Program Director - Youth Band and Orchestra

Durham, North Carolina  | 
Durham County

ABOUT KIDZNOTES
Rooted in the El Sistema model, Kidznotes empowers youth through music education, building leadership, confidence, and community through ensemble-based learning. Serving students in grades 1–12, our Mozart and Nucleo programs provide high-quality instruction, performances, and enrichment opportunities throughout the academic year.

Mozart classes (grades 1–2) typically meet twice weekly from 2:30 PM–4:30 PM, while Nucleo programming (grades 3–12) operates Tuesday–Thursday from approximately 4:00 PM–7:30 PM. Programs run from September through May and include rehearsals, performances, leadership opportunities, and community events that support students’ musical, academic, and social-emotional growth.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Program Director provides strategic leadership and oversight for Kidznotes’ music education programs in Durham. This role is responsible for program quality, staff leadership and development, school and district partnerships, program evaluation, and long-term program planning.

The Program Director ensures that Kidznotes programs are mission-aligned, culturally responsive, operationally effective, and positioned for sustainable growth and impact. This position supervises Program staff and works closely with school partners, organizational leadership, and teaching artists to support excellent student outcomes and program consistency.

This is a full-time, exempt position based in Durham, NC. The Program Director reports to the Executive Director.

Kidznotes’ Core Values: Collaboration, Leadership, Excellence, Diversity, and Joy

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Leadership & Quality Oversight

  • Oversee the implementation and quality of Kidznotes music education programs across all program sites.
  • Ensure curriculum, pedagogy, and program standards are consistently implemented.
  • Establish annual program goals, priorities, and strategic initiatives aligned with organizational objectives.
  • Advance culturally responsive sustaining education (CRSE) practices within program culture and operations.
  • Monitor program effectiveness and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Staff Leadership & Development

  • Provide formal supervision, performance management, and annual evaluations for Program Managers and Teaching Artists.
  • Establish clear performance expectations and accountability measures for Program staff.
  • Lead recruitment, onboarding, coaching, professional development, and staff support initiatives.
  • Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven team culture.

School & District Partnerships

  • Maintain high-level relationships with Durham Public Schools and partner schools.
  • Serve as the primary liaison for strategic communication between schools and districts.
  • Collaborate with school leadership to support program alignment, sustainability, and student success.
  • Support enrollment strategy and long-term program growth planning in collaboration with organizational leadership.

Program Evaluation & Reporting

  • Oversee program assessment, evaluation, and documentation processes.
  • Analyze program outcomes and operational trends to inform decision-making.
  • Prepare reports and recommendations for the Executive Director and Board committees.
  • Monitor enrollment trends, retention data, and program outcomes.

Budgeting & Strategic Planning

  • Develop and monitor annual program budgets in collaboration with organizational leadership.
  • Support long-term planning related to staffing, programming, scheduling, and operational priorities.
  • Ensure program resources are aligned with organizational goals and program needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • 4–6 years of experience in arts, music, education, or youth program leadership.
  • Experience supervising staff and leading teams.
  • Strong communication, strategic planning, and relationship-management skills.
  • Experience working with diverse communities and school systems.
  • Commitment to equity, inclusion, and Kidznotes’ mission.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Music, Education, Arts Administration, or related field preferred.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Equity Statement

Kidznotes is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and respectful workplace where all employees and community members are valued and supported. We are an equal opportunity employer and make employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, organizational needs, and mission alignment. Kidznotes does not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

  • We offer a competitive salary range of $60,000-$70,000, commensurate with experience.
  • The benefits package includes health, vision, and dental insurance, retirement plans, and holiday, sick, and vacation time.
  • Offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check.
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