The Old Town School of Folk Music is seeking an experienced leader for its tuition-based Education Programs. Classes at Old Town School reflect the institution's philosophy that music should be fun and accessible to all. Old Town School's position highlights the community building and participatory aspects of musical expression. Candidates who share this philosophy will be an excellent fit with Old Town School's institutional culture.

This position will report directly to CEO Jim Newcomb and will be a key member of the senior leadership team. The Director of Education will lead a talented, dedicated team of five Program Managers and more than 200 part-time faculty members (teachers). Old Town School of Folk Music's next Director of Education will be responsible for ensuring the growth and smooth operation of a catalogue of first-rate classes, including both in-person and online group classes, private lessons, and workshops. The Director will also be charged with deepening student engagement and experiences, resulting in strong retention metrics while broadening the school's reach to new audiences. As head of the education department, which also hosts residencies with visiting artists, the Director of Education will be responsible for the production of/participation in a broad range of special events.

The Director of Education will be a visible and approachable key strategist, collaborating closely with Program Managers and faculty on the curriculum catalogue to ensure the cultural diversity of Chicago is represented in class offerings while maintaining the Old Town School's folk tradition. An innovative thinker, the Director of Education will demonstrate a vision for the future of Old Town School's classes and be able to work collaboratively to implement change to meet the demands of enrollment for a continuously revolving 8-week session program calendar. The Director will have tuition-based program experience, preferably for an arts and culture focused (music strongly preferred) entity, and will have strong business acumen. Also essential to success, the Director will be able to effectively balance fresh ideas and innovation with respect for the organization's culture, history, and traditions as an iconic cultural touchstone for Chicagoans since 1957.

For more information about this role and how to apply, CLICK HERE.

The Old Town School is seeking a detail-oriented Development Operations Associate to support its fundraising operations and goals.

Job Summary
Primary administrator of the School's fundraising database, ensuring accuracy and integrity Uses data to support gift processing, acknowledgments, and all general reporting. Works with other departments to manage and improve flow of donation data across multiple School data systems (e.g., web, Filemaker Pro, Finance). Identifies, analyzes, and interprets data building custom reports and finding trends/patterns to support the department and School. Conducts prospect research and creates donor profiles to support fundraising goals of the Department Serves as administrator for Board meetings and maintains Board and committee lists.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related area or equivalent work experience required.

Three years of related experience in fundraising work required.

Expertise with fundraising database software required. Raiser's Edge preferred.

Highly organized with acute attention to detail.

High level of proficiency with MS Office and Google Suite, including the ability to analyze data and automate manual systems.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Knowledge of basic fundraising techniques and strategies for the identification, cultivation, and stewardship of donors.

Ability to meet deadlines and handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to take initiative, work independently, and produce high quality work.

Ability to research and interpret information and data coming in multiple states and formats to make informed decisions and recommendations.

Ability to interact effectively with colleagues and board members.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Ability to work night and weekend events as needed.

Summary of Duties

Responsible for the development and maintenance of the Raiser's Edge donor database. (Membership, Individual, Corporate, Foundation, Special Events and Capital Gifts).
- Enters and tracks gifts, pledges, and cash totals
- Processes gifts, acknowledgments, and invoicing in a timely manner
- Prepares and sends monthly membership renewals via mail and email

Extracts and manipulates data to build and maintain standard and custom reports, performs queries in responses to data requests.

Addresses system interface problems and proactively works as the lead with IT and other departments to improve accuracy and data flow between the Schools' various data platforms (e.g. web/Filemaker Pro/Raiser's Edge/authorize.net).

Completes monthly reconciliation of donor data with the Finance Department.

Perform other relevant duties as assigned, such as:
- Prospect Research: provides donor research and creates donor profiles as needed
- Supports the Board of Directors and Board Committees: send meeting communications and materials, arrange virtual and in-person setup, takes Minutes, maintains Board lists, contact information and meeting records.
-Participation and support in Development special events and projects including mailings, online appeals and the annual report.
- Board and VIP Ticketing

If interested and qualified, please send resume to hiring@oldtownschool.org.

The Old Town School of Folk Music seeks a part-time teacher available on weekend and weekday mornings for its acclaimed early childhood music program, Wiggleworms®! Classes are for children newborn to 5 years old accompanied by an adult and are taught by one teacher who accompanies themselves on guitar.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance or Music Education preferred.

Minimum of two years of teaching experience with young children in a classroom setting preferred.

Must play guitar 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 preferred.

Proficiency on another instrument preferred.

Fluency in Spanish a plus.

Ability to teach online (OTS will provide a Zoom account) and in person.

Instructor Hourly Pay Rates: Private Lessons - $33/hour, Group Classes - $37/hour

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

Qualified candidates will be invited to audition. If interested and qualified, please apply through our Career Center.

