About Midori & Friends: Founded in 1992 by world-renowned violinist Midori and a devoted board of directors, Midori & Friends provides a diverse menu of music education programs to children and teens in publicly funded schools within New York City. The organization is primarily known for two flagship programs offered as long-term, school-based residencies: sequential, standards-based instruction in instrumental and vocal music provided by professional teaching artists; and workshop and performance series in a wide variety of musical genres led by acclaimed ensembles. Music enrichment is customized for each school partner based on the school administration’s vision of arts education for its students; all programs are aligned with the firm philosophy of music teaching and learning espoused and articulated by our founder, Midori, who is also Chair of the Strings Department at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music. Midori & Friends programs annually engage over 17,000 children at 42 schools and community organizations within 25 of New York City’s most underserved neighborhoods.
Position Summary: The Program Manager will work closely with the Program Team and partner schools to create, organize, and implement current Midori & Friends music education programs, as well as continually monitor, assess and evaluate the programs to ensure the highest possible educational quality. Primary responsibilities include support and management of teaching artists and performing ensembles, development of school partnerships, ongoing documentation of program activities and active participation in Midori & Friends events.
Duties and Responsibilities:
School Partnership Management
Cultivate relationships with school teachers, school administrators, community organization leaders, the Department of Education, teaching artists, and performers to ensure quality development and implementation of all programs.
Identify and develop relationships with new partner schools and organizations.
Implement, coordinate and manage skills-based instrument and vocal music residencies throughout NYC schools through the coordination and facilitation of planning meeting, workshop and concert schedules with school teachers, administrators and performing artists.
Produce student recitals and performances at school and community events.
Oversee and coordinate workshop and performance series at various schools throughout NYC.
Program Development
Provide innovative and creative leadership to research, design, develop and implement programming strategies that achieve annual goals and long-term objectives and vision.
Brainstorm with Midori & Friends team to create comprehensive proposals for implementation of current and new programs, and any other new ideas that support and enhance our mission.
Assist in developing program curricula, study guides, teaching artist handbooks, training and evaluation tools and other educational materials in collaboration with staff, artists and education consultant.
Work closely with Finance and Development departments to support and provide relevant information for grant proposal narratives, grant proposal program budgets, school agreements and end-of-year reporting
Administration and Financial Management
Update and utilize Salesforce programming database to track and document all Midori & Friends Program Department activities.
Develop and monitor individual school program budgets and work with the Programming Team and Chief Financial Officer to assure that programs stay within budget.
Provide weekly program department reports in collaboration with the Programming Team to Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director.
Artist Relations
Provide support to 27 teaching artists and 14 performing ensembles.
Participate in interviewing, hiring, orientation, training, evaluation and supervision of teaching artists and performing ensembles.
Design, develop, manage and lead professional development workshops in collaboration with staff and education consultant for teaching artists and performing ensembles.
Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: Bachelor’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and/or a Master’s degree preferred; Minimum of three years experience in arts administration; and of two years NYC teaching experience in or afterschool preferred; Familiarity of NYS Learning Standard, Common Core Standards, the NYC Music Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts, as well as knowledge of NYC public schools; A team builder with a proven track record to interface effectively with school administrators, teachers and artists; The ability to manage multiple projects and coordinate on-site school programs, including classes, rehearsals and performances; Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; Excellent organizational and management skills with attention to detail; Creative thinker and planner; Strong PC and database skills (MSWord, Excel, PowerPoint, Salesforce, etc); Passion for music, education and children.
How to apply
To apply: Email cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to gpierson@midoriandfriends.org with “Program Manager Position” in the subject line. All applications must be received by June 22, 2015. Responses will be limited to those being considered for interviews. NO CALLS PLEASE.
Midori & Friends isan Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to make all personnel decisions without discriminating on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, physical disability, mental disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national or ethnic origin, and any other protected status.