Posted: Jul 23, 2026

Education and Community Engagement Director

Rockford Symphony Orchestra - Rockford, IL
Part-time
Salary: $37,000.00 - $42,000.00 Annually
Application Deadline: Aug 5, 2026
Administrative-Part-time

POSITION TITLE: Education and Community Engagement Director

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

EXEMPT STATUS: Non-Exempt; Part 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

Salary: Competitive
Hours: 30 hours per week and includes some nights and weekends
Benefits: Paid time off, 401K, and complimentary tickets to RSO performances
Location: In-person (the Education and Community Engagement Director is not a remote position and works as part of a team)

 

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 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.

  • Maintain evaluation and assessment reports for all education programs.

  • Serve as chief administrator for the Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra, with support from Operations Manager.

Community and Patron 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 and community leaders.

  • Speak publicly when called upon to do so as an advocate for the RSO and music education 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.

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.

  • Provide content support to Development Director for general operating and special project grant applications.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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
[email protected].


Rockford Symphony Orchestra is an equal opportunity employer.