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Listings are available to apply for online at our Career Center. Please read the individual job posting for more details on how to apply.

Please, no phone calls.

Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer

Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer

Old Town School of Folk Music seeks a creative, strategic, and visionary leader to serve as its next Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer. This individual will unleash the possibility within the OTS community and guide OTS in its continued success and growth as a renowned and trailblazing community arts organization.

For more information please visit the search profile page at Diversified Search Group.

Director of Human Resources

Director of Human Resources

The Old Town School of Folk Music seeks a Director of Human Resources (DHR) who is committed to supporting a high-functioning, diverse, inclusive and positive work environment. The DHR will provide overall HR leadership and collaborate with the CEO, Senior Leadership team, board and staff to develop and implement HR initiatives focused on creating a culture of engagement, inclusion and excellence. The Old Town School has a budget of over $12 million and approximately 350 employees, the majority of whom are part-time unionized teachers.

The DHR manages the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources department and the administration of human resources policies, procedures and programs. Key areas of responsibility include HR planning and strategy, employee and labor relations, diversity, equity and inclusion, job design and organizational structure, compensation, compliance with applicable laws, policy and procedure development, recruitment and onboarding, performance management, learning and development, benefits and wellness, and safety and health.

Qualifications/Requirements

  • 7 to 10 years experience in Human Resources required, including direct experience with labor relations and union negotiations. Strong HR Generalist background needed. Direct supervisory experience required.
  • Experience in a not-for-profit education or arts environment desirable.
  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Management, Business Administration or related field (or equivalent work experience) required. Master's degree desirable. Current HRCI Certified Senior Professional (SPHR) or SHRM Certified Senior Professional (SHRM-SCP) preferred.
  • Excellent analytical and computer skills. Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word, and in HRIS/payroll systems. Experience with ADP Workforce Now helpful.
  • Highly organized with effective leadership skills in a fast-paced, highly collaborative and fluid work environment. Strong leadership and managerial skills to oversee the HR department and work with employees at all levels of the organization.
  • Proven track record of effective and efficient project management.
  • Proven commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Experience managing DEI initiatives strongly preferred.
  • Must be able to communicate complex or sensitive information in a clear manner both verbally and in writing, and handle confidential information with discretion.
  • Ability to navigate complex and challenging relationships and interactions among staff with tact and diplomacy, and guide others to do so.

    Key Responsibilities

  • Responsible for all human resources functions, programs, procedures, legal processes, records, data, and budgets, including providing up to date documentation of HR processes and policies. Coordinates all HR initiatives with the Senior Management team.
  • Conducts planning for HR activities in collaboration with the senior management team, including cost savings, budget and expense controls. Provides analysis as needed. Monitors and reports on progress quarterly or as needed.
  • Provides counsel and support to all managers regarding employee and
    labor relations issues, including disciplinary actions, grievances, contract interpretation, performance evaluations, performance improvement plans and terminations. Conducts investigations including those related to harassment and discrimination.
  • Participates in union negotiations and labor management meetings. Ensures compliance with collective bargaining agreement. Implements new initiatives and requirements as needed due to contract negotiations or other internal agreements with the union.
  • Manages/oversees diversity, equity and inclusion program activities. Ensures equitable treatment for community members, including staff and faculty.
  • With CEO and others as appropriate, develops strategies and implements changes to organizational structure.
  • Researches, analyzes, and builds job descriptions and compensation structures. Reviews, creates and updates job descriptions in collaboration with the Senior Leadership team and Managers.
  • Keeps organization up to date and in compliance with appropriate governing agencies and federal, state and local regulations concerning employment. Maintains knowledge and understanding of current regulations, nonprofit employment and compensation trends, current best practices, new developments, and applicable laws.
  • Creates new policies and updates existing policies where applicable.
  • Oversees recruitment process as well as onboarding and retention programs for all exempt and nonexempt positions including interns and temporary employees.
  • Develops and manages performance review process, providing appropriate documentation, training, and instructions to all employees.
  • Works with managers and vendors to plan and implement appropriate training programs.
  • Manages employee benefits and wellness initiatives, including broker relations, communication of information to employees, and maintenance of data.
  • Develops and implements plans to promote employee engagement, health, and safety where appropriate.
  • Consults with legal counsel as appropriate to address personnel and labor union matters.
  • Manages unemployment programs.
  • Maintains personnel files and HRIS payroll system data. Provides reporting as needed Ensures collection of necessary employee documents and information.
  • Supervises HR Manager, HR Generalist, and HR Coordinator.

