Early Learning Manager

Date: February, 2026
Position: Early Learning Manager
Department: OrchKids
Reports to: Director of Education
Classification: Full-Time
Salary Range: $55,000-$60,000

Location: Baltimore, MD  

THE BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA and ORCHKIDS

For over a century, the BSO has been recognized as one of America’s leading orchestras and one of Maryland’s most significant cultural institutions. As the largest cultural institution in Maryland, the BSO is internationally recognized and locally admired for its innovation, performances and recordings, and educational community initiatives including OrchKids. 

OrchKids uses music as a vehicle for students to develop 21st century skills (creativity, collaboration, leadership, etc.) that are transferable to all areas of their lives. Marin Alsop, Music Director Laureate of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and OrchKids Founding Director, shaped OrchKids into the cornerstone of the BSO’s community engagement efforts across the city with her artistic leadership and direction. OrchKids was founded in 2008 with 30 students at one elementary school with seed funding from Marin Alsop and Founding Donors Rheda Becker and Robert E. Meyerhoff.

OrchKids now works with eight schools in Baltimore City, serving over 1,800 children from Pre-K through 12th grade during and after school.

In collaboration with several community partners OrchKids provides music education, instruments, academic assistance, meals, mental health resources, connection to social services, as well as performance and mentorship opportunities at no cost to students and families. OrchKids is an acknowledged leader in the El Sistema and social-change through music movement throughout the world.

JOB SUMMARY

This position will combine educational and programmatic responsibilities related to the development and success of the Education Department at OrchKids, with a strong focus on pathways from Pre-K through 3rd grade early learning classes into beginning instrument and choir programming. The Early Learning Manager will oversee all aspects of the early learning programming including teacher recruitment and training, consistent on-site instructional coaching & support, curriculum oversight and development, and new program offerings. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

PARTNERSHIP AND PROGRAM DESIGN/DEVELOPMENT

  • Work closely with the OrchKids Vice President and Director of Education to evaluate early learning programming and design strategic adjustments accordingly
  • Collaborate with the Associate Director of Programs to develop recruitment pathways into after-school programming and to define associated logistical needs and implementation plans 
  • Work collaboratively with the Director of Education to create/implement artistic content and initiatives 
  • Implement a shared educational and artistic vision that ensures consistent, high-quality programming across all early learning sites
  • Collaborate with school leadership teams to effectively use school-based tools and systems for classroom information, incentives and discipline processes, announcements, and communication with students and families
  • Collaborate with the OrchKids education team to coordinate concerts, guest artists and workshops for all early learning sites 
  • Collaborates with the BSO education team to coordinate BSO Mid-Week concert ticket distribution and participation among OrchKids early learning sites
  • Work collaboratively with Director of Education and Vice President to design site programmatic framework and schedule for all OrchKids early learning sites
  • Work collaboratively with the Director of Education and VIce President to develop early learning site budgets and inform related budgetary decisions 
  • Work with Vice President and Director of Education to create & present annual program/partnership renewal proposals and mutual understanding agreements

TEAM MANAGEMENT 

  • Supervise a team of full-time and part time musicianship teaching artists and teaching assistants across all early learning sites 
  • Oversee teaching teams to ensure the successful planning and execution of 5-6 winter and spring musicianship concerts, providing on-site support for logistics, dress rehearsals, and performances
  • Supervise the Early Learning Coordinator and any contracted curriculum specialists 
  • With support from the Early Learning Coordinator, fill all substitute teacher requests using the OrchKids substitute teacher roster
  • Conduct weekly one-on-one meetings with teaching artists
  • Facilitate regular (monthly) early learning team meetings 
  • In collaboration with the Director of Education, identify and coordinate professional development opportunities and facilitators for the early learning team
  • Attend monthly meetings with school partners, together with the site’s teaching artist
  • Identify and present any challenges that need to be rectified proactively in collaboration with Director of Education and Vice President
  • With support from the OrchKids education team, provide day-to-day feedback and support as needed to all early learning teaching artists
  • Contribute to cultivating a strong, positive culture at early learning sites in conjunction with other site-based staff, as well as within the education department
  • Collect and disseminate information within school-based systems: student data collection, schedule/calendar, behavior and discipline records, any administrative reporting, communication systems, and other HR matters
  • Participate and coordinate with colleagues in any program-wide large-scale events 

