Employment at the QCSO

Below are the opportunities available at the Quad City Symphony. If you have an interest, please view the job description posted and then complete the Application Procedure. Thank you for visiting the QCSO website, we look forward to hearing from you!

Director of Finance

The QCSO Association announces the following full time exempt, administrative opening:

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Finance is a full-time exempt leadership position responsible for the business and financial operations of the organization, including financial planning, controls, and reporting. The Director of Finance is responsible for the preparation of the annual operating budget and long-range plan financial projections, monthly financial statements, banking relations, information systems management, operations, and the administration of payroll and employee benefits. The Director of Finance reports to the Executive Director, works with all administrative staff members, and is a member of the senior staff team.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Management

  • Develop and implement sound financial and administrative policies, procedures and internal controls for accounting, auditing, budgeting, invoicing, purchasing, inventories, payroll, and administrative services functions. Monitor policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
  • Direct activities relating to the management and control of cash flow, banking relations, and investments.
  • Develop and implement purchasing policies and procedures.
  • Manage the Association’s daily financial activities, including financial record keeping, production of financial statements, and personnel records.
  • Prepare special analyses as required.
  • Participate in the Trust Board of Director’s development of investment policies and strategies. Serve with Executive Director as primary support for the Endowment Trust organization and ensure proper accounting for all investment transactions.

Budget and Planning

  • Collaborate with the Association Board of Trustees President, Treasurer, and the Executive Director to develop financial objectives for the Association.
  • Direct the preparation of organizational operating budgets and forecasts with staff and the Executive Director for Finance Committee and Board approval.
  • Prepare operating budgets and forecasts for all financial functions.
  • Monitor revenues and expenses against approved budget, recommending expense control initiatives as needed. Prepare analyses of variances and recommend revision of plan and budget.
  • Work closely with Executive Director and other designated staff in long-range planning and budget preparation for the Association.

Record Keeping

  • Direct the timely preparation and maintenance of all accounting records and provide appropriate financial and statistical reports.
  • Maintain the Association’s revenue and expense records, produce monthly financial statements, process accounts payable and accounts receivable, process deposits, and maintain annuity records.
  • Establish and direct payroll and tax payment systems; direct the preparation and maintenance of all payroll records and reporting, assuring compliance with all legal requirements and organizational objectives.
  • Prepare and submit federal, state, and local income tax forms, withholding forms, and other forms as required.
  • Direct the monitoring and compliance with the terms and conditions of all planned gifts.
  • Direct the preparation and maintenance of property, equipment, and instrument inventory records and establish depreciation schedules.
  • Ensure compliance with all financial/tax reporting requirements of agencies/foundations.

Audit and Income Tax Reporting

  • Review the Association’s audit needs and make recommendation for auditor selection.
  • Direct audit preparation in conjunction with the Treasurer of the Board of Trustees and the Finance Committee.
  • Work with auditors to prepare the annual audit report and filing of tax reports. Review and approve all drafts; assure distribution of reports as required.
  • Respond to auditor’s findings and recommendations in consultation with Finance Committee, taking action as appropriate.
  • Develop internal audit procedures to ensure systems are functioning as planned.
  • Ensure a copy of the most recent IRS form 990 and Schedule A are available for review according to federal law.

Board of Trustees – Association

  • Attend all Finance Committee meetings and prepare all relevant reports.
  • Interact with committees of the Board and individual Board members as needed.
  • Prepare monthly financial statements and interim reports as requested by the Executive Director, Finance Committee, and/or Executive Committee.
  • Attend all full Board of Trustees meetings and prepare relevant reports.
  • Board of Directors – Trust (Endowment): Attend all Trust Management Committee meetings and prepare all relevant reports; interact with members of the Board as needed.

Personnel

  • Implement and maintain accurate records of all benefits programs, including retirement programs, health insurance, and all other types of institutional insurance, filing required reports as developed by the Executive Director and Compensation Committee.
  • Maintain employee records showing date of hire, compensation, benefits, leave records, and other pertinent personnel data.
  • Prepare and file employer reports to government agencies, insurance companies, and musicians union. Carry out organizational and personnel surveys as needed.
  • Manage and delegate work to part-time Accounting Assistants.

