Youth Orchestras Program Manager

THE ATLANTA MUSIC PROJECT

ANNOUNCES FULL-TIME JOB OPENING FOR

YOUTH ORCHESTRAS PROGRAM MANAGER

Full-Time Salaried,

Starting at winning candidate’s earliest availability

Statement of Job

The Youth Orchestras Program Manager will be responsible for the overall administrative and educational management of the Atlanta Music Project’s Youth Orchestras.

The AMP Youth Orchestras are the top orchestral ensembles within the organization. Comprised of a Junior Youth Orchestra and Senior Youth Orchestra, these ensembles are open, via audition, to any middle and high school student. The AMP Youth Orchestras rehearse twice per week and perform three major concerts annually. Regional, national and international tours are planned for the future. Through a combination of standard symphonic literature and repertoire representing the culture of AMP communities, it is the goal of the organization for the AMP Youth Orchestras to become the most unique and sought-after youth orchestra in the country.

The Youth Orchestras Program Manager position will require a unique combination of skills, including an understanding of pre-conservatory training, knowledge of orchestral repertoire, and the ability to communicate with multiple constituencies.

The successful candidate will possess an unyielding commitment to empowering youth to realize their possibilities through music. This position reports to the Chief Program Officer and works closely with the other program leaders. The teaching artists of the AMP Youth Orchestras report to the Youth Orchestras Program Manager. 

About the Atlanta Music Project

Founded in 2010, the Atlanta Music Project provides world-class music training and performance opportunities supporting youth growth and development. Operating in under-resourced communities, AMP’s mission is to empower youth to realize their possibilities through music. In addition to four after-school learning sites providing band, orchestra and choir instruction, AMP's programs include: the AMP Preparatory School, providing beginner choir and orchestra classes; the AMP Academy, providing advanced musical training to AMP’s most talented and dedicated students; the AMP Summer Series, a music festival and school; and the AMP Youth Orchestras and Choirs. AMP also recently launched a college scholarship program supporting AMP alumni pursuing four-year college degrees. With a 2022-2023 projected operating budget of $2.2MM, AMP will serve 400 young musicians.

AMP music ensembles perform more than 50 concerts annually, performing in venues all across Atlanta, from community centers to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. AMP music ensembles have performed alongside international stars such as the Harlem Quartet, electric violinist Lindsey Stirling, pianist Terrence Wilson, soprano Alison Buchanan, rapper Lecrae, R&B singer Monica, and the Imani Winds. AMP musicians can be seen performing with rapper T.I. on NPR's Tiny Desk concert series. AMP's young musicians have successfully auditioned for Georgia All-State ensembles, the Atlanta Opera, and have concertized as far away as Los Angeles, Aspen, Mexico City and Scotland. AMP is a 2019 winner of ArtsATL’s Luminary Award for Arts Education and a 2018 winner of Emory University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award. In 2016 and 2017, the White House named AMP one of the top 50 youth arts programs in the nation.

AMP’s existence is a direct result of the 2009 TED Prize, which was awarded to Dr. Jose Antonio Abreu, founder of Venezuela’s El Sistema. AMP’s co-founders were members of the Sistema Fellows Program at the New England Conservatory in Boston.

AMP’s current and past funders include Carnegie Hall, PwC, Bank of America, the Chick-fil-A Foundation, the Coca-Cola Foundation, Mailchimp, The Zeist Foundation, the Abraham J. & Phyllis Katz Foundation, the Harland Charitable Foundation, the Arthur M. Blank Foundation, Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, Fulton County Arts Council, Georgia Council for the Arts, Georgia Music Foundation and the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta.

AMP’s partners and collaborators include the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation, Atlanta Public Schools, Clayton State University, and the Chestnut Family Foundation.

AMP is a member of “El Sistema USA,” the National Alliance of El Sistema Inspired Programs.

For more information visit http://www.atlantamusicproject.org

AMP Youth Orchestras Responsibilities (100%):

• Understand and represent the AMP philosophies for uplifting youths, families and communities through the pursuit of musical excellence
• Manage towards developing the AMP Youth Orchestras into a top-class orchestral training program
• Manage the AMP Youth Orchestras teaching artists and site assistants
• Contribute to the research and selection of compelling orchestral repertoire for performance
• Monitor AMP Youth Orchestra Pay Sheets for submission to AMP administration
• Manage the AMP Youth Orchestra rehearsal and performance schedule
• Manage the AMP Youth Orchestra auditions
• Enforce the AMP Attendance Policy and track AMP students’ attendance
• Act as the main liaison between AMP and AMP Orchestra parents/families
• Prepare and lead AMP parent meetings
• Manage field trips, including permission forms, transportation, parent chaperones
• Manage recruitment and advertising process
• Manage the registration process and maintain student files
• In collaboration with Operations department, manage, purchase and inventory class materials, instruments and concert uniforms
• Act as the main liaison between AMP and rehearsal & performance venues
• Seek innovative partnerships with community institutions, artists, corporations, school districts etc.
• Develop opportunities for regional, national and international touring
• Attend peer exchange and professional development workshops
• Execute additional administrative tasks as necessary

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor of Music degree in any string instrument; performance degree a plus
• Exemplary leadership ability, supported by leadership experience in professional or academic settings
• Experience working in non-profit, music education and/or youth development
• Strong understanding of what is required to develop young musicians of the highest caliber
• Knowledge of orchestral repertoire
• Strong knowledge of music education principles
• Strong performing ability as a classical musician
• Excellent command of Google Docs, Microsoft Office, PowerPoint
• Dependable, with excellent follow-through on tasks and responsibilities

In addition, the ideal candidate will possess:

• Strong ambition, matching the long-term goals of the AMP Youth Orchestras and AMP organization
• Desire to work within under-resourced, urban/rural communities
• Passion for music as a vehicle for positive social change
• Strong understanding of elite youth music programs
• Experience teaching or coaching music in public schools or youth orchestras
• Ability to inspire, work with and mentor children and teens
• Inter-personal skills and be comfortable working in a team
• Ability to adapt, be flexible and have a sense of humor
• Impeccable time-management skills
• Ability to work without much guidance; self-starter
• Entrepreneurial spirit
• Strong Organizational skills

Additional Work Demands

• Must be available to work two evenings per week and Saturdays, per program schedule
• Must be available to work some evenings and weekends

Notes: The Youth Orchestras Program Manager is a full-time position starting at the winning candidate’s earliest availability. Salary range is $40,000 - $60,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include company health insurance and 401K. AMP provides telecommuting options and generous vacation policy. Background check required.

To Apply:

Email the following in PDF format to jobs@atlantamusicproject[dot]org with subject “Youth Orchestras Program Manager”: 

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Three professional references

It is the policy of the Atlanta Music Project not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.