DESCRIPTION: Reporting to the Executive Director/CEO, the Handel and Haydn Society Executive Assistant assists the CEO with administrative work to support fundraising initiatives, special projects and governance; overall the position manages the executive office and its interaction with staff, Board and external constituents.
REPORT TO: Executive Director and CEO
STATUS: Full-time
RESPONSIBILITIES: Duties include, but are not to be limited to:
1) Assist the CEO and Society Directors (Finance, Marketing, Development, Education, Artistic) and complete administrative work to support management, governance, operations and special projects; Assist in maintaining continuous quality communication with Society Staff, Board, and Community; Serve as liaison between the Board and the Society; Serve as liaison between the CEO and Directors on all projects;
2) Receive and screen communications to the Executive Director and CEO including telephone calls and e-mail messages, and provide assistance using independent judgment to determine those requiring priority attention; prioritize, channel, and facilitate communication from department heads, Board, Artistic team and musicians. Provide general clerical support to Executive Director and CEO and respond to letters and general correspondence of a routine nature;
3) Manage CEO’s Cultivation Program and special events for Donors program. In coordination with the Senior Staff leadership and Board volunteers, schedule, coordinate, and arrange cultivation opportunities for CEO, such as Concert attendance, requirements, and hospitality arrangements. Draft congratulatory communications. Follow through with all details regarding Executive Office special events. Assist Executive Director/CEO, consultants, and special guests with calendar, travel and projects as needed;
4) Assist CEO with the scheduling of staff functions such as monthly staff meetings, annual meeting and retreat, and occasional outings. Takes minutes of staff meetings and ensure that proper execution of tasks and projects are completed by staff on time. Manages staff meeting agendas;
5) Assist CEO with preparation of all board meetings (including Board of Governors, Board of Overseers and various board committees), and prepare material in support of all meetings. Take minute at all Board Committee meetings;
6) Concert responsibilities as assigned by the CEO.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university; 3+ years executive administration experience assisting top executives or equivalent combination of education and experience required. High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite required. Ability to budget and develop project timetable. Ability to write and proofread own work required. Knowledge of classical music required. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Outstanding interpersonal skills with ability to successfully interact with a diverse group of people. Must display professionalism in all settings. Must be a self-starter with the ability to work with others in a dynamic, fast-paced setting. Impeccable organizational and time management skills, attention to details, and excellent verbal, written and keyboard skills are required. The candidate must be able to work with a broad spectrum of personalities, exhibit patience and understanding, and have the ability to work under pressure. S/he must be upbeat, positive, outgoing, personable and able to relate well with diverse populations and age groups, and have demonstrated commitment to completion of projects on a timely basis.
COMPENSATION: Competitive with full health benefit (including vision and dental). All other benefits and vacation as per employee handbook apply.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Send resume to:
Marie-Hélène Bernard
Handel and Haydn Society
300 Massachusetts Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
fax: (617) 266 4217
e-mail: mhbernard@handelandhaydn.org Email applications are preferred.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties.
BACKGROUND:
The goal of the Vocal Apprenticeship Program (VAP) of the Handel and Haydn Society is to identify talented singers in grades 3-12 and to offer them extensive vocal and choral training towards a possible career in music. VAP currently serves 160 students from various ethnic and economic backgrounds in over 42 communities throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Instruction in the Vocal Apprenticeship Program includes four choirs (Singers, Youth Chorus, Young Men’s Chorus, Young Women’s Chorus), theory classes, and a selective HighSchool Soloists option for private instruction at New England Conservatory. Families in VAP are given the opportunity to attend the Society’s concerts at Symphony Hall three times a year free of charge.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Handel and Haydn Society seeks a highly qualified theory teacher to teach Musicianship II classes to members of four youth choirs: Singers (preparatory choir, ages 8-11), YouthChorus (ages 10-14) and selected members of Young Men’s Chorus (grades 8-11) and Young Women’s Chorus (high school age.) Choir members have been selected by audition and have demonstrated musical aptitude and potential. The choirs have given performances at Symphony Hall, Jordan Hall, Sanders Theatre, Majestic Theatre and Tufts University, among others.
The position involves teaching weekly three 45 minute classes of general music theory and sightsinging with twelve to fifteen class meetings (estimated 25-30 students total) during each semester. Musicianship classes are held at the Boston Latin School (free parking, easily accessible by T) on Saturdays during the school year from September – May from 10:00-12:45 p.m. Students in Musicianship II must have completed Musicianship I coursework or equivalent.
The course curriculum will include basic elements of music theory, sightsinging, and music appreciation. These topics are covered in both the performing ensembles and separate musicianship classes.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Candidates should hold a college degree in theory, composition, or music education (or a music degree with relevant teaching experience.) A minimum of two years of teaching experience (preferably at the elementary-high school level) is highly desirable. This individual should be extremely enthusiastic about working with children of diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds (ages 9-17), and feel comfortable working as a team member with two theory instructors and three choral conductors. Strong organizational skills and a sense of humor are a must.
COMPENSATION:This is a nine-month position during the school year (June finalist auditions with students, teaching begins September 13, 2008.) Salary will be commensurate with experience in the $5,000-7,000 range. Since this is a part-time position, a traditional benefits package is not included. Faculty members are eligible to receive complimentary tickets to selected Handel and Haydn Society concerts.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Candidates should send an application packet which includes a cover letter, a current resume, and letters of reference. Filing deadline is June 4, 2008.
Applications should be mailed to:
Ms. Robin Baker, Director of Education
Handel and Haydn Society
300 Massachusetts Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
Fax: (617) 266-4217
Or e-mail applications to: rbaker@handelandhaydn.org.
Interviews will be held up to June 11; finalists may be asked to audition with the Youth Chorus on Saturday, June 14 (or early September) at the Boston Latin School.
GENERAL VOLUNTEERS
Handel and Haydn administrative staff frequently needs volunteers to help with mailings, data entry, telephoning, postering parties, or assistance at performances. If you're interested in helping out, please contact us, and we will add you to our list. As projects come up throughout the season, we will contact you to find out your availability. Please call 617 262 1815; or email