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

Schedule:
Typically 2-3 days per week at various Music Moves community partner sites located in south and west side neighborhoods. Program lengths can vary, although each session is usually 8-10 weeks.

Summary:
The Music Moves Teaching Artist develops and delivers 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:
Afro-Cuban Drumming

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, if applicable.

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/dance 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.

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

If interested and qualified, please send resume to hiring@oldtownschool.org.

The Old Town School of Folk Music is seeking a part-time Capoeira Teaching Artist for its School Partnerships Program.

Schedule: Variable, based on school needs and residency schedules.

Summary: The Capoeira instructor will train with Maestre Marisa Cordeiro at artist-in-residence schools. Once the capoeira instructor has enough experience and hours in the classroom, they move up to instructing/teaching on their own.

Duties:

Learn classroom management and teaching in a Chicago Public Schools (CPS) environment with a large group of students (approximately 25-30)

Help to implement a sequenced and developmentally appropriate curriculum to meet the goals and desired outcomes of the program in coordination with the School Partnerships Manager and teaching artist

Build relationships with students and classroom teachers. Partner with classroom teacher on curriculum, program activities, etc.

Maintain a collaborative relationship with CPS school, curriculum coordinators, and OTS teaching artist

Prepare students for end-of-session performance

Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in related area or equivalent work experience

Successful candidates must be motivated, collaborative, responsive and committed to youth

Background in teaching Capoeira including but not limited to conga playing, singing, and movement required

Must have at least one year of experience teaching Capoeira

Able to easily work history and social context into instrument instruction

Working knowledge of Spanish/English desired

Experience with administrative/organizational tasks including scheduling, tracking activities and reporting is helpful

Proficient in Google suite.

Instructor Hourly Pay Rates: $60/hour teaching rate and $20/hour training rate

If interested and qualified, please submit a resume to hiring@oldtownschool.org.

The Old Town School of Folk Music seeks an experienced and enthusiastic instructor for its adult dance programs.

Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Dance or related area preferred. Three years of experience teaching at least two forms of beginning through advanced Latin dance is preferred.

Training in or willingness to learn Social Emotional Learning based pedagogy and up to date teaching practices required. Candidates should have experience with choreography, technique as well as ensuring safe movements during classes. Training in other dance forms such as musical theatre, modern, ballet, and/or hip hop is a plus. Prior experience as a performer is helpful. Experience teaching youth students a plus. Must be able to clearly communicate with students and parents. Certifications like YPAD, RWID or another movement discipline are a plus.

Ability to teach at Lincoln Park and Lincoln Square locations strongly preferred. Evening and weekend (daytime) availability is required.

Group class rate: $37/hour
Discounts at the School and some voluntary benefits are available for part-time employees.

If interested and qualified, please send resume to hiring@oldtownschool.org.

The Old Town School of Folk Music seeks an experienced and enthusiastic hip hop and breakdancing instructor for adult and children's dance programs.

Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Dance or related area preferred. Three years of experience teaching beginning through advanced hip hop and breakdancing to adults and children is preferred.

Training in or willingness to learn Social Emotional Learning based pedagogy and up to date teaching practices required. Candidates should have experience with choreography, technique as well as ensuring safe movements during classes. Training in other dance forms such as musical theatre, modern, and/or ballet is a plus. Prior experience as a performer is helpful. Must be able to clearly communicate with students and parents. Certifications like YPAD, RWID or another movement discipline are a plus.

Ability to teach at Lincoln Park and Lincoln Square locations strongly preferred. Evening and weekend (daytime) availability is required.

Group class rate: $37/hour
Discounts at the School and some voluntary benefits are available for part-time employees.

If interested and qualified, please send resume to hiring@oldtownschool.org.

The Old Town School of Folk Music seeks an experienced and enthusiastic substitute instructor for adult and children's dance programs.

Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Dance or related area preferred. Three years of experience teaching beginning through advanced students in multiple disciplines of dance to adults and children is preferred.

Training in or willingness to learn Social Emotional Learning based pedagogy and up to date teaching practices required. Candidates should have experience with choreography, technique as well as ensuring safe movements during classes. Training in at least three forms such as musical theatre, modern, ballet, and/or hip hop is required. Prior experience as a performer is helpful. Must be able to clearly communicate with students and parents. Certifications like YPAD, RWID or another movement discipline are a plus.

Ability to teach at Lincoln Park and Lincoln Square locations strongly preferred. Evening and weekend (daytime) availability is required.

Group class rate: $37/hour
Discounts at the School and some voluntary benefits are available for part-time employees.

If interested and qualified, please send resume to hiring@oldtownschool.org.

The Old Town School of Folk Music is seeking a part-time Latin Percussion Teaching Artist for its School Partnerships Program.

Schedule: Variable, based on school needs and residency schedules.

Summary: The Latin Percussion Teaching Artist develops and delivers Latin Percussion programming to 3rd-12th graders at CPS schools.

