Education Manager (Musical Explorers Program)

Term: Full-time
Reports to: Director of Education & Community Engagement
Start date: April 1, 2024 (or earlier)

Program Description:
Developed in partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute (WMI), Musical Explorers is a comprehensive program reaching nearly 10,000 K-2 students and more than 200 teachers. Musical Explorers’ multicultural curriculum explores six genres of music designed as sequential learning modules throughout the school year. Entering its 9th academic year in 2022-23, Musical Explorers includes electronic teaching resources (featuring downloadable student activities, video performances and teaching demonstrations), semi-annual teacher professional development, and semester-end concerts for students including live performances by artists featured in the curriculum. Through these resources, students learn about the culture, history and geography associated with different musical genres in dynamic lessons that integrate the arts into literacy, social studies and mathematics. Since 2014-15, ME students have studied genres including hip hop, bluegrass, gospel, jazz, blues, opera, calypso, zydeco, klezmer, cumbia, salsa, ring shout, country, South African kwela, Indian classical and traditional Irish music.

Position Description:

The Education Manager is responsible for executing the smooth operation of all aspects of Musical Explorers, from curriculum conception to the culminating concerts. This person is a caring and respectful ally of elementary school educators, and appreciates the complexities of early elementary education, from the experience inside the classroom to the challenges of school and curriculum administration. The Education Manager keeps DEIA at the forefront of every program decision, and is a generous collaborator, both inside and outside the organization. He/she/they are constantly seeking opportunities to improve the experience of program participants, and to further engage with the Savannah community.

Role and Responsibilities:

Oversee yearly curriculum planning, design and distribution
Recruit, register and retain schools/teachers, including digital participants, in line with program goals
Produce end-of-semester concerts, including school registration and seat reservation, scheduling of contractors, advance meetings with venue and production staff and training of front-of-house and volunteer staff
Manage semi-annual Professional Development sessions
Act as main liaison with teachers, school administrators, curriculum consultant(s) and Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute
Create, manage and distribute bi-weekly Musical Explorers newsletter
Work with Artist Relations team on artist contracts, travel arrangements and schedules
Ensure adequate program documentation through photo/video/audio
Explore opportunities to connect with Musical Explorers students, teachers and families, including off-season concerts/events/collaborations, and strategize on best ways to connect ME audiences with 17-day festival
Ensure all digital assets are functional and up-to-date
Coordinate evaluation process with third-party evaluation firm
Manage data collection, including demographic information and evaluation outcomes, and provide data as needed to funders and stakeholders
Work with marketing and outreach team on program promotion
Build relationships with peer music education and nonprofit professionals
Stay up-to-date on developments and trends in early music education; seeking out professional development activities as needed
Actively participate in SMF DEIA efforts and initiatives

Traits and Qualifications:
Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often only apply to jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. As no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply if you feel that much of the following matches your experience:

A proven commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, as well as an understanding of how these values contribute to program success and sustainability
Bachelor’s degree required
2 years in program administration, preferably in a non-profit setting
A deep curiosity about all kinds of music
Adept at managing long- and short-term goals and projects
Experience in the early elementary classroom a plus, but not required
Ability to build relationships among teachers, families, artists, school administrators and community stakeholders
Lived experience in the community that Musical Explorers serves, or similar community, is ideal
Detail oriented in internal and external communications
Ability to work respectfully with others and meet deadlines
Flexibility, patience, and grace under pressure
Ability to lift up to 30 lbs
Proficient in the use of Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Mac OS and Zoom
All applicants must have a valid driver’s license and submit to a criminal background check and drug test

Compensation and benefits: Benefits package for the full-time, exempt position includes paid time off, and employer contribution to medical, dental and vision care, life, short-term and long-term disability insurance, simple IRA plan and parking. The pay range is $45,000 – $52,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

HOW TO APPLY: Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to jobs@savannahmusicfestival.org. We welcome applications from BIPOC candidates and others underrepresented in music education.

Savannah Music Festival is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

The Organization

The Savannah Music Festival (SMF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting world-class celebrations of the musical arts by creating timeless and adventurous productions that stimulate arts education, foster economic growth, and unite artists and audiences in Savannah. SMF started as Savannah OnStage International Arts Festival in 1989 with the vision of bringing high-quality artists from around the world to perform in Savannah’s Historic District. The organization operates year-round to plan and produce an annual multi-day, multi-venue music festival, off-season concerts, broadcast programs and free music education programming focused on youth.

The annual springtime festival presents a diverse selection of music genres, including classical, jazz, American, and international roots music. The festival features original productions, cross-genre collaborations, free artistic lectures and Q&As, and commissioned works that are staged at various venues throughout Savannah. With its performances and education programming, SMF serves annually, on average, more than 40,000 music enthusiasts from many backgrounds, locations, and age ranges. In 2019, SMF attracted patrons from more than 40 states.

SMF’s local education programs, Musical Explorers and SMF Jazz Academy, serve the Savannah community, reaching students and teachers at more than 50 public, private, and home schools in urban and rural settings across Chatham, Effingham, Bryan, Liberty, McIntosh (GA), Beaufort, and Jasper (SC) counties. On average, more than 80% of participants attend Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools (SCCPSS).