Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Director of Membership and Communications is responsible for membership administration, volunteer coordination, public relations and marketing, supervises the O?ce Assistant, assists with program development and implementation and performs a wide variety of administrative functions to support the general operation of the organization. This is currently an interim position, with the potential to extend or become permanent in Oct. 2026.

Schedule: Some evening and weekend hours required for concerts, rehearsals, retreats, tours, and special events.

Location: Palo Alto, CA (Some Hybrid Work Available)

Responsibilities

• Manage Administrative Support Functions, and oversee work of O?ce Assistant as applicable:
  • Receive all income receipts (e.g., tuition (membership) dues, tour, retreats, and workshop income, donor contributions), create reports for the Executive Director, and prepare receipts for deposit.
  • Assist with the preparation of organizational correspondence.
  • Maintain organizational databases and enter data including, but not limited to: directory of student membership, audition lists, tour lists, and activity lists
    
    
• Student Registrar: Manage Membership Administration:
  • Design and administer online registration for all GSYO programs.
  • Maintain student records and follow up on late or missing forms, payments, etc.
  • Process audition applications, coordinate scheduling, and manage communication with applicants
  • Assist Executive Director with enrollment goals and budgeting
    
    
• Volunteer Management:
  • Design and manage the volunteer sign-up process for annual activities.
  • Maintain and communicate volunteer lists for concerts, events, etc.
  • Support activities to ensure that concert support is adequate including enlisting volunteers for speci?c tasks
  • Support and facilitate fall parent meetings, open rehearsals, and social events.

• Concert Coordination: 
• Attend all GSYO concerts and masterclasses, and other events (as needed) 
• Coordinate front of house activity, including ticket sellers and ushers.
• Obtain/prepare tickets or online tickets for concerts and coordinate ticket sales as needed.

• Communications:
• Serve as Webmaster and direct social media. Maintain and update website and media platforms. 
• Develop and post engaging content that supports organizational goals and events.
• Prepare and distribute promotional materials, including, but not limited to, emails/digital campaigns, press releases, brochures, program books, flyers, etc.
• Coordinate the work of contracted graphic artist and photography sessions for the season brochure.
• Create concert program booklets for each performance in collaboration with staff and faculty.
• Prepare a marketing calendar for the season and post events on local online calendars
• Annually archive publicity and program materials.

• Program Development and Implementation:
  • Work with the Executive Director to develop strategies for musician recruitment and retention
  • Manage the Endangered Instruments Program (EIP), including design and development, coordination, recruitment, scheduling, and promotion.
  • Work with the Executive Director to enhance relationships with music teachers, both public and private.
  • Assist with DEI community outreach programs, including processing tuition payments, and acquisition and tracking of instruments.
  • Coordinate logistics for retreats, auditions, and special student events (e.g., Senior Recognition, College Day, Retreat House Cup).
  • Manage applications for student advisory council. Serve as staff liaison for SLAC Tour Committee and Creative Communications Committee
  • Manage Presidential Volunteer Service Award applicants and volunteer hour tracking
  • Support domestic and International tour planning, communications, and logistics.
  • Design and order GSYO-branded merchandise as needed.
    
    
• General Duties:
  • Assist in the general office operations and respond to inquiries as needed.
  • Attend committee meetings and professional development opportunities as approved by the Executive Director.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Applicant Information

• GSYO is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
• GSYO participates in the E-Verify program as required by law. EVerify.pdf
• MWA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. If you need an accommodation at any point during the hiring process, please contact Lori Bingham at lori@gsyomusic.org.

Education and Experience:

• College degree in related field, or work equivalent.
• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible administrative experience; experience within a nonprofit, educational, or performing arts organization preferred.
• Experience with registration and membership administration, including database management and data entry.
• Familiarity with event coordination and volunteer management.
• Experience with communications, marketing, and social media management.
• Experience working with young people.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all aspects of work.
• Proficient in Google Workspace; experience with database systems (e.g., Salesforce, FileMaker, Airtable or similar) required.
• Familiarity with email distribution systems such as ActiveCampaign, Mail Chimp, etc.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively and professionally with students, parents, volunteers, and staff.
• A willingness to work in a team environment characterized by open communications, to pitch in whenever necessary.
• Should enjoy working with people of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds. 
• Basic graphic design or layout experience (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite). Video editing experience is a plus.
• Interest in or knowledge of classical music and youth programs preferred.
  
  

Additional Requirements:

• Availability to work evenings and weekends as required for concerts, events, rehearsals, and tours
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. and perform event setup as needed.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation preferred.

About Golden State Youth Orchestra

Golden State Youth Orchestra (GSYO) is distinguished by its large and diverse number of ensembles, a creative structure that enables GSYO faculty to offer an enriching musical education to the widest possible range of youth. The young musicians of GSYO are culturally diverse and range from those at the beginning of their musical training to those ready to establish their creative careers as performing artists. All receive high-quality learning, performance and leadership opportunities. More than 480 K-12 students from over 100 schools from San Francisco to Santa Cruz train and perform in four full orchestras and two ensembles, led by the award-winning, internationally recognized Symphony Orchestra. Concerts, tours, retreats, summer workshops, masterclasses and music festivals form a vital part of the GSYO experience, creating opportunities for youth at all levels of musical experience to develop socially and artistically while participating in the Bay Area's foremost instrumental training and education program.

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