Examples of duties:

Designs and implements a sequenced and developmentally appropriate curriculum to meet the goals and desired outcomes of the program in coordination with the School Partnerships Manager.

Builds relationships with students, classroom teachers, and school administration.

Works with the School Partnerships Program Manager to communicate the vision and impact of the program for funding purposes.

Maintains a collaborative relationship with CPS school and curriculum coordinators.

Prepares students for end-of-session performance.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience.

Successful candidates must be motivated, collaborative, responsive and committed to youth.

Background in playing and teaching Latin Percussion including but not limited to congas, bongos, bomba, chekere, cajon, etc.

Must have at least one year of experience teaching Latin Percussion in a large classroom setting.

Able to easily work history and social context into instrument instruction.

Working knowledge of Spanish/English required. Fluency in Spanish highly preferred.

Experience with administrative/organizational tasks including scheduling, tracking activities and reporting is helpful.

Proficient in Google suite.

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

If interested and qualified, please send resume to hiring@oldtownschool.org.

The Old Town School of Folk Music seeks part-time piano teachers to teach group classes for children at its Lincoln Square and Lincoln Park locations.

Skills/Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Music Education or Performance preferred

Minimum two years of teaching experience preferred

Experience teaching private piano lessons and/or group classes preferred

High level of musicianship and personal responsibility

Must enjoy working with young children and have experience working with children ages 4 - 12

Bilingual in Spanish helpful

Must be able to work after school hours during the week

Must be able to work weekends

Instructor Hourly Pay Rates: Group Classes - $37/hour

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

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

The Old Town School of Folk Music seeks part-time voice teachers to teach private lessons and group classes at the Armitage and Lincoln Square locations.

Skills/Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Music Education or Music Performance preferred

Minimum two years of teaching experience preferred

Experience teaching private voice lessons and group classes preferred

High level of musicianship and personal responsibility

Ability to teach beginning through advanced levels required

Experience teaching children and adults preferred

Candidate with a knowledge of diverse vocal repertoire preferred

Ability to teach online (Old Town School provides a Zoom account for online teaching) and in person at our multiple locations

Multi-instrumentalist a plus

Instructor Hourly Pay Rates: Group Classes - $37/hour, Private Lessons - $33/hour

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

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

The Old Town School of Folk Music seeks reliable part-time and full-time maintenance workers/custodians to maintain our buildings and facilities.

Key Duties:

Cleaning and sanitizing classrooms, common areas, restrooms and other areas in accordance with OTS protocols.

Mopping, dusting and sweeping.

Emptying trash and moving to outside dumpsters.

Returning equipment, supplies, and furniture to appropriate locations prior to the start of the business day.

Adhering to all cleaning, sanitizing and safety protocols.

Providing assistance and customer service to community members where appropriate.

May provide maintenance support for concerts or special events.

May work on outside maintenance, shoveling snow, spreading salt, etc.

May perform minor repairs to facilities and equipment.

May need to work at multiple locations on the north side of Chicago.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Must be capable of basic physical labor such as mopping, sweeping, and hauling trash. Ability to work unsupervised and complete set tasks in the time allowed. One year of experience in a similar role preferred. Understanding of basic cleaning, sanitizing and safety protocols required. Ability to work in multiple locations and on weekends required. Basic mechanical and repair skills preferred.

Physical Requirements: Reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling, lifting objects up to 50 pounds, standing, walking, climbing, grasping, feeling, and visual acuity. This work may include exposure to strong smells such as paint and thinners and exposure to hot and cold temperatures.

Shifts: FT position - Wednesday to Sunday from 4PM to midnight
PT position - Friday to Sunday from 6 AM to 2 PM

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

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

The Old Town School of Folk Music seeks a part-time House/Stage Manager to manage facilities, volunteers, and attendees from beginning to end of shows. Duties may vary from night to night. May serve as Stage Manager for events as assigned, including preparations, supervision and troubleshooting during the event as well as wrapping up afterwards.

Examples of Duties:

Oversee facility preparation, including hall, lobby, dressing room(s), and any unique advance requests or needs

Manage volunteers, including check in, assignments, and distribution of any equipment or materials. Check in with Head Volunteer throughout event.

May be responsible for cash handling and tracking

Help sell tickets and troubleshoot box office as needed

Prepare building for closing after event

May greet artists at load in and help with set up, general hospitality and parking

Keep event running on time, check guest lists and handle other needs

May act as emcee for the event

May be responsible for ensuring appropriate payment to artists and engineers

Qualifications:

Event production experience required

Must have strong interpersonal, leadership and communication skills

The abilities to think on one's feet, to be decisive and adapt to change are essential

Must be available to work a minimum of four shifts per month of five to seven hours at a time

Must be able to work night and weekend hours

Must be able to use stairs and lift 30 lbs.

Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers preferred

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

If interested and qualified, please send resume to hiring@oldtownschool.org.