Director of Community & Social Impact

Position Title: Director of Community & Social Impact

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

Location: Chicago, IL

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Supervises: Community and Social Impact/Operations staff

About the Organization:

Since 1987, Chicago Sinfonietta has been a bold and innovative force in classical music, championing equity, diversity, and inclusion through exceptional performances and programs. As a professional orchestra, we are committed to transforming lives through symphonic music while reflecting the dynamic diversity of our city and nation.

Position Summary:

The Director of Community & Social Impact is a senior leader responsible for advancing Chicago Sinfonietta’s vision as more than an orchestra — as a catalyst for social change, civic engagement, and cultural inclusion. This role reimagines the traditional “education director” position into one that leverages music’s power to impact Chicago’s communities at large. The programs you build, and implement will need to span generations, engaging children, young adults, families, and older adults through music and community-centered initiatives.

The Director will lead education initiatives, build strategic partnerships, and create innovative programs that align orchestral artistry with the needs of all Chicago neighborhoods, civic life and in- and after-school programs. Central to this work is aligning with the Chicago Public Schools Arts Education Plan (in collaboration with Ingenuity), designing and positioning a Social Impact Institute as a flagship initiative, and strengthening Sinfonietta’s presence as a local and national leader in the arts and social impact. The Director will design and lead programs that reflect a lifelong journey with music, from a child’s first introduction to orchestral sound to continued engagement for adults of all ages.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Education & Civic Alignment
   • Lead Chicago Sinfonietta’s education programs, ensuring alignment with CPS Arts Education Plan and broader district priorities.
   • Build credibility and relationships within CPS by articulating student- and community-level outcomes
   • Develop partnerships with social service organizations, schools/universities, educators, and civic agencies to integrate orchestral music into Chicago’s educational and civic landscape.

1. Social Impact Leadership
   • Bring vision and execution to the design, launch and scaling of a Social Impact Institute that convenes artists, students, educators, and civic leaders to explore the role of music in equity, leadership, and community transformation.
   • Position the Institute as a national model and career defining initiative, with city and nationwide visibility and cross-sector partnerships.
   • Use data, research, and storytelling to measure and communicate the orchestra’s social impact.

1. Strategic Partnerships
   • Cultivate and manage key partnerships across four sectors:
   • Academic: HBCU’s, DePaul, University of Chicago, Columbia College, Northwestern and others.
   • Cultural: Old Town School of Folk Music, Arts Alliance Illinois.
   • Civic: Child Protective Services, Domestic Violence Shelters, Juvenile Detention Centers, Ingenuity, Chicago Public Schools, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE).
   • National: Black Orchestral Network, Sphinx Organization, Gateways Music Festival, New Music USA, American Composers America
   • Leverage partnerships for co-created programming, shared resources, and greater community reach.

1. Organizational Leadership
   • Serve as a key member of the leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy and vision.
   • Collaborate with artistic, development, and marketing teams to integrate education and community impact into the Sinfonietta’s overall brand and mission.
   • Provide supervision and mentorship to interns and participants within the education and community programs.

Fundraising & Resource Development

• • Partner with the Development team to identify and cultivate funders (individuals, foundations, and corporations) who are aligned with the orchestra’s education and social impact mission.
  • Provide strategic input for grant applications and reports by supplying impact data, program design details, and community outcomes.
  • Serve as a visible ambassador to funders, donors, and partners by representing the orchestra at meetings, events, and community convenings.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Development to create compelling narratives and cases for support around education and social impact initiatives.
  • Help shape donor stewardship opportunities, including site visits, program showcases, and communications that highlight the orchestra’s impact.

Experience & Skills:

• • Minimum 7–10 years of experience in arts education, community engagement, social impact, or cultural leadership.
  • Strong understanding of CPS ecosystem and Chicago social justice networks.
  • Demonstrated success in designing and implementing large-scale social impact and educational programs with measurable outcomes.
  • Deep understanding of how arts organizations engage with civic and community across the full spectrum of life stages — from early learners to lifelong learners.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
  • Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and innovation in the arts.

Preferred Knowledge

• Deep knowledge and passion for creating long-lasting community partnership and cultural change.
• Understanding of the local and national Education and Civic Engagement landscape, particularly social impact and equity-centered organizations.
• Financial acumen in budgeting, forecasting and program management.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range for this role is $75,000-$85,000 and considered to be commensurate with experience and competitive within the nonprofit arts sector. Benefits include health insurance, paid vacation and holidays, and professional development support.

To Apply

Qualified candidates should submit a résumé and thoughtful cover letter to sinfoniettahr@quatrrobss.com detailing relevant experience and motivation for applying.

Health insurance, paid vacation and holidays, and professional development support.

English