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Posted: 04-Feb-26
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Type: Part Time
Salary: Based on Experience
Internal Number: 1
Position Title: Jacksonville Symphony Chorus Director
Reports to: Vice President & Artistic Administrator
Works closely with: Jacksonville Symphony Music Director,
Jacksonville Symphony Chorus Manager
SUMMARY: The Director of the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus is a member of the Artistic staff with responsibilities for preparing the Chorus for performances as programmed by the Music Director and Vice President & Artistic Administrator. The Director also oversees Symphony Chorus auditions and recruitment of Chorus personnel. As a member of the Artistic staff, there may be occasions for the Director to participate in community engagement activities as well as serving as a visible representative of the Jacksonville Symphony.
GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop chorus rehearsal schedule with the Chorus Manager and to be approved by Vice President & Artistic Administrator.
- Prepare the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus musically and artistically for all assigned performances as programmed by the Music Director and Vice President & Artistic Administrator.
- Create and implement a rehearsal plan for each program, including rehearsal pacing, musical priorities, and performance readiness goals.
- Communicate weekly rehearsal expectations and preparation assignments to Chorus members.
- Provide and maintain learning resources to support Chorus preparation, including part-specific practice aids and reference materials as appropriate.
- In coordination with the conductor of a program with chorus, prepare and distribute a score with markings to Chorus members.
- Attend all rehearsals involving the Symphony Chorus, taking notes from the conductor at rehearsals with orchestra and communicating to Chorus members.
- Symphony Chorus piano rehearsals take place on most Tuesday evenings and occasional Monday evenings beginning in late August/early September through the final Chorus performance of the season. Rehearsals with orchestra typically take place on Wednesday or Thursday evenings during the performance week of a program including choral repertoire.
- When applicable, collaborate with choral directors of partner ensembles in preparing combined ensembles.
- In coordination with the Chorus Manager, oversee Symphony Chorus operations, including attendance tracking, supporting rehearsal logistics, and addressing issues with Chorus members as they arise.
- In consultation with the Vice President & Artistic Administrator and Music Director, serve as an artistic resource for season planning and administrative coordination related to choral programming.
- Assist the Association in developing and sustaining overall artistic goals of the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus.
- Oversee Symphony Chorus auditions and actively recruit new members.
Qualifications, traits and characteristics
- Minimum five years’ experience conducting and rehearsing a professional or volunteer chorus. Professional orchestral conducting experience a plus;
- Deep knowledge of the symphonic choral repertoire;
- Ability to manage time effectively in rehearsal;
- Ability to navigate choral ensemble personnel with a broad range of experience and training;
- Experience teaching vocal pedagogy a plus; and
- Ability to maintain positive working relationships across the organization and with Symphony patrons.
Application Process
To apply for this position, please submit the following by email no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on March 1, 2026 to Tony Nickle, Vice President & Artistic Administrator, at hr@jaxsymphony.org with “Chorus Director” in subject line:
- Résumé;
- Cover letter describing your specific qualifications and experience;
- Links to at least three conducting videos available online demonstrating contrasting styles, preferably showing the conductor from the chorus’ perspective. If videos are stored on password-protected channels or sites, please provide login information; and
- Two letters of recommendation.
Compensation and benefits
A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, 403-B plan, parking, and complimentary tickets are included.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Jacksonville Symphony is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, sexual orientation or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.
About the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus
With some of the area’s finest voices, Jacksonville Symphony Chorus members come from all walks of life who share the spirit of singing great choral music. The tradition of making great music with the Jacksonville Symphony began in 1985 with a roster including many professional musicians and skilled amateur performers. The Chorus has been under the direction of Donald McCullough from Fall 2012 through Spring 2026.
The Jacksonville Symphony Chorus celebrated its 30th season with a performance at Lincoln Center in November 2014. Singers from the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus traveled to New York to form the core of a 120-member chorus under Mr. McCullough’s direction, presented by Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY).
The all-volunteer Jacksonville Symphony Chorus has sung for many landmark Jacksonville Symphony events. Performance highlights include Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony for the Jacksonville Symphony’s 75th anniversary and Orff’s Carmina Burana for the Jacksonville Symphony’s first-ever commercial recording. The Symphony Chorus has also sung in each of the Jacksonville Symphony’s opera productions.
About the Jacksonville Symphony
Our mission is to enrich the human spirit through symphonic music.
The Jacksonville Symphony is North Florida’s leading nonprofit performing arts organization, offering live performances in its acoustically superior home of Jacoby Symphony Hall at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts and other venues throughout the states of Florida and Georgia. Led by President & CEO Steven Libman and Music Director Courtney Lewis, the Jacksonville Symphony reaches over 165,000 individuals through over 95 performances each season. In addition, the Symphony provides musical instruction for youth and operates the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras. Founded in 1949, the Symphony now enjoys a national, distinguished reputation.
In its 76 seasons, the Jacksonville Symphony has brought exceptional, enthralling music to listeners in the community, across Florida and far beyond. Music Director Courtney Lewis takes his step on the conductor’s podium for his 11th season to lead some of the world’s finest musicians in performances that continue to reach new levels of artistic excellence. As one of Northeast Florida’s most revered cultural institutions, the Symphony is committed to bringing the legacy of classical, pops and other genres of music to life.