Wisconsin Conservatory of Music

The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music is the largest non-profit community music school in the state. Founded in 1899, the Conservatory provides musical experiences to students from age four months through senior citizen, to all levels of abilities, working to develop creative, artistic, and whole individuals. The Conservatory annually reaches over 17,000 individuals across southeast Wisconsin through individual lessons class, and our community music education program Conservatory Connections. This program is the primary tool used by the Conservatory to reach underserved populations in southeastern Wisconsin. Many of these students would not have music instruction without Conservatory faculty serving in this position.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The city, the largest metropolitan area in Wisconsin, overlooks beautiful Lake Michigan. Containing a rich cultural heritage, Milwaukee is filled with attractions such as the Summerfest (The World’s Largest Music Festival) Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Milwaukee Repertory Theater, and a highly active festival season in the summer and fall. It is a thriving and growing metropolitan region, ranked in the Top 50 Best Places to Live by USNews.com.

The Vice President of Education is responsible for supervising and overseeing all aspects of the Education Department including staff, strategy, and budgets while managing their implementation. The Vice President is responsible for developing annual and long-term education strategies, contract services, and community partnerships with the President. Supervisory duties include advising, evaluating and directing education staff. The Executive Vice President reports to the President/CEO. This individual must show exceptional maturity and leadership and an ability to effectively communicate and follow the mission of the Conservatory and the policies of the President and Board of Directors.

The duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Commitment to the Conservatory’s mission: Inspiring Individuals and Communities through Exceptional Music Making Accessible to all.

• Practice and uphold the Conservatory’s values of:
  • Excellence
  • Inclusion
  • Empathy
  • Integrity

• Supervise the Education Department.

• Manage direct reports, including but not limited to: Director of Community Partnerships and Director of Education and others as assigned.

• Evaluate, advise and mentor Education Department staff & faculty.

• Interview and recommend hiring of new faculty and staff for the President’s approval.

• Attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and its associated committees as assigned by the President.

• Create and oversee strategic education programs that are engaging, efficient, and effective with the President.

• Lead the organization’s programmatic strategies.

• Working with the COO, create and submit departmental budgets.

• Create metrics and targets which drive earned revenue to WCM.

• Negotiate programmatic contracts as needed.

• Work with Director of Community Partnerships to strategize on tours for prospective contract efforts.

• Communicate with Development Department regarding programmatic vision and funding needs.

• Represent the Conservatory at local and national conventions including but not limited to the National Guild of Community Arts Education.

• Attendance at specified evening and weekend performances and events will be required.

• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENTIAL EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in music, music education or pedagogy.
• 10+ years of program administration experience and a strong background in teaching music in classroom and studio settings

The successful candidate in the position will have the following attributes:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Team oriented, desire to work with others to create a beautiful music learning environment and administrative experience.
• Willingness to learn new skills.
• Openness to working a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends for educational programing and events.
• Demonstrated program development and growth.

The following are nice to have but not required:

• Bilingual in Spanish to assist in direct communication with partners and Conservatory families
• Familiarity with procurement and vendor processes.

As this position works directly with faculty in schools and at Conservatory locations this position requires in-person work.