Job Opportunities

Position: Development Associate

Category: Full-time, non-exempt
Reports to: Executive Director
Salary: $20/hour or commensurate with experience
Start date: August or early September

POSITION SUMMARY

The Development Associate is responsible for day-to-day development operations, including coordinating donor information, stewardship activities, and reporting. This position also organizes and manages annual fund details, coordinates fundraising events, and provides support to the executive director and board of directors.  A successful candidate is extremely organized and detail-oriented, has a can-do attitude and terrific communication skills, and believes in GTCYS’ mission. This is primarily an in-office role, with some flexibility to work remotely.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Donor data and reporting

• Manage all donor information and maintain accurate donor records in Neon CRM, including gift entry, acknowledgements, updates, and contact notes
• Process and track pledges and matching gift requests
• Prepare monthly development reports
• Follow best practices and confidentiality standards, and identify ways to improve systems and processes

Annual Fund coordination

• Produce accurate donor lists for direct mail appeals and digital fundraising campaigns
• Develop messages for appeals, in collaboration with executive director
• Manage all appeal mailing details (printing, volunteer coordination, mail house details, etc.)
• Track, analyze, and report on annual fund progress
• Conduct prospect research to help inform strategies and implementation

Stewardship activities and donor communications

• Create and send gift acknowledgements and receipts
• Serve as frontline point of contact for donors and giving inquiries
• Coordinate stewardship activities, involving the Board and Executive Director as appropriate
• Create and maintain annual development calendar of activities and communications
• Collaborate with marketing staff to develop collateral materials and communications

Special event coordination

• Coordinate administrative aspects of donor engagement events, receptions, and fundraising events, including GTCYS’ annual Orchestrating Opportunities benefit (invitations, registration, catering, auction details, etc.)
• Recruit and supervise volunteers needed for development activities and special events

Executive Director and Board of Directors support

• Attend and participate in development committee meetings
• Support Board and Leadership Advisory Council activities, initiatives, and meetings, including coordination of meeting-day arrangements and preparation of select materials
• Help manage special fundraising campaigns and details
• Assist executive director with grant submissions, reports, and processing
• Provide administrative support to executive director (schedule meetings, prepare documents and contracts, conduct research, manage receipts and invoices, etc.)

Other

• Process mail and manage office supplies
• Manage development expense and income budgets
• Attend select meetings, program activities, and special events
• Understand and adhere to GTCYS’ policies and procedures
• Other duties and special projects as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND ATTRIBUTES

• Bachelor’s Degree or the equivalent amount of training and hands on experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position
• At least 2 years of development or nonprofit experience
• Experience using donor-centered CRM databases
• Exceptional organization skills and attention to detail
• Maturity and integrity in decision-making and handling of sensitive information
• Self-motivated with ability to think critically and prioritize
• Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, follow-up on assignments, and manage multiple tasks with minimum direction
• Superior writing skills and ability to effectively communicate with colleagues and constituents
• Strong analytical skills and aptitude for working with data
• Flexibility to attend evening and weekend events as necessary
• Confidence using PC-based Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint), and willingness to adapt to changing technology
• Clear driving record and access to reliable transportation to attend meetings and events
• Passion for GTCYS’ mission and background in music preferred

GTCYS is committed to being an inclusive and equitable workplace, and we strive to create a diverse staff that represents the broad communities we serve. Applicants from populations underrepresented in classical music are strongly encouraged to apply.

BENEFITS

GTCYS offers health insurance, dental insurance, 3% retirement match, generous paid time off and holidays.

TO APPLY

Email a single PDF with a cover letter, resume outlining relevant experience, and names of three professional references to GTCYS executive director Megen Balda at megen@gtcys.org. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position will remain open until filled.

