Richmond Symphony Orchestra

Richmond, Virginia

Founded in 1957, the Richmond Symphony (RSO) is the largest performing arts organization in Central Virginia, and is committed to providing outstanding and innovative concert experiences of symphonic music of all kinds.  The organization includes an orchestra of more than 70 professional musicians, the 150-voice Richmond Symphony Chorus and more than 260 students in the five ensembles of the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Program. Each season, more than 200,000 members of the community enjoy concerts, radio broadcasts, and educational outreach programs. In 2015, the Richmond Symphony launched a community concert initiative which brings orchestral performances to neighborhoods under a large, outdoor mobile stage known as “The Big Tent.”  In May 2017, the League of American Orchestras and the Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation recognized the Richmond Symphony as a leader in community engagement and innovation in the orchestral field by selecting the Symphony as one of their 21 national Futures Fund orchestras. Committed to artistic excellence and education, the Richmond Symphony was chosen to host the Menuhin Competition (known as “the Olympics of the violin”) in May, 2020.

Position Overview:

• The Director of Education & Community Engagement is an outgoing, self-motivated and detail-oriented leader who is passionate about arts engagement for audiences and student musicians of all ages. The Director of Education is charged with creating and overseeing programs that encourage patrons of all ages to participate in and learn about classical music, including young people’s concerts, school concerts and in-school programs, family series, youth orchestra programs, and community engagement initiatives. He/she is a member of the leadership team of the symphony and works closely with the Associate & Assistant Conductors as a partner in planning and implementing the education and community engagement initiatives of RSO. He/she supervises a full-time team of three, five youth orchestra conductors, and additional youth orchestra and summer camp staff and volunteers. The Director of Education and Community Engagement provides strategic vision for the education, community engagement, and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives of the Richmond Symphony.  This is a full-time exempt, benefits-eligible position reporting to the Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities:

Create, implement and manage all education, community engagement and DEI programs of the Richmond Symphony working closely with the artistic, advancement and operations staff.

• Collaborate with the Associate & Assistant Conductors in the planning of the annual Discovery education concerts. Oversee ticket goals, sales and scheduling, and the creation of educational materials.
• Supervise the administration, scheduling and assessment of the Musical Ambassadors Program. Liaise with musicians, local educators and supervisors for the delivery of services.
• Supervise in-school programs and partnerships such as VIBE, Music Together and residencies.
• Supervise the Youth Orchestra Program. Work closely with the EdCE staff and YOP Conductors in planning, recruitment, budgets and daily operation. Provide strategic vision for managed growth including current and future fee-based programs, summer programs, diversity initiatives, partnerships and program direction. Oversee financial assistance and tuition waiver programs to ensure accessibility.
• Work closely with the Music Director and Associate Conductor in the planning of the LolliPops Children’s Concert Series. Lead and implement RSO’s accessibility initiatives including the sensory-friendly aspects of LolliPops.
• Organize, manage and provide strategic vision for annual community engagement events such as Come & Play, community concerts and other special events.
• Supervise the community facing aspects of the Big Tent Initiative. Work closely with RSO leadership to develop strategic partnerships, incorporate community input and create structure to ensure success.  Support the efforts of the Music Director and Associate Conductor in the planning of pre-concert talks and other adult-education initiatives as requested.
• Oversee the scheduling and organization of open rehearsals, masterclasses and workshops with guest artists, composers and RSO musicians.

• Collaborate on development of age-appropriate concert programs and music curriculum that adhere to state/federal guidelines. Work to develop strong relationships with local schools, teachers, administrators, supervisors & community groups
• Responsible for revenue goals associated with Discovery, Come & Play, and the Youth Orchestra Program and summer camps.
• Prepare, administer and report on the annual education budget.
• Work with marketing team on the creation of all departmental brochures and supporting materials.
• Conduct and/or coordinate comprehensive assessments of all education programs, including the LolliPops series, annually.
• Serve as management liaison to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee of the Board.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s in Music or Education a plus

• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of teamwork and shared responsibility.
• Ability to relate to a diverse group of people including staff, musicians, board members, educators, students and community members.
• Enthusiasm for working with musicians to build respect and support for education and community programs.
• Ability to anticipate problems or to identify them before significant impact on service delivery, expenses or revenues.
• Must possess strong computer skills including database and Microsoft Office Suite, and be willing to work nights and weekends

Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits include health insurance, long term disability, life insurance, self-funded dental insurance, employer contribution to 403(b) account, and paid vacation, holiday, and sick leave.

Applicants must submit:

• Resume, cover letter and 2 professional references
• Short listing of applications begins June 8, 2019; review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Electronic submission only.
• Any offer of employment is contingent upon background check.

Please submit materials to Casey Johnson at cjohnson@richmondsymphony.com