POSITION OVERVIEW
The Music Institute of Chicago (“MIC”) seeks a collaborative, innovative, and student-centered leader to serve as Director of Programs. Reporting to the Vice President of Programs, the Director of Programs provides leadership for MIC’s comprehensive program pathway, and student experience, ensuring students of all ages and abilities have meaningful entry points into music education for continued growth, engagement, and achievement.
The Director of Programs oversees MIC’s group and ensemble programming and provides leadership and support to the faculty responsible for these areas. Working closely with faculty, student services, campus directors, and the Vice President of Programs, the Director helps create an exceptional experience for students and families while supporting the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs that advance MIC’s mission and commitment to lifelong learning.
As a member of the program leadership team, the Director of Programs fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, ensuring that MIC’s programs remain responsive to the needs of students, families, faculty, and the broader community.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to: Vice President of Programs
Provides Leadership to: Enrollment and Special Initiatives staff, Program Chairs responsible for group and ensemble programming, including early childhood, theory, Suzuki, chamber music, adult, and summer programming.
Works Closely With: Campus Directors, Student Services, Marketing, and Faculty
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Program Leadership and Educational Continuum
Provide leadership for MIC's comprehensive program pathway, ensuring programs are aligned, connected, and designed to support meaningful musical growth and progression for students of all ages and abilities by:
● Supporting the growth, quality, and alignment of group programming serving students from early childhood through adulthood, while identifying opportunities to strengthen connections between programs and support student progression across educational experiences.
● Providing leadership and support to Program Chairs responsible for group and ensemble programming, fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence across program areas.
● Supporting the planning, implementation, and evaluation of summer programming.
● Partnering with faculty and program chairs to ensure programs reflect MIC’s educational philosophy and standards of excellence.
Student experience, engagement, and retention
Create an exceptional student and family experience that fosters engagement, belonging, and long-term participation in the life of the MIC by:
● Advocating for program offerings, schedules, and learning experiences that respond to the evolving needs of today's students and families, creating multiple pathways for engagement and reducing barriers to participation.
● Developing and supporting value-added experiences that enrich students’ primary area of study and deepen their connection to MIC. These may include workshops, masterclasses, recitals, special events, performance opportunities, facility use, and other community-building experiences.
● Gathering and utilizing student and family feedback to inform program improvements and enhance the overall MIC experience.
● Building initiatives that foster community, connection, and engagement among students and families.
● Partnering with Marketing and colleagues across program areas to ensure students are aware of and connected to their next educational opportunity within MIC, supporting long-term engagement and lifelong learning.
Program Development and Innovation
Lead efforts to ensure MIC's programs remain relevant, responsive, and accessible by adapting to the evolving needs of students, families, and the broader community by:
● Working with the Vice President of Programs to develop, launch, and evaluate new educational offerings, including in the immediate future, RCM’s Smart Start.
● Supporting the development of programs that respond to community needs and advance MIC's mission by expanding opportunities for students to engage with new and diverse musical experiences, innovative program formats, and emerging approaches to music learning.
● Exploring opportunities to strengthen and expand adult learning opportunities and other strategic growth areas including summer programming.
● In collaboration with Program Chairs, evaluating program effectiveness using qualitative and quantitative measures, incorporating feedback from students, families, and faculty to inform future program development and enhancement.
Organizational Leadership
Contribute to the overall success of MIC by collaborating across departments, supporting institutional priorities, and serving as an ambassador for the organization's mission and values by:
● Working with Marketing, Student Services, Campus Directors, and faculty to support organizational goals and program visibility.
● Providing input regarding program budgets and resource needs to the Vice President of Programs.
● Representing MIC at performances, special events, community engagement activities, and other public-facing opportunities.
● Attending student performances, recitals, and institutional events in a leadership capacity.
● Serving as an ambassador for MIC’s mission and values and helping cultivate a strong sense of community across the institution.
QUALIFICATIONS
● Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in music, music education, arts administration, education, or a related field preferred.
● Five or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in music education, arts education, community arts, or a related educational environment.
● Demonstrated experience developing, managing, and evaluating educational programs.
● Experience leading teams, supervising staff, or supporting the work of educational leaders.
● Strong understanding of student development, educational pathways, and program design.
● Excellent organizational, project management, interpersonal, and communication skills.
● Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, students, families, staff, and community stakeholders.
● Experience using data to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
● Passion for music education, student success, and lifelong learning.
SCHEDULE & WORK ENVIRONMENT
In Person. While the main administrative offices are located in Evanston, the Director of Programs is expected to maintain a visible presence across campuses and throughout the broader community. Evening and weekend work is required as needed to support programs, events, and institutional priorities.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your interest in the position and your relevant experience to hr@musicinst.org.
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY & INCLUSION
The Music Institute of Chicago is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of our community. We value diversity of backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives, and we believe these differences strengthen our institution and enrich the educational experience for our students.
MIC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds and experiences to apply.