    If interested and qualified, please apply through our Career Center.

    • Music Moves Instructors (PT)

    Music Moves Instructors (PT)

    The Old Town School of Folk Music is seeking part-time teaching artists for its summer Music Moves programs.

    Schedule:
    Typically 2-3 days per week at various Music Moves community partner sites located in south
    and west side neighborhoods.

    Summary:
    Music Moves Teaching Artists develop and deliver music and/or dance programming to
    elementary and high school students, and occasionally adults, primarily at community partner
    sites.

    We are currently looking for instructors specializing in:

  • Banjo Music and Building Gourd Banjos
  • Bomba Drumming
  • Capoeira
  • Electronic Music
  • General Music
  • Music Composition

    Duties:

  • Designs and implements a sequenced and developmentally appropriate curriculum to meet the
    goals and desired outcomes of the program in coordination with the Music Moves Manager.
  • Builds relationships with students and community partner staff and administrators.
  • Works with the Music Moves Program Manager to communicate the vision and impact of the program for funding purposes.
  • Maintains a collaborative relationship with Music Moves community partner organizations.
  • Prepares students for end-of-session performance.

    Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
  • Successful candidates must be motivated, collaborative, and committed to youth and
    intergenerational exchanges
  • Background in playing and teaching on a specific instrument or movement form
  • At least one year of experience teaching in a large classroom setting
  • Can easily work in history and social context into instrument/dance instruction
  • Working knowledge of Spanish/English preferred
  • Experience with administrative/organizational tasks including scheduling, tracking
    activities and reporting is helpful as well as familiarity with Google Suite.

    Community Ventures Instructor Hourly Pay Rates: $60/hour teaching rate and $20/hour administrative rate

    To be considered for this role, please apply through our Career Center.

    • Wiggleworms® Instructor (PT) - Park Ridge

    Wiggleworms Instructor - Park Ridge (PT)

    The Old Town School of Folk Music seeks a part-time teacher available on weekend mornings for its acclaimed early childhood music program, Wiggleworms® at our Park Ridge branch location! Classes are for children newborn to five years old accompanied by an adult and are taught by a teacher who sings and plays guitar and/or ukulele.

    Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in a related area or equivalent experience required
  • Minimum of two years of teaching experience with young children in a classroom setting preferred
  • Must play guitar or ukulele and be a strong singer
  • Must be creative, passionate about music, and be able to enthusiastically lead grownups with their babies, toddlers, and preschoolers in musical learning.
  • Experience working with infants, babies, and toddlers is preferred.

    Qualified candidates will be invited to audition.

    Instructor Hourly Pay Rates: $37/hour teaching rate.

    If interested and qualified, please apply through our Career Center.

    • Site Manager (PT)

    Site Manager (PT)

    The Old Town School of Folk Music is seeking a part-time Site Manager to oversee activities and ensure safe operations in OTS buildings. They serve as an ambassador and advocate for the School.

    Locations: Lincoln Square & Lincoln Park

    Key Duties:

  • Manage program operations for the assigned shift. Ensure compliance with all OTS safety and operational protocols. Address concerns directly as they arise. Report issues to Operations and Education team managers
  • Serve as a resource for teachers
  • Ensure set up and break down of assigned location(s) as needed in accordance with OTS protocols, including signage as needed
  • Manage the check-in process and direct participants to their locations
  • Track attendance and monitor the number of participants and caregivers where appropriate
  • Coordinate with operations management, program management, customer service, and maintenance staff as needed
  • Oversee volunteer staff where appropriate
  • Ensure rooms have all the necessary equipment and teaching implements
  • Secure property and open/close building as needed
  • Ensure building and rooms are in good order at the end of the shift and that equipment is returned to its appropriate place. Set alarm as needed.
  • Assist with administrative tasks as assigned, such as room reservations, data entry, etc.

