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Employment Opportunities

Listings are available to apply for online at our Career Center. Please read the individual job posting for more details on how to apply.

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Human Resources Assistant Director

Human Resources Assistant Director

Job Description
Old Town School of Folk Music seeks a dedicated Human Resources Associate Director - Faculty & Labor Relations to support the HR department with a primary focus on all teaching positions. This role is responsible for facilitating faculty recruiting, onboarding, training, and performance evaluation. This position will work directly with Collective Bargaining Union members, serving as the dedicated HR representative for administrative meetings, employee relations, and labor relations

Essential Functions:

  • Serve as the primary HR contact for collective bargaining unit interactions, labor/management meetings, and grievance resolutions.
  • Ensure organization-wide compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and consult with legal counsel as needed on complex union or personnel matters.
  • Oversee full-cycle recruiting, onboarding, offboarding, and retention programs tailored specifically to teaching positions.
  • Design and manage the faculty performance evaluation process.
  • Collaborate with the Education Department to develop and facilitate target training programs, and professional development opportunities.
  • Lead fair, objective internal reviews and HR investigations to address workplace concerns, resolve conflicts, and maintain a respectful, compliant, and supportive environment for all teaching staff.
  • Drive initiatives that boost faculty engagement, health, and safety. Work closely with the HR Director to align teaching department needs with broader organizational HR strategies.
  • Work with HR Generalists to ensure faculty-specific HR data, contract tracking, and reporting are accurate and up-to-date.

    Required Qualifications:

  • 5–7+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, with at least 3 years directly handling labor relations, unionized environments, or collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).
  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Industrial/Labor Relations, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
  • Strong working knowledge of labor law (NLRA), employment regulations, grievance procedures, contract administration, and internal investigation protocols.
  • Prior experience managing HR processes specifically for faculty, adjunct instructors, creative professionals, or non-profit workforce structures.

    Preferred Qualifications:

  • HRCI (SPHR/PHR) or SHRM (SHRM-SCP/SHRM-CP) certification, or specialized labor relations certifications.
  • Background in arts education, non-profit administration, performing arts, or higher education institutions.

    Other Duties:
    Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

    Salary Range: $85,000.00 to $95,000.00 Annually


    To be considered for this role, please apply through our Career Center.

  • Adult Group Voice Instructor (PT)

    Adult Group Voice Instructor (PT)

    Old Town School of Folk Music seeks part-time voice teachers to teach private lessons and group classes at the Armitage and Lincoln Square locations.

    Qualifications

  • High level of musicianship and personal responsibility
  • Ability to teach beginning through advanced levels required
  • Ability to teach online (Old Town School provides a Zoom account for online teaching) and in person at our multiple locations
  • Multi-instrumentalist a plus

    Preferred Skills/Competencies:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Music Education or Music Performance
  • Minimum two years of teaching experience
  • Experience teaching private voice lessons and group classes
  • Experience teaching children and adults
  • Candidate with a knowledge of diverse vocal repertoire

    Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

    This is a part-time position with an hourly rate of $37.00.

    Discounts at the school and some voluntary benefits are available for part-time employees.

    To be considered for this role, please apply through our Career Center.

  • Adult Group Class Guitar Instructor (PT)

    Adult Group Class Guitar Instructor (PT)

    Job Summary: Old Town School of Folk Music seeks a guitar instructor to teach in its renowned adult guitar program. Ideal candidates are experienced educators with a passion for community-based music education and the ability to teach a wide range of styles and learners. Utilizing the Old Town School's unique model and methodology of group class instruction, this position relies on existing repertoire and lesson plans in addition to a teacher's new and innovative approaches.


    Essential Functions:

  • Teach group classes across multiple skill levels from beginner to advanced
  • Develop lesson plans and adapt teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles
  • Incorporate music theory, ear training, and improvisation into instruction
  • Participate in and engage students to participate in Old Town School traditions such as Second Half and end-of-session performances
  • Maintain a welcoming, positive, and inclusive classroom environment that supports adult learners in a community-forward environment

    Required Skills/Competencies:

  • Strong musicianship with the ability to teach acoustic and electric guitar using both pick and fingerstyle techniques
  • Proficiency in staff notation, lead sheets, tablature, and chord charts
  • Broad knowledge of guitar pedagogy, technique, repertoire, and music theory
  • Ability to accompany oneself while singing and playing guitar

    Preferred Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in Music Education, Music Performance, or equivalent professional experience strongly preferred
  • Minimum of two years of teaching experience

    Additional Eligibility Requirements:

  • Ability to teach in person at both Lincoln Park and Lincoln Square locations
  • Evening and weekend (daytime) availability is required
  • Bilingual in Spanish preferred

    Physical Requirements:

  • The position requires the ability to see, hear, sit, stand, walk, reach, push and pull
  • Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds regularly/occasionally

    Work Environment: Work may be performed in an environment with exposure to loud noises, crowds, and fluorescent lighting.

    Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

    This is a part-time position with an hourly rate of $37.00.

    To be considered for this role, please apply through our Career Center.

  • Customer Service Associate (PT)

    Customer Service Associate (PT)

    Summary: Old Town School of Folk Music is seeking friendly and detail-oriented part-time Customer Service Associates for our Lincoln Square and Armitage locations. In this role, you will be the first point of contact for students, guests, and visitors, providing exceptional customer service and assisting with various administrative tasks.

    Schedule: Wednesday afternoon/evening & Saturdays and Sundays; two/three shifts per week, hours may vary

    Required Qualifications:

  • 3 years of customer service experience
  • Fluent in Spanish (verbal and written)
  • Proficient computer skills
  • Strong problem-solving and judgment skills
  • Ability to work independently and accurately handle transactions (cash handling, registrations, etc.)
  • Excellent communication skills with diplomacy and tact

    Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ability to play at least one instrument at an intermediate level
  • Interest in art, dance, theatre, and education is a plus

    Compensation: $17.60

    Discounts at the school and some voluntary benefits are available for part-time employees.

    To be considered for this role, please apply through our Career Center.


  • Equal Employment Opportunity

    Old Town School is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. Old Town School strives to be an inclusive and equitable organization that is reflective of the diversity of the city of Chicago. We seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. This is critical to our success as a community focused organization.