Position Title: Youth Symphony Conductor
Reports to: Symphony Academy Managing Director
Classification: Part-Time
About: The Des Moines Youth Orchestras’ Youth Symphony is an advanced, full symphonic orchestra of high school string, woodwind, brass and percussion musicians from across Central Iowa. Youth Symphony musicians have the opportunity to advance their skills while performing a variety of works from the traditional and contemporary symphonic orchestral repertoire.
Position Function Summary: This position is responsible for the direction of the Des Moines Symphony Youth Orchestras’ Youth Symphony. The Youth Symphony Conductor maintains a high performance quality through thoughtful artistic direction, excellent teaching skills and repertoire selection; modeling for students the qualities of an exemplary musician. The Conductor also collaborates in developing artistic vision for the Youth Symphony and serves as a representative of the ensemble in the community.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The following duties and responsibilities provide an overview of the position and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for this position.
• Maintain positive and supportive relationships with area School Orchestra and Band Directors and participate with the Symphony Academy in student recruitment.
• Direct all weekly rehearsals and three (3) concerts per season, plus prepare the Youth Symphony for their annual Youth Concerts side-by-side performance with the Des Moines Symphony.
• Lead annual Spring and Fall auditions for new and returning musicians.
• Work with Youth Wind Ensemble Conductor to create balanced wind, brass and percussion sections in both ensembles.
• Select music to be performed on scheduled concerts.
• Work with the Youth Orchestra Manager/Symphony Librarian on the purchase/rental of music for each Youth Symphony concert, obtaining prior approval for expenses with the Academy Managing Director and oversee bowings, fingerings (if applicable) and folder preparation prior to the first rehearsal of each new concert set.
• Work with Youth Orchestra Manager and Academy Managing Director to establish attendance policy.
• Uphold student behavior policies as outlined in the Des Moines Symphony Youth Orchestras Policy Document during all Youth Symphony related activities.
• Identify and engage sectional instructors.
• Attend Youth Orchestras Conductor meeting(s) as scheduled.
Necessary Skills:
• Knowledge of a wide variety of orchestra repertoire.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, audience, and key community stakeholders.
• Public speaking skills, able to motivate students and energize an audience.
• Ability to respond to shifting priorities in a dynamic and changing work environment.
• Flexibility to work nights as well as weekends when required.
Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in music education or related degree with demonstrated teaching and conducting experience. Graduate degree a plus.
Compensation: $8,600-10,000
Application Deadline and Search Details:
Applications for this position will be accepted through Friday, June 27, 2025. Phone/zoom interviews will be conducted during July 2025. Three candidate finalists will be invited to lead the Youth Symphony for one concert set each during their 2025-26 season. The engaged Youth Symphony Conductor will assume the permanent role beginning in the 2026-27 season.
Submit Application Materials to:
Youth Symphony Conductor Search Committee, Des Moines Symphony Academy, 1011 Locust Street, Suite 400
Des Moines, IA 50309 or email your materials to academy@dmsymphony.org.
• Cover letter & Resume
• Three professional references with contact information
• Brief document describing your approach to working with youth orchestras (500 words max)
• Video of leading a music ensemble, if available; 5-10 minutes in length (not required)
Conducting Video Submission Guidelines:
We ask that you upload your video to a public or private YouTube channel and email an access link to academy@dmsymphony.org
