The Cambridge Society for Early Music is seeking an Artistic Director

The Cambridge Society for Early Music (CSEM) is seeking a highly motivated candidate for the position of Artistic Director.

The Cambridge Society for Early Music was founded in 1952 by the eminent harpsichordist and musicologist Erwin Bodky. For many years the organization was led by esteemed musician James Nicolson. The mission of the organization is to aid in promoting the musical education of the general public through the study and performance of music composed prior to the 19th century. Performances are held in intimate settings, recreating the actual acoustical conditions and atmosphere in which the music was originally presented. Several performances of each program are held, including in smaller communities, allowing people living outside of cities to experience music of international quality. The Society has, in addition to holding concerts, awarded two prizes: the Erwin Bodky Award, to a young musician who has shown exceptional achievements and promise in the field of early music; and the Arion Award, to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to music culture.

The Artistic Director works closely with the General Manager and serves as the organization’s musical guiding force, selecting and interfacing with the artists presented by CSEM and crafting a compelling season lineup and overall organizational brand that will fire the imaginations of audience members. The position will also require the following administrative skills which may include, but are not limited to, duties as described below.

Primary responsibilities include:

Artistic

  • Soliciting concert proposals from local and touring musicians
  • Evaluating proposals, potentially in conjunction with a Board subcommittee
  • Crafting a season of three (3) individual concert programs, each one to be repeated a total of three (3) times at a variety of intimate venues in the Boston area
  • Being present at all concerts to interface with performers and audience members
  • Working with the General Manager to negotiate fees, create artist contracts, and communicate with artists as needed

Fundraising

  • Working with the General Manager to develop a realistic and achievable fundraising plan – in cooperation with the Board of Directors
  • Working with the General Manager to Develop and maintain relationships with current and potential donors
  • Writing a semiannual fundraising letter
  • Working with the General Manager on grant applications
  • Working with the General Manager to produce and direct an annual fundraising event, overseeing in particular the musical aspects of that event.

Financial

  • Working with the General Manager to create a yearly budget

Marketing

  • Working with the General Manager to provide compelling storytelling for the season at large and the individual concerts, in text, image, and video, across all platforms.

Board relations

  • Presenting a report on the organization’s artistic activities at all Board meetings
  • Working with the Board and the General Manager to identify new Board members
  • Maintaining communication with Board members

The ideal candidate for this position should meet the following qualifications:

  • Garners respect within the early music community (both among musicians and audience members) with a strong track record of community building and palpable enthusiasm for the art form
  • Excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills, and a commitment to creating powerful artistic experiences for audiences
  • High attention to detail and excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
  • The ability to work both independently and proactively

General Information:

  • This is a part-time position (approximately 5 hours per week) requiring flexibility and availability for after-hours and weekend commitments
  • Presence at all concerts and events is required
  • This position requires working from home; CSEM does not own or rent office space
  • Annual Compensation Range: $7,500 to $10,000
  • CSEM is an equal opportunity organization, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law

Apply by: Saturday, November 30, 2024

To apply for this position, please submit your resumé and cover letter via the form to the right, or email them to positions2024@csem.org.

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