Strings, Orchestras, and Chamber Music Program Director (Chicago)

The Director supervises string and chamber music faculty, department chairs, one full-time Program Manager, and three part-time staff members, while collaborating closely with program leadership and reporting to the Dean and Vice President for Educational Affairs. This role is a year-round, full-time position requiring work on at least 2 Saturdays each month during the school year, along with periodic evening commitments. Our primary goals are to help young people transform their lives and experience personal growth through music by providing access to sustained participation. Job Responsibilities Responsibilities of the Strings, Orchestras, and Chamber Music Program Director include, but are not limited to: • Program Oversight and Planning (30%) o Develops, implements, and refines strings, orchestra, and chamber music offerings across all sites and programs o Oversees teaching quality, scheduling, class composition, and cancellation decisions o Leads event planning and execution (concerts, StringTacular, competitions, recordings) • Team Leadership and Faculty Management (25%) o Hires, supports, and evaluates faculty and department chairs o Supervises one full-time and three part-time staff o Coordinates onboarding and professional development • Recruitment and Stakeholder Communication (25%) o Guides recruitment strategy with faculty, supports enrollment follow-up o Communicates with families and partners o Represents the program internally and externally • Administration and Strategic Support (20%) o Manages faculty payroll, budget inputs, projections, and handbook edits o Contributes to long-term planning and alignment with Merit’s mission and priorities Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities The ideal candidate will demonstrate: • A bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Music Performance, Arts Administration, or a related field • A strong background in string pedagogy or administration is required, with chamber music experience and familiarity with the Suzuki method preferred • At least 5 years of relevant experience, ideally within non-profit music education or arts management • Proven ability to manage and develop part-time and full-time staff, including faculty and administrative team members • Exceptional organizational and planning skills, with the ability to see several steps ahead, anticipate challenges, and manage multiple concurrent projects across locations • A track record of being reliable, flexible, and detail-oriented, especially during high-volume seasonal periods • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and sustain relationships with faculty, families, students, staff, and partners • A collaborative and proactive leadership style, aligned with Merit’s mission and core values The following characteristics are nice to have, but not required • Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish or Mandarin Schedule The Strings, Orchestras, and Chamber Music Program Director is a full-time, overtime-exempt position, working a minimum of 37.5 hours per week. Merit School of Music is committed to enhancing the diversity of our musical community, recognizing that by providing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environment for our students, we are preparing them for personal and professional success in an increasingly multicultural and global society.