Program Administrator: Strings & Keyboard
/ORGANIZATION:
Vancouver Symphony Society
DEADLINE:
September 29, 2025
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
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 School 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 2500 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.
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.
WEBSITE:
http://vsoschoolofmusic.ca/career-opportunities/
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Program Administrator: Strings & Keyboard plays a vital role in supporting the daily operations and growth of these departments at the VSO School of Music. Reporting to the Director of Strings Studies and the Director of Programming, this position also works closely with the Co-Artistic Leads of the Keyboard Department, and Registration and Events teams to ensure programs run smoothly and effectively. This role requires a candidate with excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, a welcoming, people-centered approach, and an enthusiasm for the performing arts. The Program Administrator serves as a key connector between faculty, students, and the wider community.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Coordinate faculty, student, and facility schedules for all Strings and Keyboard group classes, private lessons, workshops, and ensemble programs.
Maintain accurate course and schedule information in the VSO School’s program database.
Assist with registration, inquiries, and student communications.
Support the music library needs for all related ensembles.
Provide on-site administrative support for concerts, recitals, workshops, festivals, camps and events both at the VSO School and off-site venues.
Help coordinate equipment, volunteers, and venue logistics.
Coordinate and produce house program materials for Strings and Keyboard concerts and other events, as required.
Work with faculty and students to gather feedback and improve program experiences.
Collaborate with the VSO School communications team to develop promotional strategies for classes, ensembles, and performances.
Coordinate program-related content, images, and updates for newsletters and social media.
Participate in regular meetings with department heads to monitor enrolment and plan upcoming activities.
Research and support the development of new program initiatives.
Attend meetings related to Strings Studies and Keyboard programs, as well as school-wide staff meetings as requested.
Contribute to school-wide events and special initiatives as part of the broader VSO School administrative team.
Assist in developing relationships with schools, community centres, presenters, and music organizations to promote programs and recruit students.
Contribute to planning and executing outreach performances for student ensembles.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of music education program operations, particularly in Strings and/or Keyboard instrumental studies.
Bachelor's degree in music, with a focus on Strings Studies, Instrumental Performance and/or Music Education. A master's degree in a related field is preferred but not required.
Experience in arts administration, event coordination, or customer service.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and online databases; experience with ActiveNet is an asset.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Clear, empathetic, and professional communication skills.
Team-oriented, with a welcoming and community-building approach.
Flexible availability for occasional evening and weekend events.
Appreciation for live music and arts education.
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to jobs@vsoschoolofmusic.ca with “Program Administrator: Strings & Keyboard” in the subject line.
REMUNERATION:
$25/hour
