Position: Program Manager (includes Drumlines and Musicopia String Orchestras)
Reports To: Senior Director of Programming
FLSA Status: Full-time (40 hours), non-exempt, salaried + benefits
Direct Reports: None
Work Environment: Hybrid. Virtual/remote administrative work. Visits to school and community programs as assigned. Some weekend work required for concerts and special events.
Mission and Background
Musicopia's mission is to inspire, educate, and connect children, youth, and their extended communities
through collaborative music and dance experiences. Musicopia envisions shaping and empowering the next
generation through equitable access to the arts: cultivating lifelong creative expression, confidence,
collaboration, multicultural understanding, and joy.
This will be guided and informed by our belief in and commitment to our values, which are to:
- Provide pathways to the arts
- Inspire learning through the arts
- Champion cultural and human diversity
- Promote the development of self-efficacy
- Create environments of mutual respect, well-being, and belonging
- Support participants in finding safe spaces for self-expression
- Enrich the communities in which our participants live and thrive
As of January 1, 2026, Musicopia and long-time affiliate Musicopia Dance (formerly Dancing Classrooms Philly)
merged with Musicopia Inc as the surviving entity. This strategic merger brings to the forefront the importance
of dance to youth development, while continuing to champion the power of music.
Musicopia Drumlines is a free, after-school percussion program serving middle and high school students
throughout the Philadelphia region. Founded in 2008, Drumlines provides students with consistent access to
high-quality music instruction, instruments, and ensemble-based learning. Students participate in a minimum
of twice weekly rehearsals led by professional teaching artists, develop musicianship and leadership skills, and
perform regularly at school and community events. The program emphasizes teamwork, discipline, cultural
expression, and student engagement through percussion-based music making.
The Musicopia String Orchestras (MSO) program is an out-of-school orchestra program for Philadelphia
students ages 7-18. Supplemental activities include intensive chamber coaching for advanced students, group
lessons, performance opportunities, and collaborations with guest composers and performers. MSO rehearses
weekly during the academic year after school, with performances and concerts scheduled throughout the year
Learn more about Musicopia’s work and impact at www.musicopia.net.
Position Description
The Program Manager position, which includes Drumlines and Musicopia String Orchestra management,
oversees the day-to-day management and execution of these Drumlines programs, provides in-school and
afterschool programming support, and provides data and reporting support for grant-funded programs. This
role ensures high-quality program delivery and reporting through strong coordination with teaching artists,
schools, families, transportation partners, and internal departments.
The Program Manager exercises independent judgment in program operations while aligning with
organizational strategy, policies, and goals set by senior leadership. This position plays a critical role in
maintaining program quality, strengthening partnerships, supporting continuous improvement, and ensuring
accurate reporting.
Key Responsibilities:
Drumlines
- Oversee accurate data entry and maintenance in Salesforce and related systems.
- Ensure Teaching Artists have current clearances and agreements.
- Maintain student enrollment, rosters, and retention/demographic data.
- Coordinate instrument and supply acquisition and inventory management.
- Coordinate transportation for students and teaching artists for performances and special events
- Attend community performances, clinician workshops and performances.
Afterschool and Community Based Programs
- Serve as the primary liaison for afterschool programs.
- Coordinate schedules, logistics, and communication with school partners to support effective implementation.
- Book programs and/or enter data into Salesforce as assigned by Senior Director of Programming and Program Director.
- Coordinate C2L-PHL, and other paid participation initiatives.
- Assist with the Walter R. Garrison Arts Leadership Academy as needed.
- Supply media and anecdotes to marketing and fundraising teams for use on social media, newsletters, and grant writing.
- Support the administration of pre- and post-program surveys and assist with data collection related to student participation and outcomes.
- Make personal connections with staff, parents/caregivers, volunteers and donors that will support fundraising and engagement efforts.
- Attend and table at community events as needed
MSO On-Site Rehearsal Coordination
- Set up, breakdown rehearsal chairs, music stands and folders
- Maintain inventory of all supplies and instruments on site; order supplies as needed
- Coordinate instrument needs with Gift of Music Manager and Artistic Director
- Obtain items for weekly student snacks; coordinate snack-time
- Track attendance of students and follow up as appropriate.
- Conduct day-of communications with driver and families that arise regarding Musicopia-arranged transportation
- Welcome students to rehearsal; stay on site until every student has been picked up
- Organize volunteers (Penn mentors, parents, guardians, Sign-Up Genius form)
- Take photos and videos as needed/requested
MSO Registration
- Maintain season schedule of rehearsal, concert, and audition dates
- Process registrations, conduct data entry for student rosters, update and troubleshoot registration form each season
Communications:
- Disseminate new season registration materials, handbook, season schedule, and other relevant information to returning and new families
- Coordinate as needed with Artistic Director on communications to families/students throughout the season
- Update MSO Handbook as needed under supervision of Artistic Director
- Communicate complimentary ticket offers from Philadelphia Orchestra, other partners
MSO Auditions
- Coordinate Fall, Mid-Season, Spring, Seating, and other auditions as needed with Artistic Director, coaches
- Serve as on-site coordinator (proctor) during auditions
- Provide assistance to students / families about the audition process and/or MSO
- Send result e-mails post-audition with registration and other season information. Follow-up as necessary.
- Maintain e-mail list of string teachers for promotion and student recruitment purposes.
Audition promotion:
- Create/update audition flyer and requirements; promote auditions to private and School-based string teachers, SDP, Musicopia e-newsletter, PMAY e-newsletter, etc.
- Secure volunteers to assist if needed for rehearsal Seating Auditions
- Program Data, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Oversee accurate data entry and maintenance for programming in Salesforce and related systems.
- Track enrollment, attendance, and participation trends across Drumlines and afterschool programs.
- Contribute to internal program evaluation and continuous improvement efforts.
- Collect documentation, photos, videos, and anecdotes to support marketing and fundraising.
- Collect program data, receipts, invoices, contracts, and other materials for grant-funded program reporting.
- Collaborate with Programming, External Affairs, Operations, and Finance teams to support program reporting
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in related field, or evidence of progressing career development in administrative duties, required.
- Background in music, music education, or arts education preferred.
- Experience managing or coordinating complex educational or arts programs with multiple constituents.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Self-motivated, organized, and efficient.
- Comfortable with technology (Microsoft Office Suite, online platforms such as Salesforce, Box, Sign Up Genius, Zoom, for example).
- Access to reliable transportation.
Personal/Professional Experience
- Demonstrated experience in program coordination within the arts or education sectors.
- Ability to work independently and remotely with a high level of accountability.
- Familiarity with the administrative and logistical requirements of educational programming.
- Proven ability to balance operational detail with big-picture program goals.
- Commitment to the values inherent in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
- Commitment to social justice and empowering students through the arts.
Please note: This is a three year grant funded position that will likely be renewed, but is not guaranteed.
