Youth Orchestra Programs Manager

Organization Description:

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra, led by Music Director Taichi Fukumura, is central Illinois’ largest professional orchestra serving over 35,000 patrons in the communities of Bloomington-Normal, Springfield and the surrounding region with symphony orchestra, chamber orchestra, and Concerts for Kids series in each community. In addition to concert performances, the Orchestra's music education and outreach programs serve pre-K and elementary schools through the Itsy Arts and Music Matters education programs and reach middle schools, high schools, universities, community organizations and senior centers through guest artist residencies and musician and ensemble performances. The ISO also has an active Around the Town and Sips & Sounds Chamber Music Series. The Illinois Symphony Orchestra has a budget of approximately $1.5 million.

In July 2020, the Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony (SVYS) joined the ISO and became the Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestras. Now, the ISYO programs consist of Starter and Junior Strings, Preparatory Orchestra, Concert Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra serving over 250 students. The ISO also has partnerships in education and civic engagement (PEACE) with the UIS-School of Music and Illinois State University.

Overview of Position:

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra seeks a talented and dynamic manager to serve as Youth Orchestra Programs Manager. Working with the Executive Director and Conductor, the Youth Orchestra Programs Manager is essential in maintaining the smooth operations of the ISO youth orchestra education programs including rehearsals, concerts, auditions, special events, and administration. The operations of the ISYO are a vital part of the ISO’s education programs. This position is responsible for the day-to-day running of the youth orchestra programs and the ideal candidate will be comfortable dealing with parents, students, and community partners. This position reports to the Executive Director.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Planning, Coordination, Execution and Logistics

• Working with the Executive Director and Conductor, develops and executes annual calendar of events (rehearsals, performances, activities, and camps) including securing venues, arranging transportation if needed, managing logistics including securing instruments, and coordinating schedules for all youth orchestra programs.
• Coordinate and oversees rehearsal (including attendance), concert performances, audition process and special events/performances.
• Coordinate with Conductor, Librarian, and Program Teachers on the acquisition and distribution of music for all programs.
• Working with Conductor and Orchestra Manager, secure all teachers and coaches for youth orchestra programs.
• Attend all rehearsals of Preparatory, Concert, and Symphony Orchestras.
• Attend all concerts of Starter Strings, Junior Strings, Preparatory Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, and Symphony Orchestra. Ensure that all rehearsals and concerts are properly staffed including volunteers and box office functions at concerts.
• Maintain PEACE partnership with University of Illinois Springfield, including coordinating partner events with UIS faculty and venue staff.
• Attend ISO staff, Board, and other relevant meetings.
• Directs and oversees parent volunteer program, including management and coordination of tasks, communication of needs, and assignment of responsibilities.
• Responsible for securing parents, students, and volunteers for set up and break down of rehearsals and concerts.
• Take weekly attendance to track absences and tardiness or train volunteers to take weekly attendance in community ensembles. Inform conductors and teachers of absences prior to rehearsals and inform students if they have exceeded their allocated absences. Open discussion with families to reduce absences.
• Work with parent volunteer program to coordinate snacks, concert receptions and other projects.
• Working with Orchestra Manager, assists in contacting teachers and coordination of volunteers for Music Matters! In-School education program.

Administrative

• Collaborate with administrative and artistic staff, volunteers, and board to grow the education programs of the ISO.
• Provide support to conductor and teachers to maintain the growth of the programs to the highest standards including actively recruiting students and adult volunteers throughout the season.
• Maintain all student records, bills, and tuition payments.
• Manage registration process for ISYO ensembles at the beginning of each season, including creating musician information spreadsheets, ensemble rosters, and ensemble schedule documents.
• Oversee that all teachers, staff and select volunteers obtain required national background check, fingerprinting, hiring documents, and training.
• Working with Director of Marketing, generate content and coordinate the production of program booklets for all youth programs.
• Working with the Director of Marketing, generate content and maintain ISYO website pages and social media accounts for the youth orchestra programs.
• Create & manage sign-ups for ISYO auditions, activities, and events.
• Create, update, and manage relevant forms in the ISO Donor Perfect database system and Survey Monkey.
• Report music program information to the ISO Librarian for required reporting each season.
• Communicate regularly regarding ISYO information and respond in a timely manner to concerns from parents, schools, and volunteers.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

The successful candidate will have superior organizational and time-management skills to ensure meticulous attention to detail of the programs. S/he will have a demonstrative ability as an effective team player who has the highest ethical standards.  S/he must be responsible, reliable, and able to work according to the ISO's schedule.

The successful candidate must have maturity in dealing with and responding to parental and constituent concerns and questions and is responsible for fostering a positive culture across students, parents and staff that promotes the successful growth of the programs.

The successful candidate must be willing to develop connections in the greater Springfield area especially with music educators, school administration, home school groups and program venues.

The successful candidate will ideally be a college graduate with a minimum of 3 – 5 years of management experience preferably in a nonprofit environment.

Experience with Microsoft programs is preferred.

The successful candidate must be authorized to work in the United States and will be required to reside in Springfield, IL. The candidate must be fluent in English and pass a background check.

Status: Part-time (approximately 20 – 29 hours per week); non-exempt

Supervised By: Executive Director

Compensation: $22-$25/hr.

Benefits Offered: Paid vacation and holidays.

Application Procedure:

All applications must include the following to be considered:

1. Cover letter: In the cover letter, please provide a brief personal statement as to why you are interested in this position.

2. Resume: A current resume or curriculum vitae.

3. List of References: Please provide a list of three (3) references that we may contact prior to being offered the position.

E-mail complete application package to Trevor Orthmann, Executive Director, Illinois Symphony Orchestra, [email protected].

Application Deadline: Rolling until candidate identified.

Contact Name: Trevor Orthmann, Executive Director

Contact email: [email protected]

Contact phone: 217-522-2838

Website: www.ilsymphony.org