Administrative

  • Coordinate the administration of all operating leases and contracts, including computer services, insurance, audit services, building lease, maintenance contracts, and other services with the Office Manager where relevant.
  • Ensure that artist/performer contracts are not at variance with Association objectives, including compliance with tax laws and adequate insurance endorsements.
  • Review all contracts for Executive Director’s signature including guest artists, major contracted services, and staff employment offers with advice from legal counsel.
  • Serve as part of the senior management team to assist the Executive Director in setting and implementing administrative and artistic policies and strategy established by the Board.
  • Work with the Association’s attorney to resolve legal matters when necessary.
  • Keep abreast of recent trends, developments, and research on nonprofit management and performing arts organizations.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

This job description is subject to change and is not designed to be a full listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required by the employee.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Candidates with a four-year bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or another related field is strongly preferred.
  • Knowledge and proficiency with QuickBooks, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook are required.
  • Knowledge of working in a CRM database preferred (QCSO uses Patron Manager – Salesforce).
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to relate to a diverse range of constituents, and the ability and willingness to model the mission and high standard of behavior of the QCSO.
  • Understand high level of discretion and ethics and be able to communicate examples of maintaining confidentiality.
  • Ability to work independently and ask questions when appropriate.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects with a strong attention to detail.
  • Consent and ability to pass background and credit checks.

COMPENSATION
Compensation for this permanent full-time exempt position is competitive and commensurate with experience and includes the following full-time benefits further detailed in the QCSO Employee Handbook:

  • Paid time off including holidays, sick/personal days, and vacation days
  • Medical insurance for health, dental, and vision
  • Worker’s compensation benefits
  • Retirement savings option
  • Leave options based on eligibility for medical disability, maternity, funeral, court, military, or extended leave
  • Complimentary tickets to most concerts & events
  • Full tuition waiver for children of employee in Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles

START DATE: May or June 2023 preferred.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Please send a letter of intent and resume with three references* via email to: Brian Baxter, Executive Director, bbaxter@qcso.orgNo phone calls please.
*References will remain strictly confidential and will only be contacted only after an applicant has completed at least one in-person interview.

SELECTION PROCESS:
Applications will be paper-screened and those exhibiting superior qualifications will be invited to an in-person interview. QCSO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The QCSOA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. The QCSO strives to maintain a workplace that fosters mutual employee respect and promotes harmonious, productive working relationships. QCSO believes that discrimination and harassment in any form constitute misconduct that undermines the integrity of the employment relationship. Therefore, all employment decisions at the QCSOA are based on merit, individual qualifications, and job requirements, without regard to age, color, creed, physical or mental disability (including HIV-positive status), gender identity (including transgender or transsexual status), national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. The QCSOA will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

CLICK HERE to view/download a copy of the above job description.

Private Lesson Violin/Viola Instructor

The Quad City Symphony Orchestra is looking to hire experienced music teachers to establish private teaching studios within the Quad Cities in an effort to help us continue to grow our Private Lesson Program (PLP).

Responsibilities:

  • Plan and prepare lessons in relation to individual students’ needs
  • Teach music theory, aural skills and practical techniques to students as needed to fully participate in lessons and ensembles.
  • Provide the Director of Education and Community Engagement with a complete list of required materials
  • Provide the Director of Education and Community Engagement with desired teaching days/rates.
  • Provide the QCSO Director of Finance with logs of lessons taught according to pay date schedule for the purpose of payroll and invoicing to students.
  • Motivate students and encourage progress
  • Communicate with Director of Education and Community Engagement.
  • Ensure up-to-date knowledge and awareness of honor band and orchestra audition requirements (IMEA, ILMEA, etc.)
  • Foster an environment within the teaching studio of constructive feedback and open communication with parents.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Music in Performance or Education or required. (Performance Diplomas also considered)
  • Demonstrable knowledge of music curriculum and the ability to implement it
  • Ability to interact collaboratively with students, parents, and administration
  • Excellent oral and written skills
  • Able to pass a local background check
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Able to thrive working in a team environment

Compensation

  • Instructors will be classified as employees of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and will be paid on the 15th and 30th of each month via direct deposit.
  • Instructors will set their own lesson length/dates/rates.
  • The QCSO is solely responsible for collecting lesson fees.

