REPORTS TO: Senior Director of Education

POSITION SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Senior Director of Education, the Youth Orchestra Manager is charged with managing all aspects of the St Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra (YO) initiatives and operations. The position requires the nurturing and empowering of youth through excellence in orchestral practice and performance in an environment that fosters teamwork and a life-long love of music. The position works collaboratively with the Fred M. Saigh Foundation Youth Orchestra Music Director (who serves as SLSO Assistant Conductor), music educators, YO member families and alumni, and SLSO musicians, staff and volunteers to ensure the YO remains aligned with the mission of the SLSO and an integrated part of the SLSO. Under the supervision of the Senior Director of Education, the YO Manager is also responsible for assisting with planning and executing the SLSO’s secondary level education programs.

FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:
•    Plan season with the YO Music Director, the Senior Director of Education, the Library, and with the Artistic and Operations team.
•    Coordinate all activities and secure dates, venues, equipment, and personnel related to auditions, rehearsals, SLSO musician coaching, concerts, recruitment, competitions, and team building activities.
•    Foster team cohesion among YO musicians through attendance accountability, rehearsal readiness, preparation for sectional coaching and side-by-side opportunities with SLSO musicians, and SLSO concert attendance.  
•    Establish and maintain relationships with area band and orchestra directors and private teachers to ensure that the YO consistently comprises the most talented young musicians in the bi-state region.
•    Work cross-departmentally with Philanthropy, Marketing, Artistic Operations, and the Symphony Volunteer Association to support the YO.
•    Plan and manage YO budgets.
•    Maintain and grow databases for students, alumni, coaches, parents, schools, vendors, donors and other contacts important to the SLSO and YO.
•    Develop and manage all ensemble reporting metrics including tuition payments, financial aid and calendars, and update website as needed.
•    Direct the function and process of secondary education programs in collaboration and accordance with the goals set by the Senior Director of Education, including attending in-school visits as needed to build relationships and ensure the proper environment for students, musicians and the YO Music Director.
•    Collaborate with the Education team to host secondary schools attending Friday morning concerts, and teachers attending networking events. 
•    Collaborate with IN UNISON Program Coordinator and Peer to Peer leader to leverage the talent of the YO musicians to nurture diverse young talent through SLSO’s Peer to Peer program.
•    Attend department meetings, staff meetings, and other meetings as appropriate.
•    Supervise Youth Orchestra interns.
•    Other duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge: Candidates must have a degree in Music or Music Education and a thorough knowledge of orchestral music, instrumentation, and general rehearsal and performance procedures. Understanding of public/private school structures and knowledge of instrumental music education is preferred. Experience with an orchestra is a plus.
Experience: Two years or equivalent of experience in an administrative role, coordinating multiple priorities with many different constituencies in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated experience in music-related activities to obtain sufficient background to perform duties of the position.  Experience working with youth as a mentor/leader and knowledge of orchestral repertoire is highly desired.

Skills and Abilities:
•    Superior verbal and written communication skills.
•    High level of professionalism, consistency, and tact.
•    Ability to develop and maintain trust and positive rapport with multiple constituencies.
•    Strategic thinking, planning and execution on large and small-scale projects.
•    Ability to work both independently and as a team member.
•    Superb organizational, time management, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail. 
•    Ability to maintain a positive work atmosphere.
•    Ability to achieve goals and meet deadlines in a complex work environment and to work within budgetary guidelines.
•    Availability to work on weekends for all rehearsals, performances, and other activities.
•    Access to reliable transportation.
•    Proficient knowledge in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, and Publisher.

The SLSO embraces a world in which every life is enriched through the power of music. We are committed to cultivating a culture of inclusion and access where employees can grow and thrive. The collective sum of our employees’ individual differences, experiences, knowledge, self-expression, and talent are represented in our culture, innovative spirit and the SLSO’s achievements. In recruiting for our team, we welcome candidates’ uniqueness in culture, social identities, expression, and viewpoints. The SLSO is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

About St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

Celebrated as one of today’s most exciting and enduring orchestras, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second-oldest orchestra in the country, marking its 144th year with the 2023/2024 season and its fifth with Stéphane Denève, The Joseph and Emily Rauh Pulitzer Music Director. Widely considered one of the leading American orchestras, the Grammy® Award-winning SLSO maintains its commitment to artistic excellence, educational impact, and community collaborations—all in service to its mission of enriching lives through the power of music. The core of the SLSO’s artistic foundation is its dynamic partnership with Denève, whose energetic musicianship, visionary storytelling, and collaborative spirit have created stronger connections with local and visiting artists, as well as advanced the SLSO’s role as a leader in music education. The SLSO musical family also includes two resident choruses: the St. Louis Symphony Chorus, founded in 1976, performs choral-orchestral music from the Baroque era to today; and the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus, founded in 1994, focuses on the performance and preservation of music from the African diaspora. The St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra,... founded by Conductor Laureate Leonard Slatkin in 1970, is the region’s premiere training orchestra for high school and college students. In March 2023, the SLSO broke ground on a 65,000-square foot expansion and renovation of the orchestra’s home, Powell Hall—the first major renovation project at the historic Grand Center building since it became the SLSO's permanent home in 1968. Led by the internationally acclaimed architecture firm Snøhetta, the project will transform the audience and artistic experience while protecting Powell Hall's historic character and celebrated acoustics, creating a state-of-the art center for community, innovation, and powerful music experiences. While construction is underway, the SLSO will perform throughout the community. The revitalized Powell Hall will open in 2025 to coincide with the building's centennial. An integral part of the vibrant St. Louis community, the SLSO enjoys a long history of robust and enduring artistic collaborations with individuals and organizations locally and around the world. Orchestra musicians share dozens of education and community performances throughout the region each year at medical facilities, places of worship, community centers, and schools. For 20 years, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra: Live at the Pulitzer series has highlighted today’s leading musical voices through innovative performances in collaboration with, and reaction to the exhibitions at, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation. The SLSO has served as the resident orchestra for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis for more than 45 years. The orchestra also continues to foster new artistic collaborations, including a chamber music collaboration with The Sheldon in 2023/2024, as well as regular partnerships with The Muny, The Big Muddy Dance Company, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and others. Beyond the St. Louis region, the SLSO's impact is realized through Saturday night concert broadcasts on St. Louis Public Radio and Classic 107.3, acclaimed recordings, regular touring activity, and a digital portfolio that includes a robust online education platform with curriculum materials, interactive programs, activities, and learning opportunities for all ages. Since the arrival of Marie-Hélène Bernard as President and CEO in 2015, the SLSO has aligned its mission to make music more accessible, while fostering a culture welcoming to all. Building on its momentum, the SLSO serves as a convener of individuals, creators, and ideas, and is committed to building community through compelling and inclusive musical experiences. As it continues its longstanding focus on equity, diversity, inclusion, and access, the SLSO embraces its strengths as a responsive, nimble organization, while investing in partnerships locally and elevating its presence globally. For more information, visit slso.org.

Show more

Show less

Connections working at St. Louis Symphony Orchestra