Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Manager of Music Education and Choir Operations

Position Summary

The position of Manager of Music Education and Choral Operations at Philadelphia Boys and Girls Choirs (PBGC) is designed to support the planning and execution of the programs of PBGC which inspires young singers through world-class musical education and performances.

The role requires an efficient, organized, and driven person who is passionate about PBGC’s mission and programs and who has strong communication skills. The Manager of Music Education and Choral Operations reports directly to the PBGC Executive Director and will work directly with artistic and administrative staff to fully realize the potential of PBGC’s programs, choirs, and conservatory.

PBGC Programs

Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale

Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale is America’s preeminent boychoir and men’s chorale. It is known as “America’s Ambassadors of Song” and ranks among the best boy choirs in the world. Locally the choir has performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Philadelphia Ballet, the Philly POPS, Opera Philadelphia, and the Curtis Institute. The Choir has appeared on Good Morning America, Saturday Night Live, The Today Show and many other television programs. It is often featured to sing at Philadelphia Phillies and Philadelphia Eagles games. Each year the choir participates in a tour fostering goodwill around the world through music.

Philadelphia Girls Choir

A highly selective music education program for girls ages 6 and older, The Philadelphia Girls Choir is designed to instill confidence and responsibility through musical achievement. The choir takes a holistic approach to choral music that relates musicianship and performance to the broader human experience. Cultural diversity and personal development are essential elements of Philadelphia Girls Choir training. Founded in 2012, The Philadelphia Girls Choir began with 18 singers and has grown to include nearly 200 girls divided into four ensembles—Motif, Etude, Cantata and Concerto. Girls in the Cantata and Concerto groups travel internationally for a yearly summer tour. The combination of performances and cultural experiences helps to reinforce the core concepts of the Philadelphia Girls Choir, based on gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves, our community, and our world.

Philadelphia Vocal Conservatory

The Philadelphia Vocal Conservatory provides voice and piano instruction for students of all ages, genders, and levels. Vocal coaches provide technical support to the conductors of the PBCC and PGC, performance opportunities, including recitals and masterclasses, and offer summer camps to PBGC choristers and the public.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Choir Operations Support

  • Support the creation and maintenance of all program timelines, weekly schedules, program budgets, and performances
  • Liaise with vendors, artists, external venues, and other project collaborators as needed
  • Create production plans for public events, performances-for-hire, and fundraising events. Develop detailed run-of-shows and staffing plans as needed
  • Prepare agendas and keep meeting minutes for programs-focused meetings
  • Create draft agreements for all teaching artists, partners, and other program collaborators
  • Schedule and coordinate all program-related performances located off-site
  • Coordinate and archive documentation of grant-funded programs to support Director of Advancement’s creation of impact reports
  • Plan and execute professional development workshops for coaches and teaching artists
  • Support regular communications with parents, including written correspondence on student progress and available programs
  • Work with Director of Advancement to ensure quality and dynamic content on PBGC’s social media channels and PBGC’s website
  • Work with accountant to ensure accurate, consistent accounting of singer receivables and payments for tour, camps, and lessons
  • Manage and evaluate direct reports which include teaching artists, accompanists, and the Choir Operations Assistant

Music Education

  • Develop in-house supplemental music education classes and workshops to musically develop PBGC choristers as they progress through our programs
  • Recruit, hire, and train all music education support staff (choral coaches, voice/piano teachers, camp directors)
  • Collaboratively develop choir tours under direction of the Artistic Directors to provide quality, educational, valuable experiences for choristers
  • Develop and manage all outreach opportunities for choristers in collaboration with Artistic Directors and in service to PBCG’s mission

Conservatory Management

  • Create and maintain lesson schedule for all teachers in the Conservatory
  • Recruit and retain students for all private teachers in the Conservatory to maintain minimum studio size per annual budget
  • Recruit, provide orientation, and supervise vocal coaches and teaching artists to fulfil the needs of the conservatory
  • Lead regular staff meetings
  • Schedule voice teachers for choir rehearsals

Summer Camp Management

  • Plan, coordinate, and execute camp programs as directed by the Executive Director
  • In collaboration with the Director of Advancement, develop recruitment materials and support recruitment efforts of PBGC
  • Recruit, train, and manage camp counselors and junior counselors
  • Operate camps within budget to provide high quality programming to area youth

Outreach and Community Development

  • Collaboratively develop, execute, and manage PBGC outreach programs and efforts within Philadelphia and the surrounding areas 
  • Through communication and outreach, cultivate and steward trusted partnerships with businesses, foundations, schools, and other performing arts organizations

Essential Qualifications

  • Degree in arts administration, music, education, or similar, Master's preferred
  • Knowledge of and proficiency with CRM’s, Microsoft office, and ticketing software
  • A deep interest in music, with a demonstrated investment in the Philadelphia culture and community
  • 3+ years of experience in arts administration, project management, program production, or similar
  • Creative and resourceful mind that can dream up projects and novel approaches
  • Self-starter who can anticipate office and project needs and communicate proactively
  • Excellent external and internal written and verbal communication skills
  • Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking and navigating in fast-paced environments
  • Discretion and confidentiality
  • Ability to travel locally and regionally  

This is a full-time exempt position with evening hours and occasional weekends.

PBGC encourages applications from all backgrounds and walks of life. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender identification, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other protected status covered by federal, state or local law.