JOB DESCRIPTION
The Program Manager, Musical Mentors Academy is responsible for the management and day-to-day implementation of MMC’s Musical Mentors Academy (MMA) program, the organization’s private music lesson and mentorship program.
The Program Manager has primary ownership of MMA operations, overseeing the student and Musical Mentor experience from application and enrollment through matching, lessons, enrichment opportunities, performances, and year-end evaluation. This position ensures that students and families receive consistent, responsive support and that Musical Mentors have the information, resources, and communication necessary to provide high-quality instruction and mentorship.
Working within the educational frameworks and organizational priorities established by the Executive Director, the Program Manager is empowered to manage the day-to-day operations, make decisions necessary for successful program delivery, identify opportunities for improvement, and strengthen systems that allow MMA to serve students and partners effectively across multiple communities.
The Program Manager also manages relationships with MMA school and community partners and serves as the primary point of contact for the full implementation of those partnerships.
The Manager supports organizational efforts to recruit new Musical Mentors and is responsible for onboarding Musical Mentors into MMA and maintaining their ongoing engagement and communication as it relates to their participation in the program and their teaching or volunteer responsibilities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The following is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties or responsibilities associated with the job.
Musical Mentors Academy Program Management (45% – average 13 hours per week)
- – Serve as the primary manager and administrator for Musical Mentors Academy
- – Manage the annual MMA program cycle, including applications, enrollment, student placement, program calendars, and year-end process
- – Create and update student applications, enrollment materials, and other program resources
- – Manage the application and enrollment process, including assigning scholarship and financial aid awards within established organizational guidelines
- – Match students with Musical Mentors based on instrument, experience, availability, learning needs, and other relevant considerations
- – Oversee the day-to-day implementation of MMA programming and ensure alignment with MMC’s established educational and mentoring goals
- – Track student participation, lesson completion, retention, and other key program data
- – Monitor lesson reports and identify attendance, scheduling, communication, or other concerns requiring follow-up; actively work to engage students who are falling behind in the lesson series
- – Identify opportunities to strengthen the student and Mentor experience and recommend program improvements to the Executive Director
- – Coordinate instrument and curriculum book distribution as needed
Musical Mentor Onboarding, Engagement & Support (20% – average 6 hours per week)
- – Support MMC’s broader efforts to recruit qualified Musical Mentors
- – Manage the onboarding and placement of Musical Mentors participating in MMA, ensuring all required documentation, background checks, and onboarding requirements are completed
- – Serve as the primary point of contact for Musical Mentors regarding their participation in MMA, including working with students, scheduling, program expectations, resources, and day-to-day questions
- – Maintain consistent communication with Musical Mentors throughout the program year and foster ongoing engagement with MMC and the MMA community
- – Support successful student-Mentor relationships and proactively address scheduling, communication, or relationship challenges
- – Monitor completion of lesson reporting and other ongoing program requirements
- – Coordinate with the Executive Director on concerns related to instructional quality, student experience, or Mentor performance
- – Support the implementation of training and professional development opportunities for Musical Mentors
- – Process and track Musical Mentor compensation
Student, Family, and Partner Engagement (20% – average 6 hours per week)
- – Serve as the primary point of contact for MMA students and families
- – Provide responsive support regarding program offerings, enrollment, scheduling, billing, financial aid, instruments, and other program questions
- – Communicate consistently with students and families regarding schedules, program updates, performances, workshops, registration, and other opportunities
- – Build strong relationships with school and community partners participating in MMA
- – Work closely with partner organizations to coordinate student recruitment and applications, enrollment, scheduling, lesson delivery, and other day-to-day program needs
- – Address and resolve routine concerns involving students, families, Musical Mentors, and partners, escalating significant educational or organizational concerns to the Executive Director as appropriate
- – Support student retention and engagement by identifying barriers to participation and working collaboratively with families, Mentors, and partners to address them
Student Enrichment & Performance Opportunities (10% – average 3 hours per week)
- – Develop and maintain an annual calendar of MMA workshops, studio classes, master classes, online gatherings, and performance opportunities in collaboration with MMC staff
- – Coordinate online recitals and other MMA‑specific student performance opportunities
- – Support student and Musical Mentor participation in MMC-wide artistic and educational opportunities
- – Collaborate with the Manager of Exploration Programs & NYC Region on opportunities that bring MMA and Exploration students together when appropriate
- – Coordinate logistics and communications related to MMA enrichment and performance activities
Other (5% – average 2 hours per week)
- – Participate in weekly one-on-one and all-staff meetings
- – Maintain accurate and up-to-date MMA records within MMC’s CRM and other program systems
- – Actively track and maintain program statistics, including enrollment, lessons, participation, scholarships, and retention
- – Collaborate across departments to support effective communication, marketing, fundraising, and reporting related to MMA
- – Participate in relevant professional development and training opportunities
QUALIFICATIONS
- – Bachelor’s degree in music education, education, music, or a related field; advanced degree or equivalent professional experience preferred
- – 3+ years of relevant experience in music education, arts education, nonprofit programming, youth programming, or program administration
- – Direct experience teaching music privately and/or working closely with music educators and students
- – Strong program management and administrative skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, schedules, deadlines, and participants simultaneously
- – Experience managing programs or services delivered across multiple schools, communities, or partner organizations preferred
- – Experience working with students and families and a commitment to providing responsive, welcoming, and inclusive support
- – Experience recruiting, supervising, mentoring, and evaluating teachers, Teaching Artists, or other educators
- – Strong relationship‑building skills and experience working with schools, community organizations, or other external partners
- – Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
- – Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to navigate challenging conversations and resolve conflicts effectively
- – Ability to independently manage day‑to‑day program decisions while recognizing when issues require escalation
- – Proficiency with Google Workspace and comfort learning and using CRM, scheduling, and other technology platforms to improve program operations
- – Deep commitment to equitable access to high‑quality music education and mentorship and a belief in music as a powerful tool for learning, creativity, connection, and personal growth
- – Completion of a successful background check
- – Multiple language skills helpful (Spanish, Russian, and/or Mandarin preferred)
- – Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive student information
TIME COMMITMENT
- – Part‑time: 25-30 hours per week (August‑May)
- – Summer schedule and responsibilities to be determined based on organizational and program needs
- – Flexible hybrid work schedule: Remote work schedule with occasional travel and in‑person participation in MMC programs, performances, meetings, or partner activities as needed (tri‑state area applicants given priority)
- – Salary: $26-$28/hour
- – Retirement benefits eligibility after one year