    Qualifications:

  • Experience managing events
  • Experience with customer service and setting boundaries with participants
  • Experience working with children preferred
  • Familiarity with Google Suite
  • An understanding of COVID-19 safety protocols
  • Strong detail orientation and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to think on one's feet and adapt to changing situations
  • Ability to carry out emergency protocol in event of fire, inclement weather or other crises
  • Access to a personal smartphone during shift
  • Available to work evenings and weekends

    Physical requirements:
    The position requires the ability to see, hear, sit, stand, walk, reach, push and pull. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds regularly and 30 pounds occasionally.

    Discounts at the School and some voluntary benefits are available for part-time employees.

    To be considered for this role, please apply through our Career Center.

    • Program Coordinator - Music Moves (PT)

    Program Coordinator - Music Moves (PT)

    The Old Town School of Folk Music is seeking a reliable and detailed part-time Program
    Coordinator for its Music Moves program.

    The Community Ventures program is a portfolio of grant-based programs that operate in partnership with Chicago Public Schools and community partners primarily located in Chicago's south and west side neighborhoods. Music Moves is Old Town School's Arts & Community Wellness Initiative. The youth-focused, intergenerational program aims to provide individuals and organizations with creative resources necessary to build healthy, intentional arts-based communities across Chicago's 77 neighborhoods.

    Position summary: Music Moves Program Coordinator works closely with Music Moves Manager, partners, and community stakeholders to develop and maintain programming, assists teaching artists and performers, provides site management as needed, and assists with Music Moves administrative tasks.

    Schedule:
    Typically 2-3 days per week at various Music Moves community partner sites.

    Key Duties:

  • Assists Program Manager with general administrative tasks, including reporting of teaching artist hours for payroll and administering program assessment tools
  • Works with partners to schedule and maintain residencies with community organizations and cultural institutions
  • Works with and maintains relationships with assigned partner community programs including community-based staff and participating teachers
  • Assists with culminating events, as needed
  • Contributes to the ongoing training and management of teaching artists
  • Organizes, distributes, and maintains inventory of instruments and support materials
  • Other duties as assigned

    Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in related area or equivalent work experience
  • Must be able to multitask and work independently
  • Youth arts teaching experience is desired but not required
  • Some management or supervisory experience is preferred
  • Must have excellent administrative, computer, communication skills, initiative and confidence in problem solving
  • Familiarity with working in CPS desired
  • Program documentation skills desired
  • Proficiency with Google Suite and social media required
  • Deeply connected to South side communities and familiarity with the West side communities of Chicago desired
  • Commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as ongoing personal growth in these areas.
  • Must be able to travel to visit various Chicago locations during the workday.

    Discounts at the School and some voluntary benefits are available for part-time employees.

    To be considered for this role, please apply through our Career Center.

    About Old Town School of Folk Music
    Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music (“OTSFM”) is the largest community school of
    the arts in the U.S. and a non-profit organization committed to celebrating American
    music and global cultures. Founded in 1957, Old Town School provides a wide range of
    music, dance, and arts courses to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
    Whatever one's interest, Old Town School provides broad access to more than 700
    weekly class offerings, a broad array of private lessons, and over 400 concerts and
    community events per year.

    Old Town School of Folk Music opened its Lincoln Square facility in 1998 and expanded
    in 2012. The Old Town School operates two campuses located in Chicago's Lincoln
    Square and Lincoln Park neighborhoods that include world-class concert halls,
    classrooms, an award-winning music store, and a music resource center. Online
    classes were introduced in 2020 and students from nearly every state and a dozen
    countries participated over the course of the pandemic. Children's classes are also held
    at several suburban satellite locations. More information is available at
    oldtownschool.org

    Equal Employment Opportunity
    OTSFM is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal
    employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. OTS strives to
    be an inclusive and equitable organization that is reflective of the diversity of the city of
    Chicago. We seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a
    diverse candidate pool. This is critical to our success as a community focused
    organization.

    • Equal Employment Opportunity

    Old Town School is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. Old Town School strives to be an inclusive and equitable organization that is reflective of the diversity of the city of Chicago. We seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. This is critical to our success as a community focused organization.

    4544 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625  •  (773) 728-6000 •  customerservice@oldtownschool.org
    Customer Service Phone Hours:
    10:00 AM – 8:30 PM Central (Monday – Thursday)
    10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Central (Friday – Sunday)