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Employment Opportunities

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.

Director of Education

Director of Education

Salary Range:
$100,000.00 To $120,000.00 Annually

Summary: The Old Town School of Folk Music is seeking an experienced leader to serve as Director of Education. The Director is responsible for ensuring the growth and smooth operation of high-quality programs across OTS' tuition-based offerings, deepening Old Town School's engagement with our current students and broadening the School's reach to new audiences. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director will lead 5 administrators and more than 200 part-time faculty members. The Old Town School of Folk Music's Education department encompasses in-person and online group classes, private lessons and workshops offered by the school.

Schedule: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week

Location: Lincoln Square and Lincoln Park

Responsibilities:

  • Provide leadership that aligns with the Mission, Vision, Values, and Priorities of the school.
  • Draft and execute plans that ensure the achievement of organizational and department goals and priorities.
  • Oversee the work of program managers and teaching artists.
  • Oversee and manage departmental projects.
  • Develop, monitor, and manage the department budget.
  • Monitor department performance indicators and identify adjustments and strategies as necessary to ensure continued growth and improvement.
  • Update, change or enhance the course curricula as needed.
  • Serve as a spokesperson in appropriate groups, events, and other relevant settings.
  • Oversee and manage the department calendar.
  • Oversee department events.
  • Oversee the work of, and facilitate working groups (committees).
  • Ensure consistency within the department and in alignment with the organization.
  • Collaborate with department leadership on organizational priorities and projects.
  • Engage in the OTS community, and adapt best practices from across the arts instruction field.


    Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in related area or equivalent work experience required. Advanced degree a plus.
  • A minimum of five years of management and supervisory experience in an arts education organization required
  • Experience managing and growing education programs.
  • Experience managing a departmental budget.

    Additional Qualifications:

  • Experience operating and developing music and dance programs
  • Experience teaching music or dance
  • Ability to build and develop relationships
  • A clear and thoughtful communicator
  • A champion of teaching and learning in the folk tradition
  • Adept with current web applications
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends as needed
  • Ability to travel to program locations as needed
  • Experience leading diversity, equity and inclusion efforts
  • Experience leading in a union environment is a plus
  • Bilingual Spanish/English a plus

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

  • Zumba Dance Instructor (PT)

    Zumba Dance Instructor (PT)

    The Old Town School of Folk Music seeks a part-time Zumba dance instructor to teach classes at its Lincoln Square and Lincoln Park locations.

    Key Duties:

  • Lead engaging and energetic Zumba classes for students of all ages and skill levels, ensuring a fun and safe environment.
  • Develop and implement lesson plans that cater to beginners through advanced students, incorporating a variety of dance styles and fitness routines.
  • Foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, encouraging student participation and progress.
  • Embrace and promote diversity in the classroom by incorporating a wide range of musical genres and dance styles, and by being sensitive to the cultural backgrounds and needs of all students.

    Skills/Qualifications:

  • Licensed Zumba Instructor (ZIN)
  • Minimum two years of teaching experience preferred
  • Experience teaching Zumba classes preferred
  • High level of dance technique and personal responsibility
  • Ability to teach beginners through advanced levels required
  • Ability to teach students of all ages, from young children to adults
  • Knowledge of diverse dance styles and fitness routines preferred
  • Ability to teach online a plus
  • Must be able to work weekends.

    Teaching rate: $37/hour for group classes

    What We Offer:
    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.

  • Pilates Instructor (PT)

    Pilates Instructor (PT)

    Summary: The Old Town School of Folk Music seeks a part-time Pilates instructor to teach group classes at its Lincoln Square location.

    Schedule: Weekends, 1-3 hours per week

    Location: Lincoln Square

    Duties:

  • Develop and implement engaging lesson plans that cater to various skill levels, ensuring safe and supportive environments for all participants.
  • Monitor and assess individual students progress, providing personalized feedback and adjustments to improve technique and performance.

    Qualifications:

  • Certified Pilates Instructor
  • Minimum two years of teaching experience preferred
  • Experience teaching Pilates classes preferred
  • High level of technique and personal responsibility
  • Ability to teach beginners through advanced levels required
  • Ability to teach students of all ages, from young children to adults
  • Knowledge of diverse fitness routines and body conditioning techniques preferred
  • Ability to teach online a plus
  • Must be able to work weekends

    Instructor Hourly Pay Rate: $37/hour

    What We Offer:

  • 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.

  • Summer Camp Counselor (Seasonal)

    Summer Camp Counselor (Seasonal)

    Summary: The Old Town School of Folk Music is seeking passionate, creative, fun and responsible day camp counselors to supervise, lead, and plan engaging activities for 6-11 year olds while ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for campers to thrive. Counselors will be required to attend several paid training days in June and must commit to the entire duration of the camp.

    Location: Lincoln Square

    Duties:

  • Responsible for oversight and safety of assigned campers during indoor and outdoor activities and while on field trips.
  • Responsible for coordinating daily activities (such as crafts, games, special events, etc.)
  • Regularly support teachers and classes.
  • Assist in the set-up and break-down of camp daily.
  • Follow the direction of the Program Manager and Camp Manager.
  • Treat families, campers, and coworkers with respect and enthusiasm every day.
  • Arrive at camp energized and ready to initiate daily activities (such as crafts, games, and special events).

    Qualifications:

  • Prior experience working with children in a camp setting preferred.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must be available to work 23-40 hours per week between 7AM and 6PM, Monday through Friday. Shift work may be available.


    Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to actively engage with children at floor level.
  • Participate in physical education activities, including running, jumping, and movement based games.
  • Lift and transport camo equipment (up to approximately 20 Ibs.) as needed.
  • Engage in outdoor activities in various weather conditions.


    This position is strictly seasonal.


    Compensation: $18.15/hour


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

  • 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.