Artistic Director and Conductor: Koleinu, Boston’s Jewish Community Chorus

Organization: Koleinu – Boston’s Jewish Community Chorus

Location: Greater Boston area

Status: Part-time / Contract Compensation : Negotiable. Commensurate with experience. Commitment: Thursday evening rehearsals, 7:00-9:30 pm. Planning to begin July 2027 with the start of rehearsal season, September 2027.

About Us: Koleinu is a vibrant community chorus celebrating 25 years of bringing Jewish music to life. We are a non-auditioned, inclusive choir where the love of heritage and song is the only requirement for entry. Our members range from seasoned singers to those who do not read music, creating a warm, multi-generational environment dedicated to cultural preservation and communal joy.

The Role: We are seeking an inspiring and patient Artistic Director/Conductor to lead us into our next chapter. The ideal candidate is a skilled musician with a depth of Jewish knowledge, a commitment to community building, and a passion for the diverse landscape of Jewish choral music—from liturgical and Klezmer to Israeli folk and contemporary works.

Key Responsibilities: Artistic Leadership: Select and arrange an accessible repertoire that accommodates various skill levels while maintaining high musical standards. Rehearsal Management: Lead weekly rehearsals with a focus on vocal technique, blend, and storytelling, ensuring that members who do not read music or Hebrew and are at any level of observance feel supported and confident. This includes the production of recordings for each section, coordination of sectional rehearsals, coaching of soloists, and oversight of instrumental accompaniment for rehearsals and concerts. Conducting: Prepare and conduct the chorus for two major concerts per year, plus one or more community outreach performances.

Education: Provide historical and cultural context for the music to deepen the singers’ and concert audiences’ connection to the material. Collaboration: Work with the Board of Directors and Organizational Committee on concert themes and logistics; and promote the mission, values, and long-term vision of the ensemble.

Qualifications: Proven experience in choral conducting and/or musical leadership. Experience leading non-auditioned choral groups. A strong foundation in and/or willingness to learn Jewish musical traditions and Hebrew/Yiddish/Ladino pronunciation. The ability to employ creative rehearsal techniques with singers who have diverse musical experiences. A warm, encouraging podium presence that balances productivity with education, humor, and inclusivity. Proficiency in piano for rehearsal accompaniment when the regular accompanist is unavailable. Koleinu is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.