The Grant Park Orchestral Association in Chicago, Illinois seeks a full-time Community Engagement Assistant for the 2017 season of the Grant Park Music Festival. The Community Engagement Assistant will report to the Education and Community Engagement Manager. The Community Engagement Assistant provides support for the Festival’s education and community engagement initiatives – Festival Connect - including the Classics in the Parks program, Project Inclusion fellowship, Young Artist Showcase performances, and pre-concert lecture series.

KEY DUTIES

• Assist with logistics and operational needs for Festival Connect programs, including: Classics in the Parks, the Festival’s neighborhood performances; the Project Inclusion fellowship program for pre-professional minority musicians; Young Artist Showcase performances; and the Festival’s pre-concert lecture series.
• Assist with efforts to maximize awareness of Festival Connect activities.
• Assist with evaluation and analysis of education and community engagement activities.

 
MINIMUM CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

• Three years or more of college-level education completed and/or two years of professional experience in related field
• Thorough knowledge of, and passion for, classical music
• Ability to work professionally and efficiently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment; highly adaptable and resourceful
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and basic computer tasks
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs; ability to work outdoors at times and possibly in inclement weather
• Valid driver’s license
• Must be available June through August

 
COMPENSATION/SCHEDULE

• $11.50/hour; up to 40 hours per week. This position is non-exempt. Some nights and weekends will be required.
• Position Start Date: May/June 2016 (specific start date TBD by mutual agreement)

 
THE ORGANIZATION
Entering its 83rd season, the Grant Park Music Festival (the Festival) is the nation’s only remaining free outdoor summer classical music series, and is dedicated to making live, high-caliber symphonic performance accessible to Chicagoans of all ages, backgrounds, and means. Featuring the Grammy®-nominated Grant Park Orchestra under the baton of Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Carlos Kalmar and the award-winning Grant Park Chorus, led by Director Christopher Bell, the Festival annually offers a 10-week season of concerts, artistic development initiatives, radio broadcasts, and community education and outreach programs, sharing the enrichment of symphonic music with nearly 800,000 people each year.
 
The Festival recently adopted a new Long-Range Plan designed to guide its growth and ensure its continued relevancy through its 100th season in 2034. Collaboratively developed over 18 months by a broad range of stakeholders—including key members of the Festival’s orchestra and chorus, staff, Board, and donor/patron base as well as other community representatives—the Plan establishes the following major goals for the ensuing three-to-five years:

• To be essential to the vitality of the city, connecting people of all backgrounds to symphonic music.
• To thrill audiences with outstanding musical experiences not found anywhere else.
• To preserve the Festival as a unique cultural asset.

For more information, please visit www.gpmf.org.