Education & Outreach Specialist

About the VSO

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Founded in 1919, the VSO is the third largest symphony orchestra in Canada, and the largest performing arts organization in Western Canada. The VSO creates, curates, and connects irresistible musical experiences—performing 150+ concerts annually in its home, the Orpheum Theatre, as well as numerous venues throughout Metro Vancouver, and online. The VSO is one of a handful of orchestras worldwide that has its own music school: the VSO School of Music. The organization delivers extensive education programs reaching more than 50,000 young people annually, and community engagement initiatives that reach a further 100,000+ people. Maestro Otto Tausk is the VSO’s Music Director and the Artistic Advisor of the VSO School of Music.

About the VSO School of Music

VSO School of Music, founded in 2010, is a 25,000 square foot state of-the-art music school located adjacent to the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Vancouver. With a mission to enrich lives through the joy of learning, playing and performing the world’s great music, the VSO SoM develops experiences that are accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, playing level or economic circumstances; and by nurturing creative and engaged members of society through achievement in the musical arts. With a roster of over 1900 students, the School is proud to offer individual or group instruction by members of the Vancouver Symphony and other high-quality music educators.

The school also features a performance theatre (Pyatt Hall) and Reception space which sees a wide range of arts, entertainment, and corporate groups utilizing the space for performances, recordings, and special events.

Job Description: Education & Outreach Specialist

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra is seeking a passionate and highly organized Education & Outreach Specialist to help lead and expand the organization's education and community engagement programs. This role plays a vital part in connecting audiences of all ages with the power of music and supporting the growth of the VSO's educational initiatives throughout British Columbia.

The Education & Outreach Specialist actively contributes to the strategic leadership, planning, implementation, evaluation, and continued growth of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra's Education and Outreach portfolio. The role oversees Elementary School Concerts, Symphonic Encounters, Jean Coulthard Readings & Mentorship Program, VSO Connects, workshops, masterclasses, and outreach initiatives throughout British Columbia. Reporting to the Vice

President, VSO Education & School of Music, the Junior Director supervises a small team and works collaboratively across the organization to ensure high-quality educational and community engagement experiences.

Reports To: Vice President, VSO Education & School of Music

Direct Reports: Education Officer

Education & Outreach Portfolio Leadership

• Provide operational oversight and strategic input for all VSO Education and Outreach programs.
• Develop annual program plans, goals, performance measures, and growth strategies.
• Monitor program effectiveness and implement continuous improvements.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, growth, and increased accessibility.

Educational Concert Programs

• Lead Elementary School Concerts and Symphonic Encounters.
• Collaborate with conductors, musicians, guest artists, and educators.
• Oversee registration, communications, educational resources, and logistics.
• Increase participation and educational impact.

Jean Coulthard Readings & Mentorship Program

• Lead planning and delivery of the program.
• Oversee recruitment, adjudication, mentor engagement, rehearsals, and readings.
• Support emerging composers and strengthen educational partnerships.

VSO Connects & Community Outreach

• Lead VSO Connects and community engagement initiatives.
• Develop partnerships with schools, districts, Indigenous communities, and community organizations.
• Expand access to music education across diverse communities.

Workshops, Masterclasses & Special Projects

• Oversee workshops, masterclasses, artist residencies, and outreach programs.
• Develop new educational initiatives aligned with VSO strategic priorities.

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Directly supervise and mentor Education & Outreach team members.
• Establish work plans, monitor progress, and support professional development.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture.

Curriculum, Content & Resource Development

• Oversee teacher resources, study guides, lesson plans, and educational materials.
• Support development of innovative and digital learning resources.

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain relationships with educators, funders, community partners, and arts organizations.
• Represent the VSO at meetings, conferences, and public events, as required.

Budget Management, Reporting & Administration

• Develop and manage annual program budgets.
• Track outcomes, participation data, and program impact.
• Prepare reports for funders, sponsors, and internal stakeholders.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Music Education, Music Performance, Arts Administration, Education, or related field.
• 5-7 years of progressive experience in arts education, community engagement, or nonprofit leadership.
• Previous supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong project management, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and community engagement.

Renumeration

We offer a competitive annual salary of $68,000 - $71,000, commensurate with experience, along with:

• 4 weeks of paid vacation
• Extended health and dental benefits
• A supportive and collaborative work environment

What it’s like to work here

The VSO and the VSO School of Music offer a fast-paced, creative, and strategically minded workplace environment. We are a group of music-loving arts administrators, with a passion for the performing arts, combined with business acumen, personnel management, and leadership, in a strong and collaborative environment. We are proud of the VSO’s legacy in musical excellence and are working towards growing our reputation as a world-class orchestra, with state-of-the-art teaching facilities, outreach programs, as well as a community of engaged, philanthropic fans.

The VSO and VSO School of Music offer hybrid working models, though given that we work in live performing events, we know that some evening and weekend work will be required on site.

The VSO and the VSO School of Music value diverse perspectives, experiences and cultures and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We encourage applications for this position from members of all groups experiencing barriers to equity.

Benefits

The VSO and the VSOSoM offer a flexible work environment, extended medical benefits available to full time employees, and other incentives and perks.

To Apply

Interested candidates are invited to email their resume and cover letter combined into one document to employment@vancouversymphony.ca

Please include “Education & Outreach Specialist” in the subject line.

The VSO and the VSOSoM thanks all applicants for their interest, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Application deadline

• Open Until Filled