July 2021

Position: Rehearsal Assistant (multiple openings)

Category: Seasonal, part-time position, September 2021 – May 2022; weekly evening hours on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays, plus concerts and special events
Reports to: Operations Manager, Conductor
Salary: $15/hour 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Rehearsal Assistant functions as the hands-on assistant to the conductor, arranging logistical needs of the orchestra and maintaining student engagement so that the conductor may focus on the musical aspect of rehearsals. The Rehearsal Assistant is the primary point of contact between students, parents and the GTCYS staff at onsite activities.     

RESPONSIBILITIES  

 Orchestra Management and Communication 

• Assist students with musical needs (tuning, changing strings, playing musical examples, etc.)
• Track student attendance and inform conductor of absences before rehearsal
• Make weekly announcements, distribute handouts, and answer parent questions at rehearsals
• Distribute, collect, and organize music as directed by Librarian Help maintain student discipline by proactively engaging in the rehearsal and anticipating conductor’s needs
• Support a healthy physical, emotional, and musical learning environment for young musicians
• Maintain prompt email communication with Operations Manager and office staff
• Uphold GTCYS’ child protection policy and carry out emergency safety procedures when necessary (training provided)
• Monitor and facilitate student compliance with GTCYS’ COVID Protocols  

 Set Up for Orchestra Activities 

• Attend all orchestra activities, including weekly rehearsals, fall and winter retreats, and concerts as outlined in the respective Orchestra Schedule, arriving prior to set up and staying through student pick-ups
• Set up and take down orchestra chairs, equipment, percussion, and signage for all rehearsals, sectionals, retreats, and concerts
• Set up and manage livestreaming and amplification equipment at rehearsals
• Duties may include light cleaning of surfaces and equipment in accordance with current COVID response policies
• Serve as point person for any social activities and parent meetings in conjunction with rehearsals, managing onsite set up, parent volunteers, food deliveries, clean-up, etc.
• Assist with percussion loading and unloading for concerts and retreats 

Note: Orchestra activities and RA duties may be dictated by what is allowed in accordance with our COVID response policies 

REQUIRED SKILLS: 

• Musical proficiency on an orchestral instrument (string instrument proficiency required for Philharmonia and Sinfonia level orchestras; must be an excellent tuner, know the basics of stringed instrument maintenance, and be comfortable playing examples for students. See www.gtcys.org/programs for more details about the orchestra levels.)
• Experience and comfort level working with students, and desire to serve as a compassionate and outgoing role model with young musicians 
• Music education background, with a preference for experience working with large groups of young musicians
• Ability to take initiative and engage in tasks without being prompted to do so
• Ability to communicate effectively with parents and fellow staff
• Detail oriented, with good communication skills
• Physical ability to move equipment possibly up to 50 pounds
• Must have access to reliable transportation and a smart phone
• Bilingual skills a plus
• Willingness to abide by, administer, and enforce GTCYS’ COVID Protocols and assume all related risks 

TO APPLY 

Email a cover letter stating your orchestra preference and evening availability, resume, and names of three references with permission to contact to GTCYS Program Director Miranda Bryan at miranda@gtcys.org. Interviews will be scheduled as applications are received, and the first day of work is early September 2021. 

GTCYS is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and equitable environment. We strongly encourage applications from people of color and from populations underrepresented in the orchestral field.

July 2021 

Position: Harmony Instructors – Violin and Cello
Status: Part-time seasonal; Tuesday and Wednesday mornings 7:45am-9:30am late September – May, plus time for faculty meetings and extra program activities
Reports to: Harmony Director
Compensation: $65 – $80/class day depending on qualifications

About Harmony

Now entering its sixth year, Harmony is an extra-curricular program of the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS) in partnership with Riverview Elementary School on the West Side in St. Paul. This highly accessible program breaks down barriers to music instruction and creates opportunities for students to develop a love of music and become strong learners and leaders. In Harmony, students become part of a musical community and have a pathway for continued participation in GTCYS’ orchestras as they advance.

