Employment

Site: Carver Elementary School and Discovery STEM Academy (DSA) - Newport News, VA
Status: Independent Contractor, Hourly (~18 hours/week)
Term: 8 weeks starting March 2, 2026
Program Year Schedule: 12 hours of programming per week, which includes Mondays and Wednesdays after-school (3:30 pm to 6:30 pm) at Carver and Tuesdays and Thursdays after‑school (3:30 pm to 6:30 pm) at DSA; 1 hour program or admin meeting per week, 1 hour meeting with supervisor per week, and 4 hours of administrative work per week. Must complete mandatory training upon hiring, attend concerts, and participate in other professional development activities as needed.
Reports to: Program Director
Supervises: Teaching Artists, support staff, and volunteers
Compensation: $30.39 per hour, paid twice monthly. This position is paid via 1099 and requires submission of a completed W-9.

How to Apply
Email cover letter, resume, and three professional references to contact@soundscapeshr.org with subject line “Interim Carver & DSA Program Manager – Your Name.” Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. No phone calls, please.

Summary
The Interim Carver & DSA Program Manager oversees all operations of Soundscapes’ after‑school programs at Carver Elementary School and Discovery STEM Academy. This role manages staff, scheduling, daily site logistics, behavior systems, meals/snacks, transportation, family communication, evaluation/data, and event logistics. This is primarily an education program management and operations position; a background in music is welcome, but not required.

Responsibilities
• Staff Management & Culture: Lead a cohesive site team; supervise staff and substitutes; onboard and support volunteers and visiting artists.
• Daily Operations: Direct staff and student schedules, attendance, behavioral referrals, meals/snacks, and communications; ensure smooth daily operations.
• Behavior Systems: Respond to and manage behavior issues consistently and equitably.
• Enrollment & Outreach: Recruit, register, manage waitlists, and backfill openings equitably.
• School Liaison: Serve as primary contact with Carver Elementary School and Discovery STEM Academy administration for space use, calendars, and events.
• Events & Performances: Plan and manage event schedules, meals, volunteer coordination, and equipment logistics.
• Transportation: Coordinate dismissal and transportation with liaison; drive vans when required (training provided).
• Music & Materials Coordination: Oversee distribution of music and materials; manage instrument inventory with simple tracking tools.
• Data & Reporting: Collect and maintain attendance, evaluation, and behavior data; generate reports for Soundscapes and school partners.
• Other Duties: As assigned by the Program Director.

CATS Model Competencies
The CATS Model is a lens through which we view ourselves working within Soundscapes. This “rubric” helps us understand and identify whether a staff member will be a good fit for our team and our mission.
• Citizen: Invested in social change and committed to strengthening the communities Soundscapes serves.
• Artist: Contributes creativity and excellence, bringing a unique voice and perspective to their work.
• Teacher: Communicates clearly, equitably, and with empathy to foster a culture of learning and respect.
• Scholar: Embraces curiosity and reflection, using new ideas and feedback to grow and improve.

Qualifications
Required
• 5+ years in education, youth development, or after‑school program operations.
• Staff supervision, scheduling, and family communication experience.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills; proactive problem‑solver.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace/Microsoft Office; willingness to learn databases.
• Valid driver’s license; available for some evenings/weekends.

Preferred
• Bachelor’s in education, youth development, arts administration, or related field (music background welcome but not required).
• Experience supervising part‑time staff/volunteers.
• Ability to drive a 15‑passenger van/box truck (training provided).
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.

Schedule & Work Conditions
• On‑site during program days (Mon/Weds after school at Carver and Tues/Thurs after school at DSA), with additional planning/admin hours.
• Average 18 hours/week
• Must be able to lift/move up to 25 lbs (instruments, stands, event materials).

Site: Beulah Recreation Center, Chesterfield, VA
Status: Part-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Pay: $35.62/hour, paid semi-monthly
Benefits: Paid time off, employee dental insurance, paid holidays, Simple IRA with employer match
Employment Period: December onboarding, training, and preparation / January–May: M, W, F from 4:00–6:45 PM, plus a weekly meeting. Possible Summer Work Available
Reports To: Program Site Manager and/or Level 1 Supervisor
Start Date: O/a December 1, 2025
Close Date: Until filled

Application Procedure:
To apply, please email a cover letter, résumé/curriculum vitae, and three professional references to calexander@soundscapeshr.org.
NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.

