Education and Community Engagement Director

Written By Margo Stedman

POSITION TITLE:      Education and Community Engagement Director     

REPORTS TO:           Executive Director

EXEMPT STATUS:    Non-Exempt; Full Time

JOB SUMMARY: The Rockford Symphony Orchestra is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and a leading cultural institution in Northern Illinois, proudly fulfilling its mission through public performances, and education and outreach programs. The Education and Community Engagement Director is responsible for the creation, implementation, and management of a broad array of educational and outreach programs designed to engage youth and adults with the RSO. The Director works collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders including musicians, staff, donors, educators, and other community members to ensure that education and engagement programming supports the mission of the RSO and the needs of the community.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The Rockford Symphony offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, dental, tickets to RSO performances, and paid time off.

 

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Education

  • Direct and coordinate all activities of the orchestra as they relate to music education/appreciation for all ages.

  • Maintain, update, and develop strategies for fulfilling the education and community engagement efforts in the Strategic Plan.

  • Serve as primary liaison between the RSO and area educational institutions.

  • Work with music teachers and administrators to ensure that the RSO’s education programs complement and support the music education curriculum in the schools.

  • Work with the RSO Music Director and RSYO conductor to program and design education concerts and all education programs involving the orchestras.

  • Plan and manage operations for the annual Youth Concert or other anchor education program.

  • Maintain evaluation and assessment reports for all education programs.

  • Supervise Education and Engagement Coordinator and manage intern/student worker program.

RSYO

  • Serve as chief administrator and operations coordinator for the Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra.

  • Develop and coordinate planning and implementation of all RSYO programs and initiatives with RSYO Conductor.

  • Develop and maintain annual budget in partnership with the RSYO conductor.

  • Coordinate Concerto Competition.

 Community Engagement

  • Take a leadership role in developing engagement programs and collaborations that maximize the RSO’s impact in the community.

  • Develop and maintain communication with other cultural institutions, performance venues, and community leaders.

  • Speak publicly when called upon to do so as an advocate for the RSO and music education for all ages and provide leadership in the arts community as relates to education and engagement.

  • Strategically communicate education and community engagement programs and successes. Serve as liaison with patrons to champion education and community engagement priorities.

  • Lead team in creation of print newsletter and electronic communication as it relates to education and engagement.

Administration

  • Serve as part of the senior management team to assist the Executive Director in setting and implementing administrative and artistic policies established by the Board.

  • Develop and maintain budgets for education programs with Executive Director.

  • Write and submit general operating and special project grant applications.

  • Maintain grant schedule to ensure timely completion of applications and final reports.

  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum bachelor’s degree in music, music education, or arts administration plus 6 to 8 years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

  • Maintain current knowledge of industry best practices and standards in education.

  • Develop and maintain positive relationships with area educational institutions.

  • Maintain current knowledge of public schools in the region regarding curriculum, Illinois State Board of Education goals and standards, and National standards for music education.

  • Maintain positive working relationship with Fine Arts and Music administrators in regional schools.

  • Maintain current knowledge of youth orchestra management and best practices.

  • Willingness to embrace and adhere to RSO mission and vision.

  • Willingness to be a flexible and committed team-member with the RSO administrative and artistic staff.

  • Ability to organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

  • Outstanding interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills.

  • Knowledge of Patron Manager/Salesforce (or equivalent CRM) a plus.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

  • Must be able to work evenings and weekends as needed based on the RSO concert and event calendar.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Stand for extended periods of time; push, pull and reach; occasionally bend, sit, stoop, and stretch.  Occasionally lift and carry up to 20 pounds.

 

HOW TO APPLY

The position will remain open until filled. Application will be reviewed upon receipt and continue until the appropriate candidate is identified.

Please e-mail cover letter and resume to Julie Thomas, Executive Director at jthomas@rockfordsymphony.com.

Rockford Symphony Orchestra is an equal opportunity employer.

Margo Stedman
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