In 2021-2022, Harmony will provide in-person violin and cello instruction for up to 60 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th graders from late September through mid-May. Classes are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays before school from 8:00am-9:15am at Riverview. Small group classes (6-10 students per instructor) will take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with large group sectionals or orchestra on Thursdays. Students will also participate in multiple performances on the West Side of St. Paul and at Orchestra Hall, and benefit from other enrichment activities and summer programming.

About the Role

GTCYS seeks violin and cello instructors who can inspire first-time students to develop a love of music and teach musical, technical, and life skills. The ideal candidates have 3+ years of teaching experience, ideally in a group or classroom setting. Successful Harmony instructors will have a passion for instrumental instruction, belief in equity and inclusion, resilience, and an appetite to help students overcome obstacles to succeed. Spanish-speaking instructors are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Using Harmony’s curriculum, teach 75-minute small group lessons to beginning students on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:00am-9:15am
• Attend bi-weekly Harmony faculty/staff meetings
• Make regular calls to families with progress reports and work with Harmony staff to evaluate students’ progress
• Lead classes in a clear, positive, and inclusive manner to motivate students and promote joy, excellence, and engagement
• Utilize a range of behavior management techniques to meet students’ varied needs and learning styles
• Set clear classroom expectations, behavior guidelines, and positive classroom culture
• Create a safe space for students to participate, be heard, and learn from each other
• Lead students through schedule transitions at the beginning and end of Harmony classes
• Set up and restore classrooms at beginning and end of class as needed
• Participate in Harmony performances and special events as needed
• Support an inclusive, positive culture with staff and other faculty
• Maintain open communication with program staff and Riverview Elementary’s staff regarding student behavior, facilities, and any issues that arise
• Understand and adhere to GTCYS’ Child Protection Policy and any other policies set by the Executive and Artistic Directors
• Track students’ instruments and sizing
• Participate in three days of mandatory Harmony faculty training in September 2021 (likely the week of September 20 or 27)
• Other duties as assigned

Desired Qualifications, Attributes, and Expectations

• Bachelor’s degree in music education, violin/cello performance, or related field
• 3+ years of successful violin or cello teaching experience, ideally in a group setting
• Ability to effectively teach beginning-level violin or cello pedagogy and motivate 8-10 year-old students in a group setting
• Willingness to follow Harmony’s curriculum and adapt daily plans to changing circumstances
• Knowledge of and experience working with diverse populations, including students and families with minimal knowledge of instrumental music
• Strong classroom/group management skills
• Oversee safe use and care of instruments during classes
• Resilience and ability to adapt, improvise, and take initiative in ever-changing situations
• Ability to uphold student-related policies and procedures, and follow through with consequences
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work collaboratively and demonstrate empathy, patience, and humility with fellow staff, program partners, families, volunteers, and community members
• Willingness to take direction and accept constructive feedback
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and serve as an encouraging musical and adult role model with students
• Reliability and ability to commit to and prioritize the year’s program dates with minimal absences
• Understand and adhere to GTCYS’ Child Protection Policy and any other policies set by GTCYS
• Spanish speaker preferred, but not required
• Must have reliable transportation to arrive on time to program activities
• Must successfully pass a background check

GTCYS is committed to being an inclusive and equitable workplace, and we strive to create a diverse staff that represents the broad communities we serve. Applicants from populations underrepresented in classical music are strongly encouraged to apply.

To Apply

Submit a single PDF with the following materials to GTCYS executive director Megen Balda at megen@gtcys.org. Applications received by July 19 will receive priority consideration.

• Cover letter describing relevant skills and experience, and your reason for applying
• Resume outlining your teaching experience and professional background
• List of three references with contact information

July 8, 2021

Volunteering

Volunteers provide vital assistance by helping with administrative duties, program activities, concert events, special events, and fundraising. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Katie Heilman at katie@gtcys.org, or fill out the volunteer interest form if you have a specific skill you wish to contribute!