Summary 

The Manager of Performing Arts is a full-time instructional and program leadership role responsible for designing, implementing, and stewarding St. Andrew’s School’s performing arts program, with a primary focus on music education and violin instruction. This role sits at the intersection of teaching and program management: the Manager of Performing Arts both leads music instruction for all K–5 students and takes ownership of the strategic direction, community partnerships, and operational health of the school’s arts program.

The ideal candidate is a skilled musician and educator who brings a genuine love for working with young people, a commitment to equity and access, and the organizational capacity to manage a growing and community-facing program. This person is a collaborative and self-directed professional who understands the role of the arts in the development of the whole child.

School Overview 

St. Andrew’s School (SAS) is a tuition-free, independent Episcopal day school serving students in Kindergarten through 5th grade in Richmond, Virginia. Established in 1894, SAS is one of a small number of schools in the country that provides an independent school education to children from families with limited financial resources through a full scholarship for every child. With 96 students across six grade levels, we employ a whole-child approach to education that integrates academics, family engagement, graduate support, social-emotional learning, visual and performing arts, and wellness and nutrition.

St. Andrew’s is an equal opportunity employer. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), immigrants, women, and LGBTQ+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

St. Andrew’s instructional staff are completely committed to growth and relationships. This means that every day they: 

• Center students in all actions and decision-making.
• Actively and intentionally build relationships with students.
• Nurture their partnership with families.
• Are committed to implementing research-based practices.
• Are committed to ongoing professional growth.
• Understand the role of individual accountability in advancing organizational goals
• Actively accept differences across the organization.
• Work intentionally and positively with teammates to advance the greater good.

Functional Responsibilities

• Design and deliver engaging, standards-aligned music instruction for all K–5 students, with a primary focus on violin and string education
• Teach whole-class, small group, and individual music lessons using evidence-based and developmentally appropriate instructional strategies
• Establish high expectations for musical growth, student engagement, and classroom behavior
• Assess student progress formally and informally and use data to guide instructional decisions
• Lead and manage weekly musical selections for chapel and coordinate with staff and students for performances and special events.
• Communicate regularly with families and colleagues about student development and program activities
• Lead the strategic direction and ongoing development of the SAS performing arts program in alignment with the school’s whole-child mission
• Develop and manage a community-focused performance calendar, including school recitals, community showcases, and off-campus performance opportunities
• Coordinate the maintenance and inventory of 40+ school-owned violins and other musical instruments; work with administrative staff to plan for expanded instrumental offerings
• Identify, cultivate, and manage partnerships with community arts organizations, teaching artists, and cultural institutions
• Explore and develop interdisciplinary programming opportunities in collaboration with classroom teachers and school leadership
• Maintain accurate program records, budgets, and documentation as directed
• Collaborate actively with all SAS faculty and staff as a full member of the instructional team
• Support school-wide events, activities, and initiatives before, during, and after the school day
• Model and reinforce the school’s core values of mutual respect, equity, and community
• Participate in professional development opportunities and contribute to the school’s culture of continuous growth
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal or Head of School

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Music, Music Education, or a related field
• Demonstrated proficiency in violin and string pedagogy
• Experience teaching music to elementary-age students
• Strong program and project management skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with students, families, and colleagues
• A genuine passion for working with young people and a commitment to equity and access in education
• Flexibility, patience, and enthusiasm for collaborative work in a dynamic school environment
• Successful completion of criminal offender record and sexual offender registry checks is required

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Music or Music Education
• Teaching certification in Music Education (K–5 Instrumental)
• Experience with Suzuki Method, El Sistema-inspired programming, or similar ensemble-based approaches
• Knowledge of the Responsive Classroom approach to academics and social-emotional learning
• Experience working in an urban school setting with students from under-resourced communities
• Familiarity with community music partnership models

Physical Requirements

• Ability to navigate a multi-story building (basement through third floor) multiple times daily
• Ability to supervise outdoor activities including recess and school events
• Ability to transport and handle musical instruments and equipment as needed

About St Andrew's School

Connections working at St Andrew's School