MacPhail Northside Youth Orchestra; MNYO Conductor & Coordinator

TITLE: Mac Phail Northside Youth Orchestra (MNYO) Conductor & Coordinator

REPORTS TO: School Partnerships Director

DEPARTMENT: School Partnerships

STATUS: Exempt;
Part Time (12 Hours/week for 24 weeks)

LOCATION: Twin Cities & Surrounding Area, On-Site

COMPENSATION: $24,000/Annual

The Mac Phail Northside Youth Orchestra (MNYO) Conductor & Coordinator provides artistic, educational, and operational onsite leadership for the Orchestra. This role is responsible for conducting, K-12 music education, and program administration, all of which support students’ musical growth within a structured ensemble experience.

The Mac Phail Northside Youth Orchestra (MNYO) Conductor & Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day success of the orchestra, including rehearsals, performances, student engagement, and program coordination.

• Lead weekly orchestra rehearsals on Saturdays from 1:00–3:00pm along with an additional hour for setup and teardown
• Foster a supportive, high-expectation learning environment aligned with strong K-12 pedagogical practices
• Audition and interview prospective students to ensure appropriate ensemble placement
• Lead sectionals within area(s) of musical expertise and coordinate additional sectionals with coaches
• Oversee rehearsal and concert logistics, including equipment management, setup, and teardown
• Contract additional musicians when repertoire or performances require expanded instrumentation
• Support student musicianship, ensemble skills, and artistic confidence through thoughtful repertoire selection and rehearsal planning

• Select, prepare, and arrange repertoire appropriate to the ensemble’s instrumentation and skill level
• Maintain the orchestra library, including copying, distributing, and tracking parts
• Provide music to sectional coaches and collaborating faculty in a timely manner
• Prepare concert programs in coordination with staff
• Record and edit performances for archival and promotional use

• Develop the annual program budget under the direction of the School Partnerships Director
• Serve as the primary liaison with the host site
• Hire and supervise sectional coaches and interns under the direction of the School Partnerships Director
• Track attendance for students, interns, and coaches, including reporting additional hours related to performances
• Create and distribute the annual rehearsal and performance calendar
• Lead program communications with students, families, and staff
• Schedule and coordinate a minimum of three concerts annually, along with additional performance opportunities
• Partner with the Minnesota Orchestra and other organizations to coordinate educational outreach and pre-concert performances
• Organize community-building events for students and families as appropriate

• Foster an inclusive, student-centered environment that supports risk-taking, mutual respect, and creative expression
• Support outreach and communication efforts to help raise awareness, engage new participants, and connect the work of Mac Phail Center for Music to the broader community
• Model curiosity, openness, and professionalism in all interactions with students, families, and colleagues

• Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, Conducting, Music Performance, or a related field, required
• Master’s Degree in Music Education, Conducting, Music Performance, or a related field, preferred

• 3+ years of demonstrated experience working with K-12 students in an ensemble setting, required
• Experience with student-centered teaching practices, required

• Strong conducting skills
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively while leading
• Ability to lead with initiative and accountability