Vice President of Programs

The Music Institute of Chicago (“MIC”) invites applications for the position of Vice President of Programs.

Download the opportunity guide for this position HERE.

About MIC

Founded in 1931, the Music Institute of Chicago fosters lifelong engagement with music for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Through exceptional teaching, outstanding performance opportunities, and community programming, MIC harnesses the power of music to educate and motivate while providing broad access to high-quality music education.

One of the nation's largest and most respected community music schools, MIC annually serves more than 1,500 students ages 7 months to 91 years from 133 Illinois communities and four states across six campuses. Supported by approximately 130 faculty members, 25+ administrative staff, and an 18-member Board of Trustees, MIC is recognized nationally for its educational excellence, artistic rigor, and commitment to community impact.

MIC's programming includes private instruction, group classes and ensembles, The Academy for highly gifted pre-college musicians, Nichols Concert Hall, and a growing portfolio of community partnerships. The organization operates with an annual budget of approximately $7.5 million, including roughly $2.3 million in contributed revenue, and maintains an endowment of approximately $6.8 million.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the Vice President of Programs will provide strategic leadership for educational programming, enrollment, retention, faculty engagement, and the student and family experience. The VP will oversee a budget of approximately $4.5 million and work closely with faculty and staff to create a more unified MIC experience across campuses, deepen engagement with students and families, and ensure MIC continues to be recognized as a leader in innovative, accessible, and transformative music education.

What We Are Looking For

MIC is seeking an inspiring and collaborative leader who brings both "poetry and plumbing" to their work—the ability to articulate a compelling vision while building the systems, relationships, and accountability necessary to achieve it. The successful candidate will be a skilled communicator, listener, and relationship builder who earns trust through transparency, compassion, collegiality, and follow-through. They will be equally comfortable leading change and partnering in support of a broader institutional vision, while bringing a deep commitment to the transformative power of music education.

The Ideal Candidate Will Bring:

3-5 years of senior leadership experience within a music education or similar educational environment, with community music school experience strongly preferred.

Demonstrated success developing, growing, and evaluating educational programs.

A track record of improving enrollment, retention, and the overall student and family experience.

Proven ability to recruit, mentor, evaluate, and retain high-performing faculty and program leaders.

Strong organizational leadership skills, including managing significant budgets, leading cross-functional teams, and developing systems that improve effectiveness and accountability.

Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.

Professional experience as a performer, music educator, teaching artist, or pedagogue, along with a deep understanding of music education and faculty culture.

Position Details

This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position based in the Chicago area. While the primary administrative offices are located in Evanston, the Vice President is expected to maintain a visible presence across MIC's six campuses and throughout the broader community. Evening and weekend work is required as needed to support programs, events, and institutional priorities.

The salary range is $105,000-$115,000. MIC offers a benefits package that includes generous paid time off, a health insurance plan with an employer contribution, retirement benefits with an employer match, paid holidays, and additional paid time off during the winter holiday season. The anticipated start date is September 2026.

Click here to download the full position profile.

To Apply

MIC has engaged LJN Advisory to partner with them in hiring for this important role. Please email a cover letter and resume by July 24, 2026, to LJN@lornajanenorris.com with "VP of Programs" in the subject line.

Please attach your cover letter and resume as separate PDF files and begin each file name with your last name. Cover letters should be responsive to MIC's mission and the Areas of Focus outlined in the full position profile. Early applications are highly encouraged, and all applications will receive careful consideration.

Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

The Music Institute of Chicago is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of our community. We value diversity of backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives, and we believe these differences strengthen our institution and enrich the educational experience for our students.

MIC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds and experiences to apply.

MIC offers a benefits package that includes generous paid time off, a health insurance plan with an employer contribution, retirement benefits with an employer match, paid holidays, and additional paid time off during the winter holiday season.