About Soundscapes Daily Programs:
Soundscapes’ Daily Programs use the power of music to transform lives. Through daily ensemble-based learning, students discover their voice, develop confidence, and build the skills that help them thrive both on and off the stage. Inspired by the international El Sistema movement, Soundscapes creates joyful, high-energy learning environments where every child is seen, supported, and challenged to grow.
Since 2009, Soundscapes has partnered with Newport News Public Schools to offer free, high-quality music education for students in grades 1–8. Our programs combine musicianship, creativity, and social-emotional learning in a multi-year continuum that begins with rhythmic play and singing and grows into full orchestral and jazz performance. Students progress through the program using Soundscapes’ unique nine-dimension developmental rubric that tracks growth in musical and character-based skills.
In January 2026, Soundscapes will launch its newest site at the Beulah Recreation Center in Chesterfield County. This exciting expansion marks the first program of its kind in the Richmond area, offering students from nearby elementary schools the chance to experience the joy of making music together. The Beulah site will begin with Level 1, introducing students to singing, rhythm, and instrumental exploration in a dynamic, ensemble-centered setting led by passionate Teaching Artists who believe in the limitless potential of every child.

Position Summary:
The Level 1 Director will play a key role in shaping students’ musical and personal development through engaging, ensemble-based instruction. We seek a passionate and dedicated individual who understands the transformative power of music education and the importance of meeting students where they are.
This position involves teaching vocal/theory and orchestra exploratory classes, building foundational musical and behavioral skills, and fostering creativity through technology, music production, and unique arrangements. The Director will collaborate closely with the Level 1 Supervisor and Site Manager, participating in mentorship sessions and occasional video reviews to refine teaching strategies.
December Schedule: Two or more visits to our Newport News site for onboarding and training.
Regular Schedule (beginning January 2026): M/W/F from 4:00–6:45 PM, plus a weekly one-hour meeting, planning/administrative work, and performances.

Course Areas:
General Music:
Students will internalize music through singing and movement, developing pitch and rhythmic notation skills.

Exploratory Courses:
Bucket Band serves as a platform for routine development and ensemble/team building. It utilizes chants, call-and-response, and popular music to create a vibrant band experience. Customized methodology, keyboards, drum pads, buckets, and other fun musical instruments will keep students engaged.

Recorder:
Students will develop fine motor skills and music-reading skills. Students will also begin learning scales. Starting with the dynamic and versatile D major scale, students will dive into the world of melodies and harmonies. If time permits, we'll explore additional scales.

Violin/Ukulele (may not be done during the pilot phase):
Students will use their previous knowledge to learn the basics of an instrument that may be available when moving to the next level of Soundscapes. This promotes excitement for moving through the program's curriculum.

Responsibilities:
• Prepare age, ability, and school-appropriate songs/works for performance
• Teach general music concepts, aural skills, proper use of voice/instrument, and movement
• Teach proper ensemble etiquette
• Manage snack time
• Manage session transitions
• Assist during bus pick-up
• Attend performances and field trips when required
• Keep a record of student progress
• Communicate student’s progress to parents/guardians
• Attend professional development sessions
• Attend weekly staff meeting
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Requirements:
• Minimum four years experience in instrumental/vocal music pedagogy and performance
• Strong classroom management skills
• Ability to create accompaniments using Ableton Live, MuseScore, or other software or present willingness to learn
• The ability to play piano or guitar well enough to accompany the class is preferred.
• Knowledge of Electronic Instruments (i.e., Drum Pads, MIDI controllers, and Keyboards) is a plus.
• Desire to work within a social change environment
• Ability to interact and communicate clearly with a variety of ages (1st grade to Adults)
• Great interpersonal skills
• Highly Organized
• Self-starter
• Punctual
• Basic knowledge of Google Docs is a plus
• Reliable Transportation is a must.
• Willing to work at multiple sites
• Employment is contingent upon a successful background check
• The finalists will be asked to sing and perform on their principal instrument and teach a short lesson.