Education & Outreach Specialist

About the VSO

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Founded in 1919, the VSO is the third largest symphony orchestra in Canada, and the largest performing arts organization in Western Canada. The VSO creates, curates, and connects irresistible musical experiences- performing 150+ concerts annually in its home, the Orpheum Theatre, as well as numerous venues throughout Metro Vancouver, and online. The VSO is one of a handful of orchestras worldwide that has its own music school: the VSO School of Music.

The organization delivers extensive education programs reaching more than 50,000 young people annually, and community engagement initiatives that reach a further 100,000+ people. Maestro Otto Tausk is the VSO’s Music Director and the Artistic Advisor of the VSO School of Music.

VSO School of Music, founded in 2010, is a 25,000 square foot state of-the-art music school located adjacent to the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Vancouver. With a mission to enrich lives through the joy of learning, playing and performing the world’s great music, the VSO SoM develops experiences that are accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, playing level or economic circumstances;

and by nurturing creative and engaged members of society through achievement in the musical arts. With a roster of over 1900 students, the School is proud to offer individual or group instruction by members of the Vancouver Symphony and other high-quality music educators.

The school also features a performance theatre (Pyatt Hall) and Reception space which sees a wide range of arts, entertainment, and corporate groups utilizing the space for performances, recordings, and special events.

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra is seeking a passionate and highly organized Education & Outreach Specialist to help lead and expand the organization's education and community engagement programs. This role plays a vital part in connecting audiences of all ages with the power of music and supporting the growth of the VSO's educational initiatives throughout British Columbia.

The Education & Outreach Specialist actively contributes to the strategic leadership, planning, implementation, evaluation, and continued growth of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra's Education and Outreach portfolio. The role oversees Elementary School Concerts, Symphonic Encounters, Jean Coulthard Readings & Mentorship Program, VSO Connects, workshops, masterclasses, and outreach initiatives throughout British Columbia. Reporting to the Vice

President, VSO Education & School of Music, the Junior Director supervises a small team and works collaboratively across the organization to ensure high-quality educational and community engagement experiences.

Vice President, VSO Education & School of Music

Education Officer

• Provide operational oversight and strategic input for all VSO Education and Outreach programs.
• Develop annual program plans, goals, performance measures, and growth strategies.
• Monitor program effectiveness and implement continuous improvements.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, growth, and increased accessibility.

• Lead Elementary School Concerts and Symphonic Encounters.
• Collaborate with conductors, musicians, guest artists, and educators.
• Oversee registration, communications, educational resources, and logistics.
• Increase participation and educational impact.

• Lead planning and delivery of the program.
• Oversee recruitment, adjudication, mentor engagement, rehearsals, and readings.
• Support emerging composers and strengthen educational partnerships.