Jobs at the Chorus of Westerly

POSITION OPENING

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION & OUTREACH

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The Director of Education and Outreach of the Chorus of Westerly is responsible for coordination of the Chorus’s internal and external education programs and community outreach initiatives, as well as enhancing the singer experience in all of the organization’s programs.
 

Duties and responsibilities of the position include:
 

Internal Education/Symphonic Program (50%)
● Plan and execute weekly group musicianship classes, games, and activities for each level of the Symphonic Chorus Children’s Program, especially Training Chorister (first year children) sessions to lay the groundwork for the newest and youngest members of the Chorus to succeed as full members of the children’s program in their time with the organization. Other program levels include Junior Chorister (intermediate), Full Chorister (advanced treble-voiced), and Tenor/Bass teenagers.
● Assist in planning musicianship offerings for adult Symphonic and Foundations programs
● Take on a leading role in the planning, coordination, and execution of the annual off-site Symphonic children’s camp
● Assist in planning and running monthly Teen Night program one Friday evening per month (choristers ages 14 and up)
● Attend weekly staff meetings with artistic and administrative leaders
● Represent the Chorus at one or more national or regional conferences per year (ACDA, RIMEA, Chorus America, etc.)
● Conducting opportunities available, depending on the interest and expertise of the candidate, from covering all levels of Symphonic child and adult rehearsals to conducting choral/orchestral repertoire in Pops and Classical concerts

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Educational Outreach/Curriculum Development & Supervision (40%)
● Coordinate the Chorus’s after-school programs in area elementary schools and other off-site locations (currently Westerly RI, Stonington CT, and Chariho RI), teaching some programs and overseeing others to ensure continuity of offerings
● Identify staffing needs and develop curricula for all after-school programs
● Work in collaboration with the Music Director to select appropriate and engaging repertoire for outreach/educational programs
● Schedule, coordinate, and lead focused and collaborative monthly meetings with program teachers to unify goals and objectives

● Provide support for teachers to align lesson plans to create a standard week-to-week experience across locations and teachers

● Foster a positive and uplifting environment for teaching staff by engaging creatively and encouraging high quality teaching, personal improvement, and a growth mindset
● Develop curriculum and offerings for early childhood music programs in the Chorus Hall and in the community

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Community Engagement, Recruitment, & Retention (10%)
● Collaborate with other staff members to support member retention and engagement efforts, including attending occasional evening rehearsals and assisting in planning social activities for the membership
● Work in collaboration with other staff to plan and implement internal communications with parents and singers on a regular basis, in a standard yet individualized way
● Create methods to communicate effectively about attendance with parents and singers
● Think creatively about ways to recruit both children and adults from the community
● Engage the local community/school districts to identify opportunities for the Chorus of Westerly to work with like-minded organizations and expand our offerings

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Other Expectations
● Serve as a leader and role model in all activities and programs
● Attend and work major Chorus events and concerts
● Other duties and tasks as assigned. (The nature of a nonprofit organization requires that staff members help with projects as needs arise. As a small staff, the Chorus team works together to ensure projects and programs are completed to the highest quality in a timely fashion.)

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Qualifications (Education, Experience, and Certifications)
The Chorus recognizes that the right fit for this position may have many, but not all of the qualifications below. We encourage passionate and interested candidates to apply, even if the qualifications listed below are not exactly met.

● Bachelor’s degree in music
● Experience in classroom/group vocal music instruction
● Experience in elementary music curricula (Kodály, Music Learning Theory)
● Leadership experience, including staff supervision
● Extensive choral singing background

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
● Creative educator with a growth mindset
● Strong interpersonal skills
● Outstanding organizational skills
● Creative problem solving skills
● Strong sense of humor and willingness to be a team player in tandem with the rest of the artistic/education team

● Outstanding verbal communication skills, including the ability to be clear and concise
● Friendly and passionate demeanor with fellow staff, families, and singers
● Reliable, timely, and collaborative

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Preferred Qualifications
● State-approved certified teacher credential
● Interest in growing with the organization and long-term commitment to advancing the mission of the Chorus ● Experience working with not-for-profit and/or mission-focused organizations
● Piano proficiency

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Compensation & Schedule

This is a full-time 40 hour per week exempt position at $60,000 per year, with health, retirement, and generous paid time off benefits. Additionally, relevant professional membership fees covered (ex. ACDA, RIMEA), as well as professional growth opportunities.

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Key Schedule highlights include
● Potential for flexible in-person and work from home hours, as agreed with supervisor
● September-June, program season: 5 teaching days per week, must be available after-school weekday afternoons/some evenings, plus concert/event weekends
● July/August more flexible schedule, planning for season ahead
● Weekly staff and planning meetings
● Late August Children’s Camp and other Summer Program offerings

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Apply by May 1, 2024
Applications will be reviewed immediately.
To apply, please email the following materials to Ryan Saunders, Chorus of Westerly Executive Director (jobs@chorusofwesterly.org).
● Cover Letter & Teaching Philosophy Statement
● Current resume listing 3 professional references

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No phone calls or drop-ins please.