Assistant Manager of Piano Technology (Piano Operations)

The Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 55,800 - 97,600; Full time

Job summary

A renowned educational institution is seeking an Assistant Manager of Piano Technology. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing piano maintenance, overseeing student workers, and performing concert-level tunings. Requires at least four years of experience, effective communication skills, and the ability to work evenings and weekends as needed. A High School Diploma is required; a Bachelor's Degree is preferred. This full-time role supports both the Conservatory and Preparatory at Peabody Institute.

Qualifications

• Minimum of four years experience in concert-level tuning and piano maintenance.
• Ability to pass a background check and complete compliance training.
• Experience in grand and upright piano repair.

Responsibilities

• Perform concert tunings and maintain pianos at the Peabody Institute.
• Monitor serviceability of all pianos and assist in maintenance schedules.
• Manage student staff and day-to-day piano shop activities.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Ability to multi-task

Understanding of parts geometry

Experience in concert-level tuning

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Bachelor’s Degree (preferred)

Job description

The Piano Technology Department is seeking the Assistant Manager of Piano Technology, who will report to the Manager of Piano Technology and function as a member of the Piano Technology team. The Assistant Manager will be a key member of the team and will be responsible for day-to-day shop projects, assisting in managing the parts inventory, concert-level tunings, voicing, repair, fine action regulation, moving with the piano lift 2, cleaning, restringing, action rebuilds, and general maintenance of instruments used for practice and performances for the Peabody Institute. The Assistant Manager will manage hiring and instructional training for student workers hired within the department. The incumbent must be able to work with computers, help maintain our inventory of over 250 pianos, send digital contracts for piano rentals, and manage our online request management system. Training in all online systems will be provided. This is a full-time 12-month position with the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University supporting both the Conservatory and the Preparatory; the incumbent must be available to work evenings and weekends when asked, dictated by the concert and performance schedule.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform concert tunings and high-level maintenance of pianos for the Peabody Institute.
• Monitor the serviceability of all pianos at the Peabody Institute; assist in developing schedules for tuning and general maintenance.
• Assist in servicing, regulating, repairing, rebuilding, stringing and cleaning of pianos as needed.
• Attend concerts for pre- and intermission tunings, as requested.
• Work with faculty on all piano-related needs as requested.
• Tune and maintain non-Conservatory University pianos as needed or as requested by Peabody leadership or the Piano Technology Manager.
• Manage day-to-day schedule in the piano shop.
• Keep track of the parts inventory and monitor market changes in quality and pricing.
• Help hire and manage the student staff.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Special Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to support working with students, faculty, dealers, donors, and guest performers as necessary to perform the job.
• Ability to participate in moving pianos with the assistance of equipment.
• Ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and problem solve. Interacts positively with others and functions as a member of the team.

Specific Physical Requirements For The Job

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• Will be required to pass a background check and complete university required compliance training.
• Must be able to work in confined spaces.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks such as occasional use of hazardous solvents (acetone, lacquer) when necessary, which requires following basic safety precautions and wearing safety equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Education from a premier program such as the North Bennet Street School can stand in for some years of experience according to the conversion scale.
• Four years of experience including concert-level tuning, knowledge of grand and upright piano repair, rebuilding and maintenance; installation of action parts; action regulation; understanding of parts geometry; and voicing for professional musician standards.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six years of experience with concert tuning is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s Degree is strongly preferred.
• RPT certification from the PTG - Piano Technician’s Guild.

Technical Qualifications & Specialized Certifications

• Must be able to tune aurally with accuracy and stability.
• Expertise in concert-level tuning.
• Expertise in shop management.
• Demonstrates effective communication skills (orally and in writing) and basic computer skills.
• Knowledge of acceptable work standards in the rebuilding and maintenance of pianos and related instruments.
• Knowledge regarding the effects of humidity and seasonal changes on pianos.

Classified Title: Piano Services Coordinator

Job Posting Title (Working Title): Assistant Manager of Piano Technology (Piano Operations)

Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MD

Starting Salary Range: $55,800 - $97,600 Annually ($76,000 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)

Employee group: Full Time

Schedule: 37.5 hours per week

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Peabody Institute

Department name: Piano Operations

Personnel area: Peabody