Director of Learning & Community

The Director of Learning & Community is responsible for working across departments to plan, implement, oversee, and evaluate all Learning & Community programs at the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. This department also organizes pre-concert activities for Pops concerts and completes any additional community-building and impact efforts as they arise. This position supervises the Learning & Community Program Manager/Front of House Manager, Learning & Community Assistants, and (periodically) a Learning & Community Intern to organize and facilitate the programs listed below.

The Director of Learning & Community works with all departments of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra to assist in grant proposals and other fundraising strategies with the Development department, update Marketing materials and information for the Marketing department, stay up to date on all department finances and create each year’s annual budget with the Finance department, collaborate with the Artistic Production department for Youth Concerts and other programs, and reports to the Executive Director to handle other duties as assigned. The position should also conduct regular research into best practices of Education and Community Engagement departments across the field of orchestras in order to evaluate if and how A2SO programs are best serving the community, and create and maintain strong relationships with local schools and community organizations in order to optimally serve them.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned as needed):

– Organize the planning, implementation and evaluation of the following programs: A2SO @ School program, Music Mentors program, Public Chamber Concert series, Private Chamber Concert series, KinderConcerts, Link Up Youth Concert, Farmers Market program, Used Instrument Drive (Play It Forward), Instrument Petting Zoos, Young Artist Competition
– Cultivate community partnerships with local teachers, school administrators, libraries, farmers markets, hospitals, senior living communities, etc. to seek out community needs for new programs and feedback on current programs
– Communicate with local venues about program needs and expectations
– Be able to work effectively and collegially with all internal A2SO coworkers
– Be willing to stretch beyond basic job expectations for the overall mission and to support organizational goals
– Collaborate with Development department to write grant proposals with informed data from Learning & Community programs
– Collaborate with Marketing department to create pre-concert lobby activities for Pops Concert series
– Collaborate with the Marketing department to keep all Learning & Community information up to date for the website and additional promotional materials
– Create annual budget for entire Learning & Community department working through proposals to Finance Department and Executive Director for approval
– Collaborate across all departments to assist in the annual fundraising Gala
– Weekly check-ins with the Learning & Community Program Manager/Front of House Coordinator to discuss program progress
– Weekly check-ins with Executive Director report on and discuss program progress
– Attend all Board meetings as scheduled throughout the year, unless otherwise cleared with the Executive Director or in the case of sickness or emergency
– Attend all MainStage and Pops concerts scheduled throughout the season, unless otherwise cleared with the Executive Director or in the case of sickness or emergency

Required Qualifications:

– Education and/or Experience: Bachelor’s degree in music, music education, arts management, or equivalent. Strong understanding of music education and performing arts. Two or more years of related experience is preferred. Previous relevant work experience may substitute for any education requirements.
– Language Skills: Ability to write clearly with proper spelling and grammar to communicate effectively to schools, teachers, Board members, employees, venues, and others.
– Familiarity with non-English language musical terms and composer names; correct pronunciation of these terms and names
– Must be able and flexible to work occasional nights and weekends as required by the Learning & Community department (depends on the time of year)
– Ability to organize systems, coordinate deadlines, handle logistics, interpret instructions provided in written, oral, or diagram form
– Computer Skills: Must be able to use all applications within Google Suite and – Microsoft Office effectively (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail, Chat, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
– Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, efficient and accurate proofing skills
– Ability to work effectively and diplomatically with diverse personalities, including teachers, parents and students, volunteers, A2SO musicians, other staff, conductors, and guest performers
– Understands the unique needs of performing artists, musicians, guest artists, and conductors
– Excellent customer service skills via phone, email, in person, etc.
– Comfortable greeting all types of guests and has keen awareness of safety concerns
– Excellent verbal and written communication skills
– Ability to work effectively and gracefully under pressure
– Valid driver’s license and good driving record required
– Must be able to speak publicly when called upon to do so

Preferred Qualifications:

– Previous experience as a music educator (either as a school teacher, group lesson instructor, private instructor, or in another setting)
– Experience with CRM software (Theatre Manager, Spektrix, or Tessitura)
– Experience with finance software (QuickBooks)
– Experience with Canva

Physical Demands (reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions):

– Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up 40 lbs regularly
– Capacity to stand, walk, sit, bend, kneel, or crouch for extended periods
– Fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination required for repetitive tasks, typing, or playing musical instruments
– Vision and hearing capabilities needed for safety and task execution
– Ability to work in varying conditions, such as extreme temperatures, loud noises, or confined spaces