Program Coordinator - Uptown Academy

The People's Music School is Chicago’s oldest and largest completely free nonprofit music school, providing transformational music instruction to over 800 K-12 students. The school’s mission is to provide access to high-quality music instruction to youth who otherwise would not be able to afford it, focusing on communities that have been systematically excluded and marginalized. Through intensive instruction and performance, students grow musically, socially, emotionally, and academically.

About the role

The Program Coordinator supports the smooth operation of all program activities at Uptown Academy. They serve as a critical connector between students, families, faculty, and staff, assisting the Program Manager in achieving organizational goals.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the Program Manager.
• Communicate with parents, faculty, staff, and students via phone, text, email, and in person.
• Translate communications from English to Spanish.
• Assist with day-to-day operations, including set-up/take-down, snack time, class transitions, and dismissal.
• Maintain student databases for attendance, outcomes, fundraising, service hours, and technology inventory.
• Manage instrument inventory, storage, and repairs, ensuring students understand proper care and use.
• Coordinate service hour opportunities, duties, scheduling, and tracking.
• Collect materials requested by the Learning & Teaching team for student and faculty evaluations.
• Order program-related supplies and equipment.
• Assist with special events, including concerts, orientations, fundraisers, master classes, and field trips.
• Actively participate in staff/faculty meetings and professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma required; Bachelor’s degree in music education, performance, or arts administration preferred.
• Experience in a busy school environment.
• Highly organized and self-motivated.
• Bilingual in Spanish (required).
• Proficiency in Google Workspace.
• Collaborative team member with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proven experience working with people from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.
• Personal commitment to the mission and values of The People’s Music School.
• Must pass a Chicago Public Schools background check.
• Extremely reliable with consistent attendance and professionalism.

Physical Demands

• Local travel required.
• Tolerance of prolonged stationary periods at a desk/computer.
• Occasionally required to push, pull, lift, and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Schedule

• Part-time, in-person position: 20-23 hours per week during programming weeks.
• Follows the Chicago Public Schools calendar, including breaks.
• Must be available Monday–Friday, 2:30–7:30 PM, with some evenings and weekends for events.

Pay

$22 per hour.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off.
• Paid Sick Leave.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match.