About the Job
The Director of Education is responsible for the creation, implementation, and management of a broad array of educational and community outreach programs designed to engage learners of all ages with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. The Director of Education advocates for educational events and initiatives, facilitating their successful integration into the overall mission and long-range plans of the SSO, internally and externally. This position also demonstrates strategy, management, and support for all Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestra programming. The below description outlines but is not limited to the expectations of this position:
- Serve as public face for the SSYO Education Department for external stakeholders, working closely with community partners and leaders; Including public and private schools, higher education institutions, libraries and community spaces, adult living facilities/nursing homes
- Begin outreach and collaboration with the Springfield Public School System to develop a robust curriculum that educates Springfield area students on music education and the opportunities the SSO offers.
- Represent the SSYO/Education at relevant professional and community meetings.
- Stay up to date and well-versed in issues and best practices in similar work within and beyond the arts sector.
SPRINGFIELD SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA:
The Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestras (SSYO) consists of two merit-based orchestras sponsored by the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, for talented young musicians (through grade 12) living in the Pioneer Valley and beyond. The SSYO performs three Sunday afternoon concerts per season. Additional opportunities such as sectionals with members of the SSO, an annual field trip, and our concerto competition provide an engaging musical environment for young musicians.
- Work closely with key personnel to coordinate SSYO fundraising, grants, program ads, sponsorships,
- Production of all SSYO performances
- Create materials to promote SSYO auditions, recruitment etc.
- Budget management and other managerial and administrative undertakings;
- Oversee Youth Orchestra Manager to create and implement social aspects of SSYO season including field trips, speaker series, and Youth Orchestra concert events
- Create and recruit an active parent board to assist with planning, fundraising, and recruitment
EDUCATION CONCERTS:
- Design or engage an educational curriculum to be shared with local schools that supports the mission and educational component of the SSO / SSYO.
- Plan and coordinate all visits to promote and explain our program in cooperation with school/organization contact(s).
- Provide school/organization contact with written visit confirmations and itinerary
- Schools and organizations may include but are not limited to: public/private elementary and secondary schools, higher education institutions, adult living/nursing homes, and community organizations
- Work with marketing to utilize various communication avenues to share our programming with local schools/organizations to better bring the Music Education community a complete network of programs and opportunities
- Oversee the Education Concerts (minimum of 1 Education concert per season)
- Coordinate all outreach with marketing about Education concert; Emails, press releases, social media, website updates, etc.
- Create with the guidance of marketing all repertoire, newsletters, and teacher resource guides
- Responsible for populating the Hall to accommodate all schools
- With the help of staff and Symphony Hall, execute all required tasks for concert day
- Assist with creation and maintenance of master calendar of all SSYO and educational/community engagement activities.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- BA in education or related field preferred
- 5+ years of experience in education, curriculum design, music, or related field
- Leadership experience in non-profit arts/cultural management, arts administration
- Must be able to work effectively with artists, musicians, staff, students, community leaders and volunteers
- Demonstrated project management and implementation skills
- Prior experience managing all aspects of budgetary responsibilities
- Superior written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work a flexible schedule
Interested applicants are asked to please submit a resume and cover letter.