Job Description
EPACENTER
Job Description
Director of Music Programs
Organizational Overview
EPACENTER is a vibrant hub for creativity and cultural engagement headquartered in East Palo Alto. We are dedicated to inspiring imagination and activating the creative potential of all who seek greater access to artistic opportunities in San Mateo County. EPACENTER unites individuals of every age through artistic expression, supports career pathways in creative fields, and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of our community.
EPACENTER presents a dynamic range of public programs, including captivating live performances, thought-provoking exhibitions and installations, stimulating lectures, curated film screenings, and spirited community events. Our comprehensive of classes in digital, visual, culinary, and performing arts offers abundant opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and the discovery of lifelong passions. Additionally, fellowship and training programs open doors to rewarding high-wage careers within the creative industries.
Designed as an inviting and accessible 25,000-square-foot space, the EPACENTER building serves as a welcoming gathering spot where people of all abilities can explore their talents, engage with inspiring ideas, and flourish creatively.
Position Overview
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Music Programs leads the artistic and educational vision for music at EPACENTER. The role curates public music programs, develops residencies and master classes, and builds curricula and class content in music for all ages. The Director of Music Programs also develops signature events featuring regional and nationally recognized artists, and manages a Supper Club-style experience on select dates that aligns performances with a fine dining experience. The position carries a revenue goal focused on growing paid attendance to generate earned income from music activities that support free educational programming for residents of the East Palo Alto community and those most in need in San Mateo County.
The Director of Music Programs partners closely with the Director of Program Operations and Production to align ambitions with space, schedules, and technical needs, and with Advancement to grow sponsorships and audience development.
Core Responsibilities
Artistic Leadership and Season Planning
- Develop a multi-year plan for music that reflects creative excellence, cultural equity, and community and youth voice
- Curate concerts, showcases, listening sessions, and spoken word events and residencies that establish EPACENTER as a cultural destination and increase the organization’s visibility
- Cultivate relationships with artists, managers, labels, conservatories, and partner venues for collaboration on shared resources
Education and Curriculum Leadership
Design music curricula and class content for children, teens, young adults, adults, and seniors that align with Creative Youth Development and culturally responsive and trauma-informed practiceCreate project arcs for ensemble performance, songwriting, beat making, world music, audio production, and music theory fundamentalsRecruit, coach, and evaluate teaching artists, accompanists, producers, and guest mentorsProvide lesson resources, classroom norms, and assessment tools that track learner growth and celebrate process and performancePublic Programs and Signature Events
Produce artist talks, master classes, mixers, listening sessions, community jam nights, and youth opener opportunities that build audiences and pipelines for local talentPlan a small number of signature events each year that feature regional and nationally recognized artists with clear underwriting and access goalsHelp establish a Supper Club-style experience that integrates music with fine dining in partnership with Advancement and OperationsRevenue and Audience Development
Build annual revenue plans for music programs and events and set pricing tiers that balance access and sustainabilityGrow ticket sales by developing targeted audience strategies, partnerships, and promotional campaigns in collaboration with AdvancementSupport donor cultivation and sponsorship activation tied to music programs and signature eventsContribute content for grants and reports and provide timely metrics for stewardshipPlanning, Budgets, Data, and Compliance
Create and manage budgets for music programs, residencies, and events. Track expenditures, event settlements, in-kind support, and projections with FinanceMonitor attendance, participation, audience feedback, and earned revenue contribution. Recommend adjustments to meet goals and key performance indicatorsCoordinate with the Director of Program Operations and Production on event schedule and planning, backline needs, rehearsal and sound check schedules, and safe use of studios and performance spacesEnsure compliance with safety, accessibility, mandated reporter rules, and performance rights requirementsCommunity Engagement and Partnerships
Build music performance partnerships with government agencies, schools, community groups, colleges, libraries, media outlets, and peer presenters to expand reach and opportunity for EPACENTER musicians and studentsCreate pathways for EPACENTER artists and youth to participate as openers, collaborators, and resident artists at partner sitesRepresent EPACENTER in civic forums and industry networks focused on music and community-based practiceAdministration and Reporting
Prepare annual work plans, calendars, and budget forecastsMaintain artist agreements, rights, and licensing records, and show documentation, including run of show and post-event reportsPresent concise progress updates to the Executive Director and contribute to board materials as neededEmerging Educator Training
Design and lead a tiered professional learning pathway for early-career music educatorsProvide workshops, observation and feedback cycles, and competency rubrics aligned to Creative Youth Development practiceBuild and maintain a resource library that includes lesson plans, charts, session templates, production checklists, and evaluation toolsCoordinate pathways for external credentials or apprenticeship and vocational alignment, where relevantQualifications
Eight or more years of progressively responsible experience in live music programming, presenting, festivals, or venue-based curation in diverse cultural or community settings.Experience developing educational curricula and demonstrated success linking performance programs to education and residencies.Working knowledge of stage plots, backline, audio needs, hospitality riders, and artist services, and the judgment to right-size engagements to venue capacity.Strong budgeting, contracting, partnership building, marketing collaboration, and public speaking skills.Proficiency with basic ticketing, CRM, and analytics tools.Bachelor’s degree in Music, Arts Administration, Arts Education, or a related field is required. An advanced degree or equivalent professional experience is preferredPosition Details
Status : Full-time at 37.5 hours per week. Evening and weekend work is common during rehearsals and eventsReports to. Executive DirectorSalary Range : Starting at $155,000Work Environment and Physical Requirements
Role operates across offices, rehearsal studios, stages, recording spaces, galleries, and outdoor sitesDuties may involve extended standing and walking, lifting up to 30 pounds, and work in high-noise environments during rehearsals and showsEPACENTER provides reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functionsEqual Opportunity Employer
EPACENTER is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected categories covered by EPACENTER’s nondiscrimination policy.