Education Director

POSITION SUMMARYPalaver Strings is seeking a vibrant and collaborative Education Director who will serve as the primary leader for the Palaver Music Center (PMC), working closely with the Managing Director and Artistic Ensemble to create and foster a school that fulfills Palaver’s mission. Equally committed to performance and education, Palaver presents a full season of live concerts and serves hundreds of students yearly at the Palaver Music Center in Portland. Our mission is to strengthen and inspire community through music, and we believe that true community is not possible without sustained work to dismantle oppressive structures. KEY RESPONSIBILITIESCurriculum Development & EvaluationOversee curriculum design and implementation Train and evaluate faculty Hire new faculty as needed Build upon and oversee student and family program assessments and evaluationsRecruitment & Family StewardshipCommunicate frequently with families Ensure PMC reaches recruitment goals in line with its Strategic Plan Organize group and social activities for students and families Build and foster relationships with Palaver community partners and stakeholdersFundraising & EventsAssist the Development Team in assembling and writing grant applications for PMC funding Participate in donor cultivation through PMC tours and outreach Represent PMC and its work in public settings Attend PMC’s Lullaby and Lifesongs Projects ConcertsAdministrativeCreate student lesson and class schedules at the beginning of the school year Administer payment for all teaching faculty Implement Palaver’s Race Equity goals within PMC Draft and present an annual PMC budget for approval by the Managing Director Attend Palaver Strings’ Board of Directors and committee meetings as requested Implement Palaver’s Strategic Plan in consultation with the Managing Director Work with the Managing Director to implement Co-Artistic Director workshops and residencies at PMC Perform additional duties consistent with the role of Education DirectorQUALIFICATIONSEducation:Bachelor’s Degree in Music, Music Education, Arts Management, Nonprofit Management, or a related field Experience:3+ years of teaching experience and familiarity with music/arts curriculum POSITION REQUIREMENTSHighly organized Experience working with students and audiences from racially and economically diverse backgrounds Understanding of general program evaluation methods and comfort with data collection and reporting Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Ability to lead and manage staff while being a team player Strong writing skills ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONDirect Reporting:Reports to the Managing Director and oversees the Student & Program Manager, Education Coordinator, and all Teaching Faculty Work Environment:Hybrid position with in-person hours whenever PMC programming is taking place. Remote and flexible hours available for remaining responsibilities.