OrchKids Program Manager

Title: OrchKids Program Manager

Department: OrchKids

Reports to: OrchKids Manager of Programs

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

There are jobs, and then there are jobs where you get to make a difference. Members of our dedicated OrchKids team know how excellent music education can create pathways to success and transform lives. As we continue to grow, nurture, and expand our programming, we strive to build our team with dedicated and experienced individuals who wish to share the power of music with our exceptional students.

Organizational Summary:

OrchKids is a year-round, during and after school, music program designed to foster social change and nurture promising futures for youth in Baltimore City’s least-resourced neighborhoods and schools. In collaboration with several community partners, including Baltimore City Public Schools, OrchKids provides music education, instruments, academic assistance, performance, and mentorship opportunities, as well as meals and connection to social services at no cost to our families. Currently OrchKids works with nine public schools in Baltimore City, serving children from Pre-K through 12th grade. OrchKids is an acknowledged leader in the El Sistema-inspired and social-change through music movement throughout the world.

Job Summary:

The OrchKids Program Manager plays an integral role in managing and leading the operational, artistic, and logistical planning for OrchKids programming. This position acts as a core member of the OrchKids program team and is responsible for running the daily operations at assigned sites as well as the oversight of teaching artist staff. As a key fixture of the program team, this position also supports coordinating cross-site projects as well as guest artist performances, workshops, and other engagement opportunities for their sites. Supervised by the OrchKids Manager of Programs, this position also works collaboratively with the OrchKids Director of Education as well as other Program Managers and team members. This position will have some evening/weekend responsibilities.

Specific Responsibilities:

DESIGN:

• Work collaboratively with OrchKids Manager of Programs, Director of Education, and Senior Director to design site programmatic framework and schedule for 2-3 sites
• Work collaboratively with the Manager of Programs, Director of Education, and Artistic and Program Operations Manager to create/implement artistic content, initiatives, workshops, and guest artist engagements
• Design/Implement cross-site opportunities with the Program, Education, and Leadership Teams
• Work closely with Manager of Programs and other Leadership/Education Team members to evaluate programming and design strategic adjustments to current and new OrchKids programming

MANAGE/SUPERVISE:

• Manage the operations for all assigned sites including:
  • Student enrollment process, site-based payroll, data collection, student tracking/retention, any administrative reporting, site level communication systems, and other HR matters in adherence to the OrchKids standard operating procedures
• Manage OrchKids Teaching Artists at assigned sites
• Work collaboratively with the Manager of Programs and Director of Education and Senior Manager in the creation of site budgets and site budgetary decisions
• Manage the OrchKids site-based calendar, including OrchKids event information, teacher absences, and school site events such as field trips, testing schedules, closure, etc.

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT:

• Work closely with Teaching Artists, Manager of Programs, and Education Teams to implement consistent behavior management systems
• Support teachers during class time with behavior management and student office referrals

INVENTORY MAINTENANCE:

• Maintain clean and organized classroom/office environments
• Work closely with Artistic and Program Operations Manager to maintain site instrument inventory, equipment, and supplies at sites
• Support teachers in maintaining music library and student music folders, in particular, ensuring distribution of music for concerts, gigs, and special events
• Manage the loan process for student instruments, including maintaining records of taking instruments home, when instruments are not returned, or lost/damaged instruments
• Support Teaching Artists and students with instrument specific queries or repair issues in collaboration with Artistic and Operations Manager
• Assist in equipment transport, loading/unloading, and setup for concerts, guest artist performances, and special events at OrchKids sites and concert venues

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED   

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have a complete COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot, and submit proof of this vaccination

POSITION EXPECTATIONS:

• Critical part of the programs team and active member in program strategic planning and design
• Actively engaged with all in school partners, inclusive of school staff, principals, and parents
• Participant in all team meetings, curriculum meetings and teacher meetings as appropriate
• Personal commitment to professional development
• Effectively interacting and collaborating with team members
• Identify and present any challenges that need to be rectified proactively in collaboration with OrchKids Directors
• Interact with and maintain intimate knowledge of students, student progress, and family connections with the program
• Interact with all program teams and Teaching Artists
• Cultivate a strong, positive culture for the OrchKids program for students at assigned sites
• Participate, with colleagues, in all large-scale events for the program and assist in all major projects

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bilingual candidate strongly preferred but not required
• Personal commitment to social justice, restorative educational and anti-racist practices, as well as trauma-informed philosophies
• Demonstrated effective planning and organizational skills, able to meet deadlines
• Personal leadership through example, coupled with the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and staff to create a results-driven, team-oriented environment
• Ability to multi-task calmly and to handle emergencies effectively
• Effective public speaking skills and presence
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong managerial and people skills, and the ability to maintain tact, diplomacy and the strictest confidence as needed
• At least 3 years of experience working in a mentorship and/or education capacity, with elementary/middle school age children preferred
• Ability to handle multiple interruptions and adjustments to priorities throughout the day
• Personal integrity and strict code of confidentiality and professionalism
• Strong commitment to the philosophy of social change through music
• Ability to handle numerous projects simultaneously
• Ability to implement projects from conception to completion with minimal supervision
• Proficient in Microsoft programs, and ability to learn other software programs as needed
• Ability to work nights and weekends, as required
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• Successful completion of a background check through Baltimore City Public Schools

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

The BSO provides excellent benefits of value to all full-time employees. Our benefits package includes:

• Group Medical and Dental health insurance, with generous BSO co-pay
• Life, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance, paid entirely by the BSO
• Generous paid time off, including annual, personal, holidays, and sick leave
• 403(b) plan
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts, including Medical and Dependent Care
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free and/or discounted tickets to BSO concerts

OrchKids Principles of Inclusion:

BSO OrchKids believes in the principles of diversity and inclusion for students and all parties involved in the program regardless of race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or socio-economic status. We are proud to serve students of all backgrounds and abilities and our expectation is that all students will be treated equally, nurtured to ensure their success and we will meet them where they are. As a team, we expect and are prepared to make reasonable accommodations to address and support differences in learning styles, behaviors, and cultural differences. Our expectation is also that we treat all parties involved in BSO OrchKids (teaching artists, staff, school staff, families, community members, etc.) with respect and in accordance with our principles of inclusion.

The Baltimore Symphony is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, differing physical abilities, genetic information, age, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.

How to Apply:

Please submit a cover letter and resume to orchkids@bsomusic.org.

No phone calls please. Relocation assistance is not provided.