Founding Music Program Lead (El Sistema)

Manhattan Charter School; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

Manhattan Charter School on the Lower East Side of New York City seeks a Founding Music Teacher / Program Lead to launch an El Sistema–inspired program, blending teaching, design, and leadership to build a joyful, rigorous, and inclusive culture of music-making.

The ideal candidate embraces trauma-informed practice, equity through music, and thrives in classroom and startup settings, overseeing ensembles, recruitment, partnerships, and program growth to empower students across K–8.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Performance, or related field.
• Experiences in restorative practices and de-escalation techniques.
• Demonstrated success teaching music in an ensemble setting (K–8 preferred).
• Commitment to social equity and belief in the transformative power of music.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills; comfort with start-up environments.
• Fluency in Spanish or another community language (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Teach group instrumental classes and direct ensembles.
• Use trauma-informed practices to create a safe, supportive learning environment.
• Develop students’ technical, musical, and social-emotional skills through daily practice and performance.
• Establish systems, routines, and expectations to maintain strong classroom management.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of beginners through advanced students.
• Design the founding program structure and calendar.
• Lead recruitment of students and families into the program.
• Collaborate with school leadership and other educators to align music programming with the broader mission.
• Monitor and track student progress, attendance, and engagement.
• Serve as the public face of the program to stakeholders.

Skills

Restorative practices

De-escalation techniques

Leadership

Start-up mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Music Education/Performance or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Manhattan Charter School on the Lower East Side of New York City seeks a Founding Music Teacher / Program Lead to launch an El Sistema–inspired program, blending teaching, design, and leadership to build a joyful, rigorous, and inclusive culture of music-making.

The ideal candidate embraces trauma-informed practice, equity through music, and thrives in classroom and startup settings, overseeing ensembles, recruitment, partnerships, and program growth to empower students across K–8.