Application Procedure:
Interested parties should submit a resume and a cover letter that describes your teaching philosophy to Chelsea Sammons at csammons@qcso.org. No phone calls, please. Review of applications will begin immediately, and applications will be reviewed until PLP needs are met. Questions about the position can be directed to Chelsea Sammons at csammons@qcso.org, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Private Lesson Cello Instructor

The Quad City Symphony Orchestra is looking to hire experienced music teachers to establish private teaching studios within the Quad Cities in an effort to help us continue to grow our Private Lesson Program (PLP).

Responsibilities:

  • Plan and prepare lessons in relation to individual students’ needs
  • Teach music theory, aural skills and practical techniques to students as needed to fully participate in lessons and ensembles.
  • Provide the Director of Education and Community Engagement with a complete list of required materials
  • Provide the Director of Education and Community Engagement with desired teaching days/rates.
  • Provide the QCSO Director of Finance with logs of lessons taught according to pay date schedule for the purpose of payroll and invoicing to students.
  • Motivate students and encourage progress
  • Communicate with Director of Education and Community Engagement.
  • Ensure up-to-date knowledge and awareness of honor band and orchestra audition requirements (IMEA, ILMEA, etc.)
  • Foster an environment within the teaching studio of constructive feedback and open communication with parents.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Music in Performance or Education or required. (Performance Diplomas also considered)
  • Demonstrable knowledge of music curriculum and the ability to implement it
  • Ability to interact collaboratively with students, parents, and administration
  • Excellent oral and written skills
  • Able to pass a local background check
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Able to thrive working in a team environment

Compensation

  • Instructors will be classified as employees of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and will be paid on the 15th and 30th of each month via direct deposit.
  • Instructors will set their own lesson length/dates/rates.
  • The QCSO is solely responsible for collecting lesson fees.

Application Procedure:
Interested parties should submit a resume and a cover letter that describes your teaching philosophy to Chelsea Sammons at csammons@qcso.org. No phone calls, please. Review of applications will begin immediately, and applications will be reviewed until PLP needs are met. Questions about the position can be directed to Chelsea Sammons at csammons@qcso.org, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Private Lesson Piano Instructor

The Quad City Symphony Orchestra is looking to hire experienced music teachers to establish private teaching studios within the Quad Cities in an effort to help us continue to grow our Private Lesson Program (PLP).

Responsibilities:

  • Plan and prepare lessons in relation to individual students’ needs
  • Teach music theory, aural skills and practical techniques to students as needed to fully participate in lessons and ensembles.
  • Provide the Director of Education and Community Engagement with a complete list of required materials
  • Provide the Director of Education and Community Engagement with desired teaching days/rates.
  • Provide the QCSO Director of Finance with logs of lessons taught according to pay date schedule for the purpose of payroll and invoicing to students.
  • Motivate students and encourage progress
  • Communicate with Director of Education and Community Engagement.
  • Foster an environment within the teaching studio of constructive feedback and open communication with parents.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Music in Performance or Education is required. (Performance Diplomas also considered)
  • Demonstrable knowledge of music curriculum and the ability to implement it
  • Ability to interact collaboratively with students, parents, and administration
  • Excellent oral and written skills
  • Able to pass a local background check
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Able to thrive working in a team environment

Compensation

  • Instructors will be classified as employees of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and will be paid on the 15th and 30th of each month via direct deposit.
  • Instructors will set their own lesson length/dates/rates.
  • The QCSO is solely responsible for collecting lesson fees.

Application Procedure:
Interested parties should submit a resume and a cover letter that describes your teaching philosophy to Chelsea Sammons at csammons@qcso.org. No phone calls, please. Review of applications will begin immediately, and applications will be reviewed until PLP needs are met. Questions about the position can be directed to Chelsea Sammons at csammons@qcso.org, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Private Lesson Voice Instructor

The Quad City Symphony Orchestra is looking to hire experienced music teachers to establish private teaching studios within the Quad Cities in an effort to help us continue to grow our Private Lesson Program (PLP).

