[Hiring] Lead Coach and Program Manager @Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

Role Description

Equity Arc is a national nonprofit working to expand equitable opportunities for the next generation of classical musicians. Through rigorous, identity-affirming mentorship, educational programs, and partnerships with leading artists and institutions, Equity Arc supports young musicians as they develop their skills, pursue opportunities, and chart their own paths toward professional careers in classical music.

Scales to Success is Equity Arc’s new multi-year, identity-affirming coaching program in which young classical musicians build resilience, self-awareness, adaptability, strategic thinking, and personal agency through sustained, process-oriented goal setting and achievement. The program pairs musicians with professionally trained coaches and draws on a rigorously designed framework, structured tools, and ongoing assessment to support musicians as they direct their own growth toward professional careers.

The Lead Coach and Program Manager, Scales to Success (Lead Coach), will play a central role in launching and strengthening the program. Key responsibilities include:

• Develop expertise in the Scales to Success coaching methodology.
• Help implement and strengthen coaching practices.
• Support the recruitment and development of the coaching team.
• Contribute to the program’s continued evolution through implementation and evaluation.

Central to this work is a commitment to student ownership of the developmental process. Coaches support participants in assessing their strengths and needs, setting their own goals, and navigating opportunities and challenges.

The program is organized around six pillars: Wellbeing; Personal & Professional Networks; Habits of Self-Development; Audition Readiness; Financial Stability & Resource Navigation; and Career & Educational Strategy.

This is a remote, national role, with participants and fellow staff located across the country, with a preferred start date in mid-January 2027.

Qualifications

• Advanced college-level training in classical music performance and professional performing experience required.
• Substantial experience in youth development, coaching, teaching, advising, or mentorship.
• Strong familiarity with the classical music training and career pipeline.
• Demonstrated excellence in relationship-building.
• Commitment to student-centered coaching.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or leading colleagues preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and data management skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.

Requirements

• Ability to work independently in a remote environment.
• Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings or weekends for program activities.
• Curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to test assumptions.

Benefits

• Retirement Contribution
• 100% Remote position
• Flexible scheduling
• Generous PTO Plan
• $3,400 Employer Health Savings Account Contribution
• 100% Employer paid single health coverage and affordable family options
• Free dental insurance