Ypsilanti Youth Orchestra Job Opening Announcement

Program Manager - Part-time

Job Brief:

YYO seeks a part-time Program Manager to oversee the planning, coordination, and day-to-day implementation of programs, communications, and operations. The Program Manager works collaboratively with the Music Director and reports to the President and Chair of the Board of Directors.

Since 1999, the Ypsilanti Youth Orchestra (YYO) has provided students the opportunity to make music in an atmosphere of creation, motivation, cooperation, and friendship. YYO offers a variety of classes, which continue to grow and evolve with our community. In addition to the orchestra, classes currently include pre-orchestra classes for students at varying stages in their musical journey, a music exploration class for our youngest students and their parents, music theory and composition classes, a Jazz Ensemble, percussion classes, and a Mariachi class. YYO serves approximately 150 youth of diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic status. YYO strives to celebrate its unique local community, and actively works to close the gap in instrumental music education between Ypsilanti Community Schools and the surrounding area, offering tuition-free, non-audition-based, and responsive music education, while developing team-building and communication skills in a safe, supportive setting. Program site location: Ypsilanti, MI

Responsibilities: 

  • In collaboration with the Music Director, design, plan, and implement programs that respond to community needs, including supporting the development of learning goals and student outcomes

  • Oversee the coordination and execution of rehearsals, performances, and special events, including scheduling, space use, and logistics

  • Manage program operations and administrative systems, including registration, enrollment tracking, and personnel coordination

  • Maintain accurate program data (attendance, retention, participation) and support reporting needs, including basic analysis of program outcomes

  • Support the development and implementation of communication strategies for students, families, faculty, and external audiences (e.g., email communications, newsletters, and digital platforms)

  • Supervise staff and volunteers, supporting a collaborative and organized working environment

  • Manage contracts and onboarding processes for faculty and staff

  • Facilitate faculty and staff adherence to program procedures, lesson planning expectations, and class scheduling

  • Co-plan and coordinate faculty meetings and professional development in partnership with the Music Director

  • Ensure smooth and consistent implementation of organizational processes and systems

  • Track progress toward programmatic and organizational goals, identifying needs, gaps, and next steps to support effective implementation

DESIRED PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience managing operations or programs in a nonprofit, education, or performing arts setting

  • Working knowledge of music education, youth ensembles, or arts-based learning environments; teaching experience or direct work with student musicians strongly preferred

  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, schedules, and stakeholder needs in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail

  • Experience supervising staff or coordinating teams and volunteers

  • Strong critical thinking and project management skills, with the ability to translate organizational goals into actionable steps, monitor progress, assess effectiveness, and proactively drive follow-through

  • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively

  • Strong communication skills, including the ability to convey expectations clearly, adapt messaging for diverse audiences, ask clarifying questions, and synthesize information into clear, actionable next steps

  • Experience supporting program tracking, data management, and basic reporting

  • Familiarity with common administrative and communication tools (e.g., Google Workspace, spreadsheets, email platforms such as Mailchimp, or similar systems)

  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to navigate sensitive or complex situations with professionalism

  • Knowledge of the Ypsilanti community and local context preferred

DESIRED PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

  • Commitment to working with youth people from diverse cultural, racial, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds

  • Patience and adaptability in working with youth, volunteers, and educators at varying levels of experience

  • Self-motivated, dependable, and responsive

COMMITMENTS

Average 12-15 hours per week. Required in-person attendance (4-5 hours) at weekly Saturday morning programs (September–May, excluding select holidays), two Sunday concerts (December and May; 6 hours average), and quarterly board and faculty meetings. Other hours are remote, including required weekly staff meetings.

Other Requirements

  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds

  • Reliable transportation or access to transit that ensures timely arrival

  • Access to a personal computer and ability to maintain confidentiality of student and donor information

Compensation:

Compensation: $26-30/hour, commensurate with experience

HOW TO APPLY

For best consideration, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references (PDF format) to president@ypsiyouthorch.org.

Deadline for submission: May 31, 2026.

YYO is an Equal Opportunity Employer, non-profit, 501(c)(3) that offers tuition-free music education and performance opportunities to children ages 4-18.