Lead Program Coordinator

Date: January 27, 2025
Title: Lead Program Coordinator
Department: OrchKids
Reports to: OrchKids Program Manager
Classification: Full-time, Exempt
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 nine schools in Baltimore City, serving over 2,000 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

The Lead Program Coordinator plays an integral role in coordinating all aspects of the operational, logistical, and administrative planning/implementation for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids program. The Lead Program Coordinator‘s primary responsibilities will be site-based and requires facilitating a strong relationship between the OrchKids and school staff. The Lead Program Coordinator will also be responsible for sustaining the healthy function of the site and all site-based procedures. This position will have frequent evening and occasional weekend responsibilities. This position is under the supervision of the Program Manager and works collaboratively with all OrchKids team members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Run Daily Programming

  • Coordinate in the pickup and dismissal processes during after-school programming
  • Manage class transitions during after-school programming
  • Assist in equipment setup and cleanup for daily programming
  • Maintain, clean, and organize classroom and office spaces 
  • Support the food service program (snack and supper) 
  • Facilitate the tracking and recording of student attendance 
  • Support and manage student behavior and classroom management 
  • Support teaching artists during class time with behavior management and student behavior tracking 
  • Chaperone and manage large groups of students (field trips, special events,  performances, etc)

Collaborative Planning & Communication

  • Work closely with the site based team to assist in developing, refining, and implementing the logistics of in-school and/or after-school programming
  • Provide artistic and logistical input for planning of all site-based concerts, field trips, special events, and performances
  • Assist with student enrollment and managing student records
  • Work closely with Program Manager to ensure effective communication with all community stakeholders (parents/guardians, school staff, community members, OrchKids teaching artists and staff).
  • Assist in updating the OrchKids site-based master calendar

Inventory Maintenance

  • Manage site-based inventory (instruments, music, and all office supplies)
  • Assist with tracking and maintaining instrument and music inventory, equipment, and other supplies at site 
  • Assist with equipment transport (loading/unloading for concerts, guest artist performances, etc.))
  • Design and create bulletin boards, classroom decorations, and visual teaching tools as requested by teachers and site administrative team
  • Oversee the maintenance music library and student music folders, in particular, ensuring distribution of music for concerts, gigs, and special events
QUALIFICATIONS AND CAPABILITIES
  • High School, GED, or equivalent work experience (college degree in Music, Music Education, Education, Arts Administration, or Social Sciences is a plus, but not required)
  • At least 2 years of experience working in a mentorship and/or education capacity
  • Strong child/management management skills
  • Handles emergencies well; staying calm and using good judgment
  • Personal commitment to social justice, restorative educational and anti-racist practices, as well as trauma-informed philosophies
  • Ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds
  • Exceptional planning and organizational skills
  • Proficient in Google Suite with the ability to learn additional software programs as needed 
  • Flexibility to work nights and weekends
  • Ownership of a vehicle is highly preferred
  • Successful completion of a background check
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
  • Competitive salary negotiable, commensurate with qualifications and experience
  • 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 and/or 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, and 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