Program Director

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Program Director is responsible for bringing the mission of Seattle JazzED to life by leading the design, delivery, and evaluation of inclusive, high-quality music education programs. This key leadership role will shape the future of our offerings to ensure they are mission-aligned, financially sustainable, and culturally responsive. Working closely with the Executive Director, the Program Director will lead a small team to deliver a robust mix of programs—including a revenue-generating summer session, expanded academic year enrollment, and satellite site offerings.

ABOUT SEATTLE JAZZED

Seattle JazzED believes that any student who wants to play music should get to play. Building on the legacy and values of jazz, Seattle JazzED increases access to the music room, celebrates student expression, and builds lasting connections rooted in community.

We are a small but mighty team working closely together to provide high quality jazz music education to everyone, regardless of their musical ability or their ability to pay. We do this through programming offered on a pay-what-you-can model as well as maintaining an instrument lending library to provide instruments and supplies for any who needs them.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY 

Seattle JazzED believes that achievement of our core mission - to provide ALL students with exceptional music education - requires an organization-wide commitment to dismantle systemic racism, sexism, and economic inequality by keeping issues of equity centered in our work. We strive to understand, support, and reflect the communities that we serve. We are committed to teaching students as they come to us.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE

This position combines the roles of music education visionary, operational strategist, and collaborative team leader. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into practical plans. You understand both the creative and logistical sides of running inclusive music programs and instinctively build partnerships that multiply impact. You thrive in a dynamic small nonprofit environment and wear multiple hats with ease, bringing a balance of vision and execution, know how to manage budgets and people, and are ready to roll up your sleeves to build something lasting. You’re not just here to run programs; you’re here to help lead the organization forward.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Strategy & Design

• Develop and lead a program strategy that builds on JazzED’s legacy of making music accessible and supporting local musicians.
• Oversee the design, execution, and evaluation of all music program offerings, including academic year classes and robust summer programs, ensuring they are financially sustainable and aligned with our mission and community needs.
• Grow enrollment and expand program locations in alignment with the organization’s strategic plan.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise and mentor a team of 4–5 staff, including program managers, coordinators, and assistants.
• Lead and support staff development by clarifying roles, setting expectations, and fostering a culture of shared ownership and accountability.
• Serve as a thought partner to the Executive Director through weekly strategy sessions and organizational planning.
• Champion JazzED’s commitment to anti-racism, equity, and inclusive practices across all aspects of programming and team culture.

Budgeting & Operations

• Lead program budgeting, including cost analysis, tuition setting, and revenue monitoring.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to adjust forecasts and manage expenses as needed.
• Ensure a high-quality experience for families participating in JazzED programs, from registration through program completion.
• Design program structures, standard operating procedures, and staffing plans that promote consistency, efficiency, and scalability.

Community Engagement

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with local music educators, teaching artists, and community partners.
• Lead efforts to re-establish school partnerships and launch new collaborative initiatives.
• Represent JazzED at educational conferences and community events to promote the organization’s mission and programs.
• Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders in area schools to increase visibility, strengthen the student pipeline, and support program growth.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree, in music education or a related field preferred.
• 5–7 years of experience in nonprofit or education program management, ideally as a band director or music program leader.
• At least 2 years of supervisory experience or demonstrated leadership in team management, with experience managing and mentoring early-career staff preferred.
• Proven ability to design, implement, and evaluate education programs, particularly in school settings using data to inform decisions and improvements.
• Experience managing program budgets, setting tuition structures, and monitoring revenue.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills; able to prioritize and balance multiple work streams with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve, comfort with ambiguity, and a willingness to adapt and iterate
• Clear, empathetic communicator with strong collaboration skills.
• Committed to fostering inclusive, anti-racist practices and joyful team culture.
• Comfortable working in a hybrid environment and proficient with Microsoft tools (Excel, SharePoint, Teams).
• Washington resident, legally authorized to work in the U.S. and able to pass a background check upon hire.

We know that great candidates come from a variety of backgrounds. If you know your background and experience are a good fit for this position, but don’t meet every qualification listed, we still encourage you to apply. We value strategic thinking, innovative problem-solving, and collaborative instincts. We’re eager to hear how your unique experiences could contribute to our team.

Our office is located in South Lake Union, with staff working in-person at least two days a week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Our flexible hybrid culture supports staff in balancing personal and professional commitments. This role requires occasional evening and weekend work for meetings and events and may include occasional travel outside of King County.

• 100% of medical, vision, and dental premiums paid by employer
• Employer sponsored SIMPLE IRA with up to 3% employer matching contribution
• Generous time off: 15 days of paid vacation, paid holidays, one week in mid-June, one week between Christmas and New Years, and your birthday off
• 6 days sick leave
• Hybrid work schedule and flex time policy
• Employee ORCA Card Transit Pass 
• Professional development opportunities and stipends