Responsibilities:

  • Plan and prepare lessons in relation to individual students’ needs
  • Teach music theory, aural skills and practical techniques to students as needed to fully participate in lessons and ensembles.
  • Provide the Director of Education and Community Engagement with a complete list of required materials
  • Provide the Director of Education and Community Engagement with desired teaching days/rates.
  • Provide the QCSO Director of Finance with logs of lessons taught according to pay date schedule for the purpose of payroll and invoicing to students.
  • Motivate students and encourage progress
  • Communicate with Director of Education and Community Engagement.
  • Foster an environment within the teaching studio of constructive feedback and open communication with parents.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Music in Performance or Education is required. (Performance Diplomas also considered)
  • Demonstrable knowledge of music curriculum and the ability to implement it
  • Ability to interact collaboratively with students, parents, and administration
  • Excellent oral and written skills
  • Able to pass a local background check
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Able to thrive working in a team environment

Compensation

  • Instructors will be classified as employees of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and will be paid on the 15th and 30th of each month via direct deposit.
  • Instructors will set their own lesson length/dates/rates.
  • The QCSO is solely responsible for collecting lesson fees.

Application Procedure:
Interested parties should submit a resume and a cover letter that describes your teaching philosophy to Chelsea Sammons at csammons@qcso.org. No phone calls, please. Review of applications will begin immediately, and applications will be reviewed until PLP needs are met. Questions about the position can be directed to Chelsea Sammons at csammons@qcso.org, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Private Lesson Low Brass Instructor

The Quad City Symphony Orchestra is looking to hire experienced music teachers to establish private teaching studios within the Quad Cities in an effort to help us continue to grow our Private Lesson Program (PLP).

Responsibilities:

  • Plan and prepare lessons in relation to individual students’ needs
  • Teach music theory, aural skills and practical techniques to students as needed to fully participate in lessons and ensembles.
  • Provide the Director of Education and Community Engagement with a complete list of required materials
  • Provide the Director of Education and Community Engagement with desired teaching days/rates.
  • Provide the QCSO Director of Finance with logs of lessons taught according to pay date schedule for the purpose of payroll and invoicing to students.
  • Motivate students and encourage progress
  • Communicate with Director of Education and Community Engagement.
  • Ensure up-to-date knowledge and awareness of honor band and orchestra audition requirements (IMEA, ILMEA, etc.)
  • Foster an environment within the teaching studio of constructive feedback and open communication with parents.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Music in Performance or Education or required. (Performance Diplomas also considered)
  • Demonstrable knowledge of music curriculum and the ability to implement it
  • Ability to interact collaboratively with students, parents, and administration
  • Excellent oral and written skills
  • Able to pass a local background check
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Able to thrive working in a team environment

Compensation

  • Instructors will be classified as employees of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and will be paid on the 15th and 30th of each month via direct deposit.
  • Instructors will set their own lesson length/dates/rates.
  • The QCSO is solely responsible for collecting lesson fees.

Application Procedure:
Interested parties should submit a resume and a cover letter that describes your teaching philosophy to Chelsea Sammons at csammons@qcso.org. No phone calls, please. Review of applications will begin immediately, and applications will be reviewed until PLP needs are met. Questions about the position can be directed to Chelsea Sammons at csammons@qcso.org, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Private Lesson Trumpet Instructor

The Quad City Symphony Orchestra is looking to hire experienced music teachers to establish private teaching studios within the Quad Cities in an effort to help us continue to grow our Private Lesson Program (PLP).

Responsibilities:

  • Plan and prepare lessons in relation to individual students’ needs
  • Teach music theory, aural skills and practical techniques to students as needed to fully participate in lessons and ensembles.
  • Provide the Director of Education and Community Engagement with a complete list of required materials
  • Provide the Director of Education and Community Engagement with desired teaching days/rates.
  • Provide the QCSO Director of Finance with logs of lessons taught according to pay date schedule for the purpose of payroll and invoicing to students.
  • Motivate students and encourage progress
  • Communicate with Director of Education and Community Engagement.
  • Ensure up-to-date knowledge and awareness of honor band and orchestra audition requirements (IMEA, ILMEA, etc.)
  • Foster an environment within the teaching studio of constructive feedback and open communication with parents.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Music in Performance or Education or required. (Performance Diplomas also considered)
  • Demonstrable knowledge of music curriculum and the ability to implement it
  • Ability to interact collaboratively with students, parents, and administration
  • Excellent oral and written skills
  • Able to pass a local background check
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Able to thrive working in a team environment

Compensation

  • Instructors will be classified as employees of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and will be paid on the 15th and 30th of each month via direct deposit.
  • Instructors will set their own lesson length/dates/rates.
  • The QCSO is solely responsible for collecting lesson fees.

