Director of Programs
Who We Are
Riverside Arts Academy (RAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Riverside, California, dedicated to providing access to high-quality music education. Through partnerships with more than a dozen school sites and community centers across the Greater Riverside area, RAA offers free and low-cost instruction to over 500 students from 2nd to 12th grade. Our students participate in diverse ensembles, including orchestra, Mariachi, choir band, and guitar. RAA is a proud member of El Sistema USA.
Position Overview
The Director of Programs is a senior leadership role responsible for directing, designing, and evaluating RAA’s educational programs. This individual will manage faculty affairs, student engagement, curriculum development, internal program research, and institutional partnerships to ensure alignment with the organization’s mission. We’re looking for a passionate leader with significant experience in K-12 music education who is ready to make a lasting impact in our community.
Position Type: Full-time, Exempt
Compensation: $85,000-$87,500/year
Benefits: Health insurance, 12 days paid vacation, 12 paid company holidays
Reports to: Executive & Artistic Director
Priority Deadline: April 25, 2025 or until the position is filled
Projected Start Date: Flexible, May 2025 preferred
Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Administration
- Direct and design all educational programs, ensuring they meet high artistic and pedagogical standards.
- Develop and implement curricula that support student growth and engagement.
- Collaborate with Operations, Finance & Administration, Philanthropy, and other departments to meet organizational objectives.
- Implement qualitative and quantitative evaluation metrics to assess program impact.
Faculty & Student Affairs
- Supervise and support RAA faculty (presently 12 teaching artists across orchestra, Mariachi, band, choir, and guitar).
- Lead faculty recruitment and professional development initiatives.
- Cultivate a positive, collaborative, and equitable learning environment, providing mentorship and support for students and faculty.
- Lead student recruitment to increase program participation and retention.
- Teach and or/substitute teach music classes as needed, demonstrating excellence as a music educator in group-based settings.
Community Engagement
- Build relationships with students, families, and community stakeholders to strengthen program impact.
- Develop RAA’s relationships with key educational partners.
- Represent RAA at community events, conferences, and other engagements as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Music Performance, or a related field (Master’s preferred). Equivalent work experience may substitute for a degree.
- 5+ years experience teaching music in an ensemble/group setting (i.e. orchestra, Mariachi, band, choir, etc.)
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to excel in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
- Passion for equity-based arts education and a strong alignment with RAA’s mission.
- Successful completion of RAA’s onboarding process, which includes, but is not limited to, a Live Scan background check.
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years experience in leadership positions in music education, including senior leadership, curriculum development, and/or faculty oversight.
- Demonstrated experience managing part-time faculty
- Written and/or spoken proficiency in Spanish
- Expertise in elementary music education (e.g. Kodály, Orff, etc.)
- Experience with El Sistema-inspired organizations
Work Environment & Schedule
- Primarily in-person at RAA’s Riverside, CA location, with some hybrid flexibility for administrative duties.
- Some evenings and weekends may be required for rehearsals, performances, events, and faculty meetings.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply via Indeed and submit a resume, cover letter, and three references. Applications missing any of these components will not be considered.
If you encounter technical difficulties, please contact adam@riversideartsacademy.com
RAA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.