Education Manager

The New Jersey Symphony is seeking an energetic program manager to fill the position of Education Manager. This role will primarily oversee the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra program while also supporting the planning and implementing of the Symphony’s education programs.

Title: Education Manager
Department: Education & Community Engagement
Reports to: Director of Education
Supervises: Youth Orchestra Operations Coordinator (part-time)
Location: Principal Office – Newark, New Jersey until Symphony Center opens, at which point Jersey City
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary: $55,000-$60,000

About the Organization

As an integral part of the musical landscape in the country’s most vibrant cultural corridor, the New Jersey Symphony (Symphony) has for over one hundred years continued to enrich lives through a passion for musical excellence and a commitment to New Jersey, its people, and its communities. The Symphony has been recognized by The Wall Street Journal as “a vital, artistically significant musical organization,” led by Music Director Xian Zhang—a “dynamic podium presence”—since 2016. The New York Times has praised Zhang for her “technical abilities, musicianship, and maturity.”

The New Jersey Symphony, with an annual operating budget of more than $17 million and a modest endowment, currently serves as the resident orchestra of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center with additional performance series in four other outstanding venues throughout New Jersey. With more than 140,000 New Jerseyans of all ages enjoying more than 160 concerts, education, and community events each year, and with numerous partnerships with arts organizations, universities, and civic organizations, the Symphony has cultivated broad support, with more than 3,000 loyal patrons donating and subscribing, with thousands more attending each concert weekend.

In addition to its lauded artistic programming, the New Jersey Symphony presents a suite of nationally recognized education and community engagement (ECE) programs that promote meaningful, lifelong engagement with live music, annually serving as many as 60,000 New Jerseyans in nearly all of its 21 counties. Core program offerings include Concerts for Young People; the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra; Preschool Program; and the touring chamber music program, New Jersey Symphony Community Partners. Through its diverse array of programs, the Symphony expands access to quality music instruction as well as provides vital arts learning experiences that reinforce social and emotional learning outcomes, foster confidence, and bring joy.

With a new strategic plan, the New Jersey Symphony now embarks on a bold vision for the future, the centerpiece of which will be a new Symphony Center that includes a 550-seat, versatile performance space in Jersey City.

This transformational initiative and expansion into Jersey City will make the organization a community place-maker and will be the largest venue in Jersey City’s Powerhouse Arts District–a city that is on track to surpass Newark as the most populated city in the state. The new 44,000-square-foot Symphony Center will also include space for administrative offices, establish a permanent rehearsal hall for the musicians, and expand performance, education programs and community engagement opportunities. The Symphony Center will diversify earned revenue through rentals and presenting activities, and increase contributed revenue associated with capital projects and expanded community programs. The New Jersey Symphony, which will activate and manage the venue for the City of Jersey City, expects final interior theater construction to be completed for a January 2027 public opening.

About the Position

The Education Manager is primarily responsible for the operations of the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra, the nationally recognized youth development program comprised of four sequential levels. This position oversees logistical planning, provides on-site support, and serves as a key driver of communication with program stakeholders. The Education Manager also supports the planning and implementation of all education programs and collaborates closely with cross-departmental teams to advance the Symphony’s mission.

Roles and Responsibilities

Lead on-site Youth Orchestra operations and provide logistical and administrative oversight for all ensembles, classes, concerts, and special events.
Prepare and distribute music and other materials for rehearsals and classes.
Communicate with students and families about administrative and artistic needs including (but not limited to) upcoming events, program updates, and student concerns.
Collaborate with faculty and external partners to support student progress and secure additional resources as needed.
Manage volunteer opportunities for students and parents.
Oversee the audition and registration process and coordinate and track instrument rentals.
Update and manage data for the program, including Tessitura database maintenance.
Track artistic faculty hours, hire substitutes when needed, and assist with payroll processing.
Process vendor payments and invoices for program-related activities.
Assist with planning and execution of program evaluation and assessment.
Other duties as assigned.

Traits and Characteristics

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience.
Minimum 3 years of experience coordinating arts and/or educational programs.
Strong music background and familiarity with classical music (including the ability to read a musical score).
Demonstrated ability to execute complex logistics and react to and resolve sensitive situations.
Ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities with attention to detail.
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
The discipline to work independently, but also the ability to function as a member of a team.
Strong computer skills required, including proficiency with standard Microsoft Office and Google applications. Experience with CRM software (Tessitura) helpful but not required (training will be provided).

Compensation and Benefits

Salary and Benefits: The salary range for this position is $55,000 to $60,000 commensurate with the applicant’s skills and experience, and benefits package including paid time off, a generous health insurance plan, pension, parking, and other employee benefits, as available. Relocation reimbursement is not offered for this position.

Other Information

Must be able to work evenings and weekends.
Physical requirements include carrying and setting up music folders, music stands, chairs, and supplies.
Valid driver’s license and access to an automobile are encouraged for considerable travel within New Jersey for concerts and events. Frequently, the venues are not directly accessible through public transportation.
Must be authorized to work in the US without sponsorship.

Hours: Full time, evenings, and weekends required, specifically for working at concerts and events in multiple locations throughout northern and central New Jersey.

The New Jersey Symphony celebrates the cultural vibrancy of our communities and builds meaningful relationships that elevate and strengthen them. We seek to create a culture of inclusion and a work environment that values hard work, professionalism, and creativity. We are committed to diversity and equal opportunity in our recruitment and hiring. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are welcome to apply for open positions.

To Apply

Email resume and cover letter to:

Joanna Borowski, Vice President of Education & Community Engagement
jborowski@njsymphony.org (include “Education Manager” in the subject line)

Only complete applications will be reviewed, and only qualified applicants will be contacted.

The New Jersey Symphony is an equal opportunity employer. No phone calls please.