Youth Orchestra Manager

Stagetime Inc.; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

St Louis Symphony Orchestra is seeking a Youth Orchestra Manager to oversee all YO initiatives and operations. You will nurture youth through excellence in orchestral practice, coordinating auditions, rehearsals, coaching, and performances while collaborating with educators, families, alumni, and SLSO musicians.

The role requires a degree in music education, administrative experience, and a passion for youth development.

Qualifications

• Degree in Music or Music Education required; knowledge of orchestral music and rehearsal procedures.
• Two years or equivalent administrative experience coordinating multiple priorities with diverse constituencies.
• Experience working with youth as a mentor/leader; knowledge of orchestral repertoire highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Plan season with YO Music Director, Senior Director of Education, Library, and Artistic & Operations teams.
• Coordinate activities and secure dates, venues, equipment, and personnel for auditions, rehearsals, coaching, concerts, recruitment, competitions, and team-building.
• Foster team cohesion among YO musicians via attendance accountability, rehearsal readiness, and preparation for sectional coaching and side-by-side opportunities with SLSO musicians.
• Build relationships with area band and orchestra directors and private teachers to maintain a high-caliber YO roster in the bi-state region.
• Collaborate cross-departmentally with Philanthropy, Marketing, Artistic Operations, and the Symphony Volunteer Association.
• Plan and manage YO budgets.
• Maintain and grow databases for students, alumni, coaches, parents, schools, vendors, donors and other contacts.
• Develop and manage ensemble reporting metrics including tuition payments, financial aid, and calendars; update website as needed.
• Direct secondary education programs in alignment with goals set by the Senior Director of Education; attend in-school visits as needed.
• Collaborate with Education team to host secondary schools for Friday morning concerts, and teachers at networking events.
• Collaborate with IN UNISON Program Coordinator and Peer to Peer leader to leverage YO talent for diverse youth development.
• Attend department and staff meetings as appropriate.
• Supervise Youth Orchestra interns.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Professionalism

Interpersonal skills

Strategic planning

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Positive attitude

Budget awareness

Weekend availability

Transportation access

Microsoft Office

Education

Degree in Music or Music Education

Job description

REPORTS TO: Senior Director of Education

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Senior Director of Education, the Youth Orchestra Manager is charged with managing all aspects of the St Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra (YO) initiatives and operations. The position requires the nurturing and empowering of youth through excellence in orchestral practice and performance in an environment that fosters teamwork and a life‑long love of music. The position works collaboratively with the Fred M. Saigh Foundation Youth Orchestra Music Director (who serves as SLSO Assistant Conductor), music educators, YO member families and alumni, and SLSO musicians, staff and volunteers to ensure the YO remains aligned with the mission of the SLSO and an integrated part of the SLSO. Under the supervision of the Senior Director of Education, the YO Manager is also responsible for assisting with planning and executing the SLSO’s secondary level education programs.

FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

• Plan season with the YO Music Director, the Senior Director of Education, the Library, and with the Artistic and Operations team.
• Coordinate all activities and secure dates, venues, equipment, and personnel related to auditions, rehearsals, SLSO musician coaching, concerts, recruitment, competitions, and team building activities.
• Foster team cohesion among YO musicians through attendance accountability, rehearsal readiness, preparation for sectional coaching and side-by-side opportunities with SLSO musicians, and SLSO concert attendance.
• Establish and maintain relationships with area band and orchestra directors and private teachers to ensure that the YO consistently comprises the most talented young musicians in the bi‑state region.
• Work cross-departmentally with Philanthropy, Marketing, Artistic Operations, and the Symphony Volunteer Association to support the YO.
• Plan and manage YO budgets.
• Maintain and grow databases for students, alumni, coaches, parents, schools, vendors, donors and other contacts important to the SLSO and YO.
• Develop and manage all ensemble reporting metrics including tuition payments, financial aid and calendars, and update website as needed.
• Direct the function and process of secondary education programs in collaboration and accordance with the goals set by the Senior Director of Education, including attending in‑school visits as needed to build relationships and ensure the proper environment for students, musicians and the YO Music Director.
• Collaborate with the Education team to host secondary schools attending Friday morning concerts, and teachers attending networking events.
• Collaborate with IN UNISON Program Coordinator and Peer to Peer leader to leverage the talent of the YO musicians to nurture diverse young talent through SLSO’s Peer to Peer program.
• Attend department meetings, staff meetings, and other meetings as appropriate.
• Supervise Youth Orchestra interns.
• Other duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge: Candidates must have a degree in Music or Music Education and a thorough knowledge of orchestral music, instrumentation, and general rehearsal and performance procedures. Understanding of public/private school structures and knowledge of instrumental music education is preferred. Experience with an orchestra is a plus.

Experience: Two years or equivalent of experience in an administrative role, coordinating multiple priorities with many different constituencies in a fast‑paced environment. Demonstrated experience in music-related activities to obtain sufficient background to perform duties of the position. Experience working with youth as a mentor/leader and knowledge of orchestral repertoire is highly desired.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
• High level of professionalism, consistency, and tact.
• Ability to develop and maintain trust and positive rapport with multiple constituencies.
• Strategic thinking, planning and execution on large and small‑scale projects.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member.
• Superb organizational, time management, problem‑solving skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain a positive work atmosphere.
• Ability to achieve goals and meet deadlines in a complex work environment and to work within budgetary guidelines.
• Availability to work on weekends for all rehearsals, performances, and other activities.
• Access to reliable transportation.
• Proficient knowledge in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, and Publisher.