications.

Board Relations
o Submit monthly reports to the Board of Directors.
o When requested, attend Board meetings in person or via video conference.
o When requested, participate in strategic planning sessions.

Performance 
o Participate in the Festival as Artistic Director, concert host, and, if appropriate, perform during the Festival.

Other Festival Responsibilities
o When requested, provide written program notes.
o Provide input on artistic planning timelines and production, and coordinate contracts in partnership with the Executive Director. 

Requirements

THE CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
o Deep curatorial expertise in the chamber music ecosystem and the ability to translate artistic vision into effective, creative programming.
o Strong, timely written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and compassionate communication style with excellent interpersonal instincts; experience with public speaking.
o An action-oriented and adaptable approach to leadership; the ability to work well on a team and to complete work independently.
o A commitment to artistic excellence balanced with strategic thinking and operational awareness.
o Understanding and respect for the history of the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival and the unique nature of its location, community, and audience.
o The ability to foster a culture of collaboration and joy among musicians, board members, staff, volunteers, and all stakeholders.
o The ability to execute a full season within budgeting guidelines established by the Board of Directors.