Director of Student Programs

Director of Student Programs

Location: Indianapolis, IN

Reports To: Executive Vice President of Strategy and CommunicationsStatus: Full-Time, Exempt

About Music for All

Music for All (MFA) is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to creating, providing, and expanding positively life-changing experiences through music education. Through nationally recognized programs such as Bands of America, the Music for All National Festival, and a range of educational initiatives, Music for All serves students, educators, and communities across the country.

Position Summary

The Director of Student Programs is responsible for the design, execution, and continuous improvement of Music for All’s individual participant programs, including camps, honor ensembles, and related educational experiences. This role aligns student programs with Music for All’s broader strategic priorities, ensuring consistency with organizational positioning, messaging, and growth objectives.

This role oversees the full student experience across all programs, ensuring consistency in quality, communication, and outcomes from initial engagement through post-event follow-up. The Director works across departments to deliver programs at a high level while identifying opportunities to strengthen program structure, improve participant experience, and support enrollment goals.

This is a leadership role that requires both strategic oversight and hands-on execution, particularly in live event environments.

Scope & Impact

Oversees a national portfolio serving 2,000+ student participants annually
Leads multiple program formats, including camps, honor ensembles, and partner-based student experiences
Manages and collaborates with faculty, division coordinators, and contractors across all programs
Serves as a visible leader at major student-facing events and experiences
Represent Music for All in interactions with educators, partners, and affiliated organizations related to student programs.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Execution

Lead the design and delivery of all student programs, including camps and honor ensembles
Establish program structure, curriculum, schedules, and participant experience expectations
Ensure programs are organized, clearly communicated, and executed at a high level
Director Academy
Serve as the senior program leader on-site during major events
Evaluate and refine program structure and identity to ensure clarity, relevance, and alignment with participant needs.

Student Experience & Communication

Define and oversee communication across the student lifecycle, including:

Registration and onboarding
Pre-event preparation
On-site communication
Post-event follow-up

Ensure participants and families receive clear, timely, and accurate information
Identify and address gaps in the participant experience

Faculty & Instructional Oversight

Recruit, select, and retain faculty and coordinators
Set expectations for instructional quality and participant engagement
Review and approve instructional plans across programs
Provide oversight and support during program delivery
Build and maintain a consistent, high-quality faculty pool

Cross-Department Collaboration

Work in close coordination with internal teams to execute student programs:

Events: facilities, housing, meals, transportation
Participant Relations: registration support, communication, on-site operations
Marketing & Communications: campaigns, messaging, and materials
Information Technology: registration systems, reporting, and tools
Development: scholarships and sponsorship alignment
Education & Advocacy: faculty onboarding, contracting, and compliance

The Director defines program needs and priorities; departments execute within their areas of expertise. While this role defines program design and experience, event logistics are executed in partnership with the Events team.

Enrollment, Retention & Program Development

Monitor enrollment trends and program performance
Identify opportunities to improve recruitment and retention
Support the development of new or expanded student program offerings
Contribute to pricing and positioning decisions
Use enrollment data, participant feedback, and program metrics to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.

Financial & Operational Management

Develop and manage program budgets in coordination with finance leadership
Track expenses and adjust plans as needed
Use post-event data and feedback to inform program improvements
Support efforts to maintain ongoing engagement with student participants across programs.

On-Site Leadership & Issue Management

Serve as the senior decision-maker for student program environments
Handle escalated situations, including:

Student behavioral concerns
Parent communication beyond routine inquiries
Operational issues affecting program delivery

Work closely with chaperones, participant relations, and event staff

Annual Program Cycle Management

Oversee the planning and execution cycle for student programs, including:

Faculty recruitment and onboarding
Marketing and enrollment timelines
Scholarship coordination
Program logistics and scheduling
Event execution and post-event review

Ensure alignment, accountability, and timely execution across all phases

Near-Term Priorities (First 12 Months)

Lead successful execution of all existing student programs, including Summer Camp and Honor Ensembles
Strengthen communication consistency across the full student experience
Improve alignment and coordination across internal teams supporting student programs
Evaluate current program structure and identify opportunities for refinement
Support enrollment and retention efforts across all programs

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred
10+ years of experience as a music educator with proven success in teaching and curriculum development
Experience in music education, performing arts, or student programming strongly preferred
Demonstrated experience managing teams, contractors, or staff
Strong organizational, communication, and decision-making skills
Experience with budgeting and program planning
Ability to travel regularly and lead in live event environments

Working Style & Expectations

Comfortable operating in both planning and on-site environments
Able to make decisions in real time during live events
Works collaboratively across departments while maintaining clear ownership
Willing to support broader event operations as part of a team-oriented culture

Why Join Music for All

This role offers the opportunity to:

Lead nationally recognized student programs with significant impact
Shape and improve the experience of thousands of student participants annually
Work within a collaborative, mission-driven organization
Contribute to the continued growth and evolution of Music for All’s educational offerings