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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.

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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.

  • Cafe and Space Rental Manager

    Cafe and Space Rental Manager

    Reports to: Senior Director of Operations
    Supervises: Cafe and event rental staff (3-5 employees)
    This position is exempt from tips.

    Occupational Summary: Manages budget and operations of the Old Town School Cafés, Develops and Manages Space Rentals, acts as event staff and bartender.

    Qualifications: Two years of restaurant or food service management experience required, including beer and wine service. Health and safety certification required. B.A.S.S.E.T. (Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education Training) certification required. Must be at least 21 years old. Basic accounting skills required. 2 years experience with event management and business development. Strong detail orientation and organizational skills required. Ability to work on multiple projects required. Must be able to communicate effectively in verbal and written form. Excellent customer service skills required. Bi-lingual Spanish ability preferred. Must be able to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends.

    Physical Requirements: This work requires the following physical activities: reaching, bending, stooping, lifting, standing, walking, finger dexterity, grasping, feeling, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity. The work is performed primarily indoors in a cafe and venue environment.

    Duties:

    Event Management

  • Develop and manage space rentals for the Old Town School of Folk Music, including promotion of available opportunities
  • Build comprehensive event plans including floorplans, space needs, schedules, etc.
  • Ensure detailed execution of meetings and events, including ensuring set up of events and anticipating potential conflicts
  • Respond to clients' events needs promptly and act as a liaison between OTSFM and client
  • Assists with coordination and execution of major OTSFM events, including Square Roots and Fretboard Summit

    Cafe Management

  • Hires, schedules and supervises café staff.
  • Plans and implements bar menu items and presentation.
  • Maintains inventory and orders supplies.
  • Budgets, manages, and records financial transactions.

    General

  • Maintains health and safety requirements for café, events, and staff.
  • Provides input regarding policy, planning, and improvements.
  • Prepares drinks and acts as staff for events
  • Troubleshoots problems as they arise
  • Communicates effectively with other departments
  • Coordinates seasonal decorations and art installations for the school
  • Other duties as assigned

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

  • Customer Service Associates (PT)

    Customer Service Associates (PT)

    The Old Town School of Folk Music is seeking friendly and detailed part-time Customer Service Associates for Lincoln Square and Armitage locations. Must be available to work evening and weekend hours.

    Responsibilities include registering students, selling tickets to shows, answering phone calls, and providing information to visitors. Customer Service Associates are frequently the first point of contact with whom students, guests and visitors interact.

    Applicants must be responsive, articulate, and willing to pitch in where needed. Three years of customer service experience and proficient computer skills are required. Bilingual Spanish skills are highly desired. The ability to play at least one instrument at an intermediate level is strongly preferred. The capacity to communicate effectively with diplomacy and tact is essential. Problem solving skills and sound judgment are critical as well as well. Must be able to work independently and be accurate when performing transactions (i.e. cash handling, registrations, etc.). An interest in art, dance, theatre, and education is helpful.

    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.

    Piano Instructors for Private Lessons (PT)

    Piano Instructors for Private Lessons (PT)

    The Old Town School of Folk Music seeks part-time piano teachers to teach private lessons 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 preferred
  • High level of musicianship and personal responsibility.
  • Ability to teach beginning through advanced levels required
  • Ability to teach young children through adults
  • Candidate with a knowledge of diverse musical repertoire preferred
  • Multi-instrumentalist and ability to teach online a plus
  • Must be able to work weekends


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

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

  • Zumba Dance Instructor (PT)

    Zumba Dance Instructor (Part-Time)

    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.

    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

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


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

  • BeMoved Dance Instructor (PT)

    BeMoved Dance Instructor (Part-Time)

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

    Skills/Qualifications:

  • Licensed BeMoved Instructor
  • Minimum two years of teaching experience preferred
  • Experience teaching BeMoved 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

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

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

  • Substitute Site Manager (Potential for Part-Time)

    Substitute Site Manager (Potential for Part-Time)

    The Old Town School of Folk Music is seeking a substitute Site Manager to oversee activities and ensure safe operations in OTS buildings. This position has the potential to transition into a part-time role. The Site Manager serves 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.

  • 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.