Job Posting: VSO Education Programs Officer
About the VSO s VSO School of Music
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1919 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.
The 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 1900 students, the School is proud to offer individual or group instruction by members of the Vancouver Symphony and other highquality 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.
Position Summary
The Education Programs Officer is a music and education specialist responsible for the delivery and advancement of two of the VSO’s flagship education initiatives: the VSO Connects Program and the Jean Coulthard Readings and Mentorship Program. This role oversees scheduling, curriculum and content development, community engagement, program budgeting, and relationship management with schools, districts, musicians, and community partners.
Working collaboratively with VSO staff, VSO School of Music colleagues, musicians, and external stakeholders, the Education Programs Officer provides essential administrative, production, and programming support across all Education and Community programs. The role plays a key part in shaping high-quality learning experiences, strengthening community connections, and ensuring the successful execution of education initiatives that reach thousands of participants annually.
The Education Programs Officer reports directly to the Director of Education and Community Engagement and the VP, VSO School of Music and Education, contributing to strategic planning, program development, and cross department collaboration.
This is a full-time, on-site position based at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra's offices, commencing on August 15, 2026. The successful candidate will be required to work on-site and will have opportunities for professional growth and meaningful involvement in the artistic and educational initiatives of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. This role offers the chance to contribute to a dynamic organization dedicated to musical excellence, community engagement, and arts education.
Key Responsibilities
· VSO Connects Program Oversight— Schedule, organize, and supervise program activities; work closely with elementary and secondary schools as well as district
partners; attend select school visits and support VSO musicians during their visits; attend sessions with the VSO RBC Conductor-in-Residence; recruit new schools and maintain
relationships with returning schools; support curriculum delivery.
· Jean Coulthard Readings Lead — Deliver all aspects of the program in a timely manner; coordinate participants and schedule activities; support mentor and guest
composer sessions; organize and assist with mentorship components; serve as the primary community-facing representative to recruit students and strengthen program visibility.
· Assist with production and presentation of Elementary School Concerts, Symphonic Encounters, VSO Education workshops and Mentorship programs, professional development events, and community programs; support day-of logistics including working with the City of Vancouver to secure parking permits and managing all on-site needs.
· Support the creation, assessment, and ongoing refinement of learning guides, lesson plans, and pedagogical resources; evaluate and update content for the Jean Coulthard Readings and VSO Connects programs based on participants needs and feedback; develop materials that clearly articulate music-learning objectives and support teachers, students, and program partners.
· Assist with activities integrated with VSO community concerts and initiatives, including Day of Music, Path Forward, Lunar New Year celebrations, the TD Community Concert, and other community engagement plans; support community-building efforts with partners and stakeholders to strengthen visibility, participation, and impact across all programs.
· Serve as an official representative of VSO Education, with a primary focus on the Jean Coulthard Readings and VSO Connects programs while supporting all Education initiatives; prepare program communications and mailouts; contribute to the creation and refinement of newsletter content; ensure consistent, accurate, and engaging messaging across all Education programs.
· Maintain regular communication with Marketing, Development, Production, and other departments to support shared goals; collaborate with Development on stewardship and program development; prepare timely reports for grant requirements and donor stewardship purposes.
· Actively promote VSO Education programs in schools, community settings, and
public-facing events; cultivate strong relationships with educators, students, families, and
partners; represent the VSO with professionalism, warmth, and strong social skills that foster trust, belonging, and community connection.
· Support the responsible management of program budgets by tracking expenses, aligning activities with available resources, and ensuring programs are delivered efficiently and sustainably.
Qualifications & Skills
· Bachelor’s degree or higher in music education or performance.
· Performance experience in orchestral and/or wind band settings.
· Teaching experience in private and group settings.
· Knowledge of orchestral repertoire and pedagogical concepts.
· Ability to multitask and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
· Exceptional organization and communication skills and ability to build relationships with schools, districts, and community partners.
· Ability to work independently and take initiative to move projects forward;
How to Apply:
· Resumes and letters of interest should be emailed to [email protected]
Please indicate Education Programs Officer in the subject line.
· Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
We thank all applicants for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Salary and Benefits:
· $50,000 - $55,000 annually
· The VSO and the VSO School of Music offer a flexible work environment, extended medical benefits available to full time employees, and other incentives and perks.
What it’s like to work here:
The VSO and the VSO School of Music offer a fast-paced, creative, and strategically minded workplace environment. We are a group of music-loving arts administrators, with a passion for the performing arts, combined with business acumen, personnel management, and leadership, in a strong and collaborative environment. We are proud of the VSO’s legacy in musical excellence and are working towards growing our reputation as a world-class orchestra, with state-ofthe-art teaching facilities, outreach programs, as well as a community of engaged, philanthropic fans.
The VSO and VSO School of Music offer hybrid working models, though given that we work in live performing events, we know that some evening and weekend work will be required on site. The VSO and the VSO School of Music value diverse perspectives, experiences and cultures and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We encourage applications for this position
from members of all groups experiencing barriers to equity.
Pay: $50,000.00-$55,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