TEACHER HIRING, TRAINING & SUPPORT 

  • Identify areas of need for early learning teacher specific training and design/deliver ongoing professional development throughout the year
  • Conduct regular observations and feedback sessions for all early learning teaching artists and teaching assistants
  • Work with the OrchKids education team to review and update systems for teacher evaluation/reflection and make adjustments as necessary
  • Lead the recruitment and hiring of highly qualified early learning teaching artists, teaching assistants, and fellows, with support from Director of Education and Early Learning Coordinator
  • Support the Early Learning Coordinator in onboarding substitute teachers and facilitating their observation of classes prior to being added to the OrchKids substitute teaching list
  • Support in establishing and deepening relationships with music education programs at local universities to recruit new early learning teaching applicants and seek professional development opportunities 

INSTRUCTION, CURRICULUM, & RESEARCH

  • Oversee and maintain OrchKids early learning curriculum, maintaining alignment with state and national standards
  • Assist the Vice President, Director of Education, and Associate Director of Programming with early learning matriculation into after-school instrumental and choir programming
  • Maintain and enhance the quality of OrchKids early learning instruction
  • Oversee artistic programming for early learning concerts, including student participation and repertoire selection
  • Research, synthesize, and share new teaching materials & learning opportunities relevant to the education department
QUALIFICATIONS AND CAPABILITIES
  • Bachelor’s degree in music education or equivalent teaching experience
  • Previous team-management experience
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Personal commitment to social justice, culturally responsive teaching, restorative educational and anti-racist practices, as well as trauma-informed philosophies
  • Demonstrated effective planning and organizational skills, able to set and 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
  • Familiarity with Baltimore City School System or other school systems
  • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain partnerships
  • 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
  • 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
  • Strong managerial and people skills
  • Ability to handle multiple 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 early mornings as required
  • Successful completion of a background check through Baltimore City Public Schools
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

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

  • Health insurance: two options to choose from; all at low cost to the employee
  • Dental, Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance, paid entirely by the BSO
  • Generous paid time off, including annual, personal and sick leave
  • 403(b) Plan
  • Health Savings Account, employer contributes portion
  • Flexible Spending Accounts, including Medical and Dependent Care
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Free/discounted tickets to BSO concerts
  • Hybrid Work Schedule available, depending on position requirements

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences of relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

HOW TO APPLY


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

No phone calls. Relocation assistance is not provided.

OUR CULTURE AS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and OrchKids use the BSO mission and shared values (Appendices) to govern decisions, actions, and behaviors. These values guide how we conduct our work and professional relationships: Creativity, Respect, Excellence, Education/Engagement, and Diversity. We are focused on a people-first culture for our patrons and our entire BSO family. 

The BSO is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to 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, other non-merit factors. 

APPENDIX I:  ORCHKIDS MISSION

OrchKids provides Baltimore youth with equitable access to community-based, high-quality music instruction and programming that teaches musical and social skills transferable to all areas of their lives.

_________________________ 

APPENDIX II:  BSO SHARED VALUES

In October 2021, the BSO Board of Directors approved the following shared values, or “BSO Creed”: 

CREATIVITY

  • We believe the BSO is first and foremost an artistic institution that is dedicated to the finest creative musical expression.   
  • We seek to facilitate opportunities for creative approaches that allow musicians, staff, board, and partners to collaborate to serve our mission.    
  • We strive to inform all decisions with our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.

RESPECT   

  • We believe the BSO should value, appreciate, and treat all individuals – patrons, staff, musicians, guest artists, and volunteers with compassion, respect, and dignity.    
  • We seek to create a welcoming, safe, and enjoyable environment for all.   
  • We strive to embrace all human differences and commit to caring and civility towards all with whom we work and serve. 

EXCELLENCE   

  • We believe it is an honor to present great music to stir and nurture the soul.   
  • We seek to attract, develop, and retain the best talent in all musicians, staff, board, and volunteers. Everyone who works at the BSO has an important role to play in our success.        
  • We strive to act with uncompromising integrity and transparency.  

ENGAGEMENT / EDUCATION   

  • We believe deep connections to the diverse communities we serve are essential to our mission.   
  • We seek to inspire and educate with powerful and meaningful musical experiences for audiences of all ages.    
  • We strive to nurture the talents of musicians of all ages with accessible educational initiatives and programs.     
  • We strive to create a culture where musicians, staff, board, and volunteers communicate, collaborate, understand, and appreciate each other’s work.   

DIVERSITY

  • We believe diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging – with respect to race, gender, and personal identity – are cultural and strategic imperatives.    
  • We seek to create a culture of excellence that ensures access and inclusion of diverse voices in all that we do.  
  • We strive to use the universal language of music to bring people together and embrace our multicultural society. 

To apply for this job email your details to orchkids@bsomusic.org