Are you passionate about creating impactful music education programming, leading a team, and building future programming? Do you enjoy a vibrant, fast-paced environment? Do you thrive on making every performance a community engagement opportunity? Join a highly accomplished team in a city dedicated to growing arts and culture in the role of Vice President of Education & Community Engagement. Noted by CNN as the number one place to visit, Richmond is also a great place to live! According to CNN, “Richmond is No. 1 on the list thanks to rich arts, culture and history, plus a great food and beverage scene.”

The Richmond Symphony has built a significant set of educational offerings, Youth Orchestra ensembles, and community programming through the Richmond Symphony School of Music (RSSoM) – creating coursework, learning, and connection to students of all ages. The Symphony and RSSoM have purposely worked to reimagine the music experience for ways to connect more deeply with the Richmond community, and to bring the power and enrichment of music to participants of all ages, regardless of their prior knowledge of or interest in classical music or traditional symphony performance. 

What exactly would I do?

As the Vice President of Education & Community Engagement, your primary goal will be to develop and implement the Symphony’s education programming, youth orchestras, and community engagement strategies to create a robust and inclusive community institution reaching deep into the Richmond Region. You will embody the Symphony’s values of Quality, Inclusion, Passion, Innovation, and Welcoming. You will lead, train, mentor and develop your team of five administrative leaders, and guide a wide array of program conductors, teachers and artists in program development and delivery.

Your days may be spent connecting with the local educators from primary & secondary schools or local Universities building partnerships for youth and adult programming. You may spend time recruiting for the Symphony’s five youth orchestra ensembles, or connecting with parents through a parent engagement plan. You will find yourself building budgets and working with the CEO and Finance team on multi-year planning, budgeting and forecasting. You may be connecting with the Symphony’s Music Director to align youth programming with her artistic objectives for the professional Symphony. You may find yourself collaborating with the dynamic Leadership Team of the Symphony working on fundraising initiatives, marketing and storytelling, or artistic collaborations. You will work with local leaders and Symphony Board members to ensure Symphony programs are meeting community needs and in alignment with the Richmond Symphony Strategic Goals.

What qualifications and skills do I need?

Seven to ten years of experience in music or arts education with at least five years in a leadership role is required. Strong leadership skills with a proven ability to build and motivate high-performing teams is a must. Enthusiasm and availability for working a robust schedule of evening rehearsals, auditions, performances and community engagement events as well as office time is required. Master’s degree or equivalent in a related field strongly recommended. Deep understanding of orchestral music and passion for music education, experience in youth orchestra program development and management, and a proven track record in strategic planning and achieving organizational objectives are highly anticipated. Experience handling complex budgets, expense controls, financial approvals and forecasting is critical to success. A commitment to reaching a diverse array of constituents, to building a strong team, to continual learning, and to effective communication and even more effective listening is vital.

What’s the compensation and benefits?

This is a full-time position with an annual salary of $85,000-$95,000. This position is bonus-eligible. Benefits include health, dental, telemedicine, vision, disability and instrument insurances, a flexible spending or health savings account, flexible paid time off, sick leave, free parking, and a 403(b) plan. A combination of in-person and remote work is possible. A strong presence and participation at evening and/or weekend events, concerts and other activities is expected.

How do I apply?

All applications and communication are done online. Simply click on the apply button at the top of this page, create an account, and you will be guided through the process. Please have your resume, cover letter and two professional references ready to upload. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Any offer of employment is contingent upon a background check.