Director of ISO at Third Street

Job Description

Job Title

Director of ISO at Third Street (Part-Time)

Department

Music & Dance School

Reports To

Director of Music & Dance School

Supervises

Ensemble Conductors, Coaches, and Ensemble Manager

Compensation

$40,000–$45,000 annually

 

Position Overview

The Large Ensemble Director oversees the administration and artistic coordination of the Music & Dance School’s youth orchestra and concert band programs, currently consisting of seven orchestras and three bands.
Working closely with the Director of Music & Dance School, conductors, coaches, production staff, and administrative teams, the Large Ensemble Director helps support and strengthen all aspects of the large ensemble program, including auditions, scheduling, recruitment, concerts, and ensemble operations.
This position is ideal for an educator and administrator who thrives in a collaborative community music school environment and enjoys working with students, families, faculty, and artistic staff.
This is a hybrid, part-time position averaging approximately 10–20 hours per week depending on the season and concert calendar. Evening and weekend availability is required, particularly during performances and concert weeks.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Artistic & Program Leadership

• Support the artistic and educational development of the school’s orchestra and band programs in collaboration with ensemble conductors and the Director of Music & Dance School.
• Oversee and coordinate all aspects of the audition and placement process for youth orchestras and bands.
• Collaborate with conductors on repertoire selection, ensemble programming, and season planning.
• Attend rehearsals and performances as needed to support faculty, students, and program operations.
• Conduct an ensemble when needed and as assigned.
• Identify and coordinate guest artists, clinicians, and masterclass opportunities for ensembles.

Program Administration & Operations

• Collaborate with the Music & Dance School team to develop annual rehearsal and performance schedules.
• Coordinate concert and rehearsal logistics with the production team and venue staff.
• Gather and submit concert materials including repertoire, rosters, stage plots, and equipment needs for each concert cycle.
• Coordinate music purchases, rentals, and guest musician hiring as needed.
• Manage Google Classroom or other learning management systems used by large ensembles.
• Conduct site visits to rehearsal and performance venues as needed.
• Review venue contracts in coordination with school leadership.

Recruitment & Community Engagement

• Develop and support student recruitment and retention initiatives for orchestra and band programs.
• Cultivate relationships with school music educators, community organizations, and external ensemble directors.
• Support communication with students and families related to auditions, concerts, scheduling, and ensemble participation.
• Recruit and coordinate parent volunteers as needed for concerts and special events.

Personnel Management

• Supervise and support ensemble conductors, coaches, and ensemble staff.
• Participate in the hiring, onboarding, and evaluation of conductors and coaches in collaboration with the Director of Music & Dance School.
• Maintain a roster of substitute coaches and musicians.
• Attend Music & Dance School department meetings and planning meetings.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support budgeting and long-range planning for large ensemble programs in collaboration with Music & Dance School leadership.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance, Music Education, Conducting, Arts Administration, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum five years of experience teaching, conducting, or administrating youth orchestra and/or band programs.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating concerts, rehearsals, or large ensemble programs.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, families, faculty, guest artists, and administrative staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Flexible schedule with availability for evening and weekend rehearsals and performances.
• Experience working in a community music school, youth arts organization, or educational setting preferred.

How to Apply

Please submit a résumé and cover letter

Select candidates will be interviewed by phone or Zoom. Individuals advancing to the next round will be invited to participate in an in-person interview. Only those under consideration will be contacted.

About Third Street

Third Street Music School Settlement provides weekly access to world-class music and arts instruction to over 6,000 students of all ages and backgrounds, regardless of ability or economic circumstances. Founded in 1894 and celebrating 131 years of service, Third Street is the oldest community music school in the nation and proudly gives tribute to its settlement house roots with access and excellence programs.

Third Street’s programming spans three core pillars:

• A music-infused Preschool , offering a unique early childhood education experience rooted in the arts.
• An offsite Partners Program , providing high-quality music instruction directly into New York City Public Schools, Community Centers, and professional development to the Department of Education.
• A vibrant on-site Music & Dance School serving students ages 3 through older adult learners, and supported by a robust calendar of student, faculty, and guest artist public performances.

Our Commitment to Diversity
We strive to foster a collegial Third Street community where faculty and staff of all racial identities feel a sense of belonging, support and value – and where no one feels tokenized.

Third Street is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek to build a team reflective of the community we serve. Candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities are encouraged to apply.