Date: April 17, 2023
Position: Early Learning Manager
Department: OrchKids
Reports to: Director of Education
Classification: Full-Time
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 seven schools in Baltimore City, serving over 1,800 children from Pre-K through 12th grade during school, after school, and in weeklong workshops. 

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 & success of the Education Department at OrchKids with a strong focus on Early Childhood Learning. The Early Learning Manager will oversee aspects of pre-instrumental programming including teacher recruitment & training, consistent on-site instructional coaching & support, curriculum oversight, and new program offerings. The Early Learning Manager will work closely with the Director of Education, as well as the Vice President and Associate Director of Programs to ensure consistency and excellence across all musicianship, exploratory, and bridge-programming sites.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

PARTNERSHIP/PROGRAM DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT (20%)

• Work closely with the Director of Education, Associate Director of Programs, and Vice President to evaluate early childhood/musicianship programming and design strategic adjustments accordingly.
• Work collaboratively with the leadership team to create/implement artistic content and initiatives 
• Collaboratively outline educational & artistic vision for the department with leadership team, teaching artists, and school partners
• Ensure strong and consistent programming across all musicianship and early learning sites
• Strategize to create channels of parent/family communication and engagement for in-school families
• Work with Artistic and Program Operations Manager to secure opportunities for Midweek Concerts, guest artists, and workshops at musicianship/in-school sites
• Design/Implement cross-site opportunities with the Program, Education, and Leadership Teams
• Work collaboratively with Director of Education and Vice President to design site programmatic framework and schedule for 3 sites (Patterson Park, Clay Hill, Belair-Edison)
• Work collaboratively with Director of Education and Vice President in the creation of site budgets and site budgetary decisions
• Work with Vice President to create & present annual program/partnership renewal proposals and mutual understanding agreements

TEAM MANAGEMENT (20%)

• Supervise a team of 3 full-time musicianship teaching artists and 2-3 part-time support staff across 4 school partner sites (Mary Ann Winterling, Clay Hill, Patterson Park, Belair-Edison)
• Weekly check-ins with full-time teaching artists
• Facilitate regular (monthly) musicianship department meetings
• Attend monthly or bi-monthly check-ins with school partners, together with the site’s full-time teaching artist
• Identify and present any challenges that need to be rectified proactively in collaboration with OrchKids Directors
• Create positive team culture within the department
• Provide day-to-day feedback and support to all musicianship teaching artists
• Contribute to cultivating a strong, positive culture for the OrchKids program at musicianship sites in conjunction with other site-based staff
• Oversee/support the operations for all assigned sites including:
  • Student enrollment process, 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
  • Oversee the OrchKids musicianship calendar, including OrchKids event information, teacher absences, and school site events such as field trips, testing schedules, closure, etc
  • Work closely with Teaching Artists, and Education Team to implement consistent behavior management systems
• Participate, with colleagues, in large-scale events for the program and assist in major projects

BELAIR-EDISON BRIDGE PROGRAM (20%)

• Manage the operations for after-school bridge program including:
  • Student recruitment/nomination/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
  • Parent/family and teaching artist communication via phone and Talking Points regarding upcoming events and concerts, student progress, outside opportunities, program cancellation/reminders, attendance, and any other relevant information
  • Manage OrchKids Teaching Artists at assigned sites
  • Work collaboratively with the Associate Director of Programs, Director of Education, and Vice President 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.

• 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

• 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

TEACHER HIRING, TRAINING & SUPPORT (20%)

• Identify areas of need for Early Childhood teacher specific training and designing/delivering pre-program (summer) and ongoing professional development throughout the year
• Work with education team to review and update systems for teacher evaluation/reflection and make adjustments as necessary
• Lead the recruitment and hiring of highly qualified musicianship teaching artists, assistants, and fellows, with support from Director of Education
• Supervise & support any musicianship aspects of OrchKids Fellowship
• Support in establishing and deepening relationships with general music education programs at local colleges and universities for new musicianship teaching applicants

INSTRUCTION, CURRICULUM, & RESEARCH (20%)

• Oversee and maintain OrchKids musicianship and exploratory, maintaining alignment with state and national standards
• Work with education team to bridge musicianship & exploratory curricular pathways to afterschool & instrumental programming (aligning musicianship with OrchOlympics, theory benchmarks, etc.)
• Maintain and enhance the quality of OrchKids musicianship/early-childhood instruction
• Assist with artistic programming (including student participation and repertoire selection) for in-school/site-based musicianship & exploratory concerts
• Research, synthesize, and share new teaching materials & learning opportunities relevant to the department

QUALIFICATIONS AND CAPABILITIES

• Bachelor’s degree in music education or equivalent teaching experience
• 2+ years of management experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• 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
• 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 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
• 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. 

The BSO is committed to improving and protecting the health of our musicians, staff, and our communities. We comply fully with the COVID-19 requirements of the state of Maryland and the city of Baltimore. It is required that employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination as a condition of employment. 

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.