Symphony Education Manager

JOB OVERVIEW

The Symphony Education Manager is a key member of the Education & Community Engagement (EdCE) Department at Utah Symphony | Utah Opera (USUO), responsible for ensuring the smooth and effective execution of all symphony education programming. Under the supervision of the Vice President of Education & Community Engagement, this individual oversees the planning, logistics, and day-to-day management of school-based concerts, specialized student programs, and community education initiatives both on-site and off-site.

This role serves as the primary operational lead for symphony education programs and as a critical liaison to internal departments—including but not limited to Symphony Operations, Marketing & Communications, Development, and Orchestra Personnel—ensuring strong coordination and communication across teams. The Symphony Education Manager must demonstrate excellent attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to execute work that supports the broader strategic vision of the EdCE department.

Externally, this individual will represent USUO with professionalism and responsiveness to the Utah State Board of Education’s Professional Outreach Programs in the Schools (POPS), as well as to district arts coordinators, teachers, students, and the general public. This role plays a vital part in delivering education programming that reflects USUO’s commitment to community connection, artistic excellence, and meaningful learning experiences.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Symphony Education Program Leadership

• Design and oversee Utah Symphony’s full spectrum of education programs, including but not limited to: In-School Presentations, Fifth-Grade Concerts, Side-by-Side, Salute to Youth, Education Advisory Committee and Conductor in the Classroom.
• Attend all symphony education in-school performances to support program delivery and maintain visibility and quality control.
• Lead the administration, content development, and evaluation of age-appropriate educational offerings for K-12 students, adults, and special populations across Utah.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with community organizations, schools, and universities to expand the reach and impact of symphony programming.
• Collaborate closely with Artistic, Symphony Operations in support of educational programming
• Maintain an understanding of the department’s strategic priorities and contribute to their realization through well-informed planning, communication, and execution.

Symphony Educational Materials Creation

• Create or commission scripts for in-school presentations.
• Design curriculum resources and teacher materials; ensuring alignment with Utah Core Standards.
• Ensure content is age-appropriate and pedagogically sound.

Public Liaison to USBE and Public Presentations for Utah Symphony

• Act as liaison for Utah Symphony to Utah State Board of Education and membership in POPS, including annual reports, meetings, peer reviews, annual legislative efforts, and communications with District Arts Coordinators.
• Represent USUO at special events, public concerts, and donor experiences.

Education Department Management (with USUO Vice President of Education & Community Engagement)

• Collaborate with Vice President of Education & Community Engagement in symphony education budget planning.
• Support Education Coordinator in recording and tracking relevant data via Tessitura
• Support Opera Education programs as needed.

Reporting

• Keep accurate records of symphony education activities, utilize Tessitura to track attendance at symphony education events.
• Prepare reports of education department activities as needed.

REQUIRED SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• Foster a positive and inclusive departmental culture by modeling professionalism, clear communication, and collaboration across all teams and partner organizations.
• Ability to prioritize among conflicting deadlines and tasks, including delegating when appropriate.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to the changing needs of the department and organization.
• Ability to work collaboratively both internally and externally to USUO.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in music, fine art, arts administration, education, or a related field.
• Managerial experience as a music educator or team leader preferred.
• Strong knowledge of and experience with both symphony and operatic repertoire.
• Proven record of successfully working with staff, musicians, artists, and civic engagement.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Remain stationary for prolonged periods and work on a computer.
• Move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Must have reliable transportation.

TO APPLY: Please apply online @ www.usuo.org/employment/. Application materials should include a cover letter, résumé, and references. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

SALARY: Pay begins at $56,000, plus excellent benefits.