The Cleveland Orchestra is seeking a
Community Engagement Associate to provide logistical and operational support for community engagement programs presented by The Cleveland Orchestra, inside and outside of Severance Music Center. This position works closely with the Director of Community Engagement to deliver relevant programs that expand TCO's impact and reach and address the needs of and include the Cleveland community, to raise the awareness, visibility, and accessibility of the programs, and to develop pathways for continued engagement for families and individuals. Position responsibilities include the following:
In collaboration with the Director, coordinate and staff The Cleveland Orchestra's #IntheCommunity events throughout Northeast Ohio. - Serve as TCO community ambassador and identify community festivals for TCO participation. Assist the Director with event logistics and operations. Conduct site visits prior to events and select, obtain, and procure event equipment, rentals, promotional materials, instruments, give-away merchandise for visitor engagement.
- Partner with local universities to build a diverse intern cohort. Provide support at community events during the summer season and develop and implement event intern application processes. Assist the Director with interviewing and selecting candidates, scheduling and day-of oversight of event staff.
- Research and recommend high-impact and visible community events that serve marginalized Cleveland neighborhoods for current and/or future years. Build relationships with existing and new community partners at festivals and catalogue existing connections for future collaborative opportunities.
- Provide support for TCO Community Chamber Concerts (in neighborhoods). Collaborate with TCO Musicians and local partner sites like Karamu House, Cleveland Cultural Gardens, and library systems. Coordinate and communicate equipment set-up and monitoring, communicate with Cleveland Orchestra musicians, and provide on-site concert support.
Assist the Director in convening a 200-person intergenerational MLK Celebration Chorus and support related events. - Assist the Director in chorister recruitment and registration process, implement strategies to ensure that the MLK Chorus and activities are inclusive and accessible to all members of the community and advertised in diverse cultural centers and churches. Coordinate printed publications, flyers, materials, social media, and program book entries.
- Plan and procure hospitality offerings at all rehearsals and on performance day, lead the chorus procession on and off the Severance stage when performing with The Cleveland Orchestra, work with the Director to determine other community performance opportunities for the chorus, like the halftime performances at the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Guardians games; draft year-round communications with chorus members including free concert opportunities and updates.
- Plan, host, and execute the MLK Chorus Summer Reunion to increase chorus retention and community-building throughout the year; create and send invitations, receive RSVPS, set-up reception spaces, arrange catering, and send timely communications.
- Assist the Director with logistics for MLK Day of Music/Community Day. Communicate participating group set-ups and equipment needs and serve as on-site contact for community performers and groups..
Support Director of Community Engagement in planning and execution of large-scale Community Concerts & Events. - Provide administrative and day-of support for Hispanic community events. Work the events; provide day-of event support - creating directional signage, order hospitality and catering for participating musicians and community groups, oversee check in for reception guests.
- Provide administrative support for the Composer Fellowship Community-focused model. Accompany visits to community sites with composer fellow, be the community liaison; support composition masterclass seminar opportunities with local universities; assist musicians and communicate event details and timelines; provide hospitality and catering at community concerts and events.
- Assist the Director with United in Song Choral Celebration, as part of the Mandel Opera & Humanities Festival. Support logistics for participating group set-ups and equipment needs and serve as on-site contact for community performers and groups.
- Provide administrative support for the Orchestra's Community Engagement Committee. With Director, schedule CEC Committee meetings; distribute meeting invitations and materials to trustees and community members via email and telephone; prepare meeting materials with the Director of CE and the Vice President, EdCE; provide technological support for presentation and Zoom meeting settings as needed for hybrid meetings; order catering/ food and beverage options for in-person and hybrid meetings; takes notes and track attendance during meetings and provides summary to Director; supports follow-up mailings and action items; keep committee lists current in Tessitura and Board Effect.
Research responsive and relevant Family Concert pre-concert activities and performance partners in coordination with Director. Coordinate participating group set-ups and equipment needs and serve as on-site contact for community with performers and groups.
- Assist the Director and team members with free ticketing process for under-served families to attend Family Concerts; create communications and share with community partners; assist families and groups in advance with questions and details.
Draft community communications, survey feedback processes, ticket giveaways, and impact data. Collect data related to community engagement efforts, including volunteer hours, event attendance, and feedback. Be responsible for Community Engagement data as requested for grant proposals and impact reporting.The successful candidate will meet the following qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in related field required
- Experience working with diverse communities; ability to develop strong relationships and authentic partnerships that resonate with community's needs; ability to relate and work with musicians; openness to new ideas/collaborations/partnerships; eagerness to work with people of all backgrounds throughout all Cleveland neighborhoods.
- Strong problem-solving skills combined with a collaborative and creative approach.
- Strong organizational and time management skills with a high attention to detail is essential.
- Skilled with Microsoft Office, and able to learn and use various database and planning software.
- Demonstrate independent, mature judgment; conveys a professional image and attitude.
- Outstanding customer service skills to support high profile customer events.
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills to successfully interact with multiple constituencies and diverse groups of people.
- Travel requirement: must have a vehicle to travel in northeast Ohio.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes evenings and weekends.
We offer a competitive salary, very generous medical and dental plan benefits, 403(b) plan with employer match, hybrid remote/onsite work schedule, complimentary concert tickets, and the opportunity to work with a world-renowned Orchestra.The Cleveland Orchestra is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that strongly supports and values diversity and fosters an equitable and inclusive work environment which includes accommodation. Applications from all qualified candidates are welcome, and individuals from all equity-seeking groups are encouraged to apply.