New West Symphony Position
Job Title: Director of Education and Community Engagement
Reports to: General Manager
Facilitates: Education Initiatives, Program Partners, NWS ensembles
Position Overview: The Director of Education and Community Engagement is a multi- faceted position within the New West Symphony that includes structuring education programs, working closely with program managers, and creating partnerships and relationships with outside organizations.
Supervision Responsibilities: Harmony Project Manager, Music Van Manager
Education: Minimum: college education, with a strong background in nonprofit youth education program management, preferably in the field of music (Phd a plus)
Experience: Previous experience in a similar role for a minimum of three years (ideal)
Other Qualifications: Office computer skills (Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint); familiarity with accessing and using contact databases; strong oral and written communications skills; analytical skills; ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks; driver’s license and proof of valid automobile insurance; flexible work schedule to include some weekends, weeknights, and holidays; ability to manage department budgets; versed in grant writing and board reports; participation in community outreach events; ability to participate in local arts committees
Time Requirements: Full-time position
Salary/Benefits: competitive, based on experience
plus $100/month driving allowance and health benefits
Tasks and Duties:
1. Develop the Expansion of Harmony Project Sites and Programs
2. Strengthen Education Department infrastructure
3. Direct VIP Family Club and Symphonic Adventures concerts
4. Coordinate program developments with staff
5. Hiring teaching staff, organizing program development
6. Organizing Community Engagement Events and Event Materials
7. Seek Out Community Education Partners
8. Write education grants and manage reports
9. Communicate with board regarding education department
10. Participate in fundraising events and opportunities
To Apply:
Email Sarah Hodges, [email protected] with your cover letter and resume
More Information:
New West Symphony Mission
The New West Symphony inspires passion for music through live performances that attract, engage, educate and enrich our diverse audiences.
About Us
Founded in 1995, the New West Symphony is the professional, resident orchestra of the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza and Barnum Hall in Santa Monica.The musicians of the orchestra are drawn from the rich talent pool of professional Los Angeles area musicians. Led by new music director Marcelo Lehninger, the Symphony presents six Masterpiece Series concerts annually, performing major works from the symphonic repertoire with internationally-acclaimed guest artists.
Administrative Offices
Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza
2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Suite D
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
www.newwestsymphony.org
New West Symphony Education
-Building a Musical Community, Inspiring Future Audiences and Transforming our Youth From Ventura to Santa Monica
-Serving over 10,000 Students, Reaching over 150 schools
New West Symphony Education Programs
New West Symphony Harmony Project of Ventura County
New West Symphony Harmony Project of Ventura County is a youth development program that uses music as a tool for social change. It was formed in 2011 and adopted by the New West Symphony in 2012. Currently, 95 children participate in tuition-free music classes after school and on weekends, receiving at least five hours a week of instruction. Through practice, ensemble rehearsal and performance, participants improve their focus, long-term goal setting, and teamwork. Children are primarily from low -income families who would not otherwise have access to a quality music education. Harmony Project commits to educating students through their high school graduation.
Symphonic Adventures
Symphonic Adventures, the Symphony's flagship education program, are live, interactive concerts for students in the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. This program provides many students their first opportunity to hear classical music. Each 50-minute interactive concert supports the Symphony’s goal to bring orchestral music to children. The concerts are designed to introduce students to the conductor, orchestra, melody, harmony, music form and rhythm and aim to inspire a life-long appreciation of music. Following demonstrations by the selected orchestra members and the conductor, children are given the opportunity to conduct or play instruments with the orchestra and hear the Symphony perform classical music.
Music Van
Music Van is a traveling “petting zoo” of musical instruments that visits schools and community festivals year round. The Music Van provides a hands-on opportunity to learn about and play each instrument of the orchestra. No music background necessary. The van travels to scores of schools, festivals, and community events annually visiting more than 10,000 children. This program is offered to the schools at no charge providing they send one or more volunteers to a 3-hour workshop on the “care and feeding of the Music Van instruments”. The New West Symphony encourages music appreciation through fun activities in a creative and stimulating environment.
VIP Family Club
Formerly known as the “Front Row Club,” the New West Symphony makes the orchestra accessible for many children and their families by providing them low-cost tickets to Masterpiece Series Concerts. As part of our Music Education Department, the VIP Family Club builds upon our Harmony Project, Symphonic Adventures, and Music Van programs by seating children ages 7 to 14 up-close in our theatre venues to experience the Symphony in the most exciting way. Members of the VIP Family Club get to go backstage, participate in interactive activities, as well as interact with New West Symphony musicians in person! VIP Family Club members also have access to our blog, where they can enjoy videos, stories and intersting facts about our programs and guest artists. For more information or to sign up for the VIP Family Club, email [email protected]. This program is made possible in part through generous support of Misty Widelitz in memory of her husband Milton.
Community Concerts
Community Concerts are another way the New West Symphony can bring music to Ventura County. From a string trio at a public library to a brass quintet at a chili-cook-off, the New West Symphony can provide the musicians and create unique educational concerts in any music style or genre. New West Symphony musicians are also invited to give master classes and presentations in the schools and throughout the community.
