The State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) is seeking to hire a Program Associate 2 - Office of the Arts within the Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA).

DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO

Identify issues and trends affecting arts education:

Analyze how these issues impact student access to arts education statewide.
Work with key partners to develop statewide arts education strategies within the context of COA's strategic plan and goals.
Review and analyze grantee reports to ascertain constituent needs; use the grants database for reporting, evaluation, and general information; and make site visits to grantees and potential applicants and partners to provide assistance and consultation, and to keep current with their activities and the issues they are facing.
Manage Arts Education programs:

Develop, manage, and coordinate arts education grant program activities with input from COA program staff. Assure proper implementation of grant policies and procedures and compliance with federal, state, and private funding requirements.
Develop grant programs to meet challenges in arts education and communities within the context of COA's strategic plan. Manage and evaluate these programs.
Prepare grant program criteria and guidelines; assist applicants and grantees with understanding program guidelines and requirements. Provide applicants with feedback from panel review as appropriate. Process grant applications and grant contracts and review grant reports to verify funded activities are accomplished.
Select and support grant application reviewers/panelists as needed and arrange and facilitate electronic and on-site panel meetings. Serve as a voting member of staff panels as needed.
Manage current Arts Education grant programs, including Every Child Art Experience and current strategic partnership grants.
Manage Arts Education program services and collaborations:

Manage CT’s high school Poetry Out Loud/Poetry Ourselves program, including working collaboratively with management partners, setting yearly goals for participation in and growth of the program. Assure compliance with National Endowment for the Arts requirements for the program, including submitting an annual plan and final report, and other requirements as needed.
Serve as liaison and initiator for arts education planning and development in coordination with local, state, and regional partners, schools, and other partners.
Identify, manage, and collaborate with arts education strategic partnership awardees. Determine areas of strategic growth for partnerships and work collaboratively with staff to fulfill educational partnerships goals.
Manage and develop programs to identify and otherwise support teaching artists and their professional development.
Provide arts education support and information to school administrators, teachers, teaching artists, and community members. Facilitate collaboration between and among the growing network of arts, education, and community groups. Participate in COA's social media platforms as appropriate. Coordinate and conduct workshops and other services for arts educators, teaching artists, communities, and arts service organizations.
Manage general COA program requirements:

Collaborate with COA staff on program design, development, and direction, including analysis of issues, program and project goals, evaluation, and reporting. Work collaboratively on grant guidelines and panels.
Assure education program compliance with Section 504/ADA accessibility issues.
Support and advise on policy efforts in arts education.
Manage budgets of grant programs and other line items or projects assigned.
As identified and/or needed, write and manage federal and other grants that support education programs. Prepare required interim and final reports in a timely manner.
Participate actively in staff arts initiatives, including but not limited to, staff field trips, arts conferences or recognition events, arts activities at the State Capitol, cultural district events, etc.
Ensure COA website is updated with current information on arts education programs.
Other activities as described in the Program Associate II job description and as dictated by the needs of the Office of the Arts.
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

Monday - Friday (some weekend and evening work may be required)
Full-time (40 hours per week)
First shift (8 hours per day to be scheduled between 7:30 AM and 6:00 PM)
Location: 450 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT 06103
Hybrid opportunity (combination of in-office and telework in accordance with the Telework Policy)

We are seeking a friendly, welcoming, and reliable part-time Shop Assistant to join our team on weekends. As the first point of contact, you will play a key role in creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for our shop and gallery customers.

Hours: Weekends, with flexibility, Saturday 10 am – 4 pm, and/or Sunday 12 noon – 4 pm. Extra hours for the Holiday Season (Nov 14 – Jan 3, 2027) may be available. This is part-time and hourly paid.

Responsibilities:
• Greet and assist customers in a warm, and helpful manner
• Process shop and gallery sales using our POS system
• Reconcile daily sales, including cash, checks and credit card payments, process gift certificates, returns and store credits
• Restock and arrange merchandise, as necessary
• Keep the shop tidy, polish jewelry, dust merchandise

We’re Looking For:
• Friendly and positive attitude
• Reliability and punctuality
• Good customer service and communication skills
• Comfortable and productive working independently

To apply: Please send your resume, availability on Saturdays and Sundays and a brief introduction to Shop Manager, Elena Albergo at ealbergo@guilfordartcenter.org.

The Shoreline Chorale
Music Director Search
Position Announcement
The Shoreline Chorale (TSC) seeks an inspiring and collaborative Music Director to begin duties in January 2027.
Founded in 1982, TSC is a non-auditioned SATB community chorus of approximately 50-60 singers serving Connecticut's shoreline communities. TSC’s repertoire reflects a variety of musical styles and traditions, and is committed to artistic excellence, lifelong learning, and building connections through the shared experience of choral music.
TSC operates on a 2-season year (August – November, January – May) and presents one concert each season. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings in Madison, CT, and concerts are typically held in venues throughout the shoreline region. An accompanist is engaged for rehearsals and performances.
The successful candidate will be a skilled conductor, teacher, and community builder who values the unique opportunities that come with working with adult singers from diverse musical backgrounds. We seek an individual who can foster musical growth, cultivate a welcoming and inclusive environment, and partner with the Board of Directors to support the organization's continued vitality and growth.
Responsibilities
The Music Director will:
• Provide artistic and musical leadership for the Chorale
• Plan and conduct weekly rehearsals and performances
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors in the selection of repertoire and development of concert programs
• Foster a positive, supportive, and engaging rehearsal environment that encourages musical growth and member retention
• Teach vocal technique, musicianship, style, and interpretation appropriate to adult community singers
• Work collaboratively with the accompanist and guest musicians
• Support efforts to recruit new singers and strengthen community engagement
• Serve as an ambassador for the Chorale within the local arts and cultural community
• Attend Board meetings as requested
Desired Qualifications
Candidates should demonstrate:
• Strong conducting and rehearsal leadership skills
• Experience directing community choruses, church choirs, educational ensembles, or similar groups
• Knowledge of a broad range of choral repertoire and programming
• Ability to teach vocal technique and develop singers' musical abilities
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• A collaborative leadership style and ability to work effectively with volunteer leadership
• Commitment to building community and creating an inclusive and welcoming environment
• Enthusiasm, flexibility, creativity, and a sense of humor
Preferred qualifications include:
• Master's degree in Choral Conducting, Music Education, Vocal Performance, or a related field; or a bachelor’s degree with experience conducting choruses and/or choirs
• Familiarity with the Connecticut and New England choral community
• Keyboard proficiency
Compensation
The position pays $9,000 per year (Spring/Fall seasons).
Application Submission
Interested candidates should submit the following materials:
• Cover letter describing their interest in the position and philosophy of community choral conducting
• Résumé/CV
• Three professional references
Application materials should be submitted electronically to: directorsearch@shorelinechorale.org
Review of applications will begin in Summer 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
Selected candidates will be invited to participate in one or more interviews. Finalists will also be asked to conduct a rehearsal with TSC as part of the selection process.