Application Procedure:
Interested parties should submit a resume and a cover letter that describes your teaching philosophy to Chelsea Sammons at csammons@qcso.org. No phone calls, please. Review of applications will begin immediately, and applications will be reviewed until PLP needs are met. Questions about the position can be directed to Chelsea Sammons at csammons@qcso.org, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Private Lesson Percussion Instructor

The Quad City Symphony Orchestra is looking to hire experienced music teachers to establish private teaching studios within the Quad Cities in an effort to help us continue to grow our Private Lesson Program (PLP).

Responsibilities:

  • Plan and prepare lessons in relation to individual students’ needs
  • Teach music theory, aural skills and practical techniques to students as needed to fully participate in lessons and ensembles.
  • Provide the Director of Education and Community Engagement with a complete list of required materials
  • Provide the Director of Education and Community Engagement with desired teaching days/rates.
  • Provide the QCSO Director of Finance with logs of lessons taught according to pay date schedule for the purpose of payroll and invoicing to students.
  • Motivate students and encourage progress
  • Communicate with Director of Education and Community Engagement.
  • Ensure up-to-date knowledge and awareness of honor band and orchestra audition requirements (IMEA, ILMEA, etc.)
  • Foster an environment within the teaching studio of constructive feedback and open communication with parents.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Music in Performance or Education or required. (Performance Diplomas also considered)
  • Demonstrable knowledge of music curriculum and the ability to implement it
  • Ability to interact collaboratively with students, parents, and administration
  • Excellent oral and written skills
  • Able to pass a local background check
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Able to thrive working in a team environment

Compensation

  • Instructors will be classified as employees of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and will be paid on the 15th and 30th of each month via direct deposit.
  • Instructors will set their own lesson length/dates/rates.
  • The QCSO is solely responsible for collecting lesson fees.

Application Procedure:
Interested parties should submit a resume and a cover letter that describes your teaching philosophy to Chelsea Sammons at csammons@qcso.org. No phone calls, please. Review of applications will begin immediately, and applications will be reviewed until PLP needs are met. Questions about the position can be directed to Chelsea Sammons at csammons@qcso.org, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Auditions

Membership in the Quad City Symphony Orchestra is gained through an audition process. Auditions for open positions will be announced here. 

The QCSO is proud to be a partner orchestra of the National Alliance for Audition Support (NAAS), an unprecedented national initiative to increase diversity in American orchestras. It will do so by offering Black and Latinx musicians a customized combination of mentoring, audition preparation, financial support, and audition reviews. Learn more at www.auditionalliance.org.

If you have any questions about auditioning for the QCSO, please email Marc Zyla, QCSO Personnel Manager.

Intern at the QCSO

We are always looking for unpaid interns seeking to learn in a non-profit environment.

Internships are available throughout the year. During the school year, interns must commit to at least two hours per day, once per week. When school is not in session, interns must commit to at least ten hours per week spread out over two to five days. Many of our interns work up to 20 hours per week. We do not allow unpaid interns to work more than 20 hours per week, except under a school sanctioned program. We have had interns from Augustana, St. Ambrose, Western Illinois University and other area educational institutions and, if you show genuine interest, they are happy to talk to you about their experiences.

Our interns have helped with subscriptions and ticketing, marketing flyers, a recycling initiative, advertiser and sponsor targeting, participated in the Quad City Chamber of Commerce’s Intern QC project, helped with youth music education programs, worked symphony events and helped with a variety of tasks required to surprise and delight our subscribers and ticket holders. The occasional lunches, free event tickets and lots of thanks is your reward along with solid, practical internship experience that can give you a leg up in the highly competitive job market. Many interns have also shared the benefit academically through course credits.

Are you interested? Please, email us sharing your thoughts or to learn more.

What our interns have to say…

As an accounting intern at the QCSO, I have learned what it means to be an accountant for a nonprofit organization. It’s not just about being the “money person”, it means working with all staff members in order to make the organization run more smoothly. As an intern, I have also been able to work on projects in other departments, giving me experience in working for a nonprofit as a whole. I absolutely love working for the Symphony because of the enthusiasm and encouragement that comes from all staff members. This internship has given me confidence in my passion for nonprofit work, and I plan to find a position working for a nonprofit when I graduate.

– Andrea Hult, Augustana College

As an intern at the QCSO, I have had many valuable experiences and have learned what it entails to run a non-profit organization. I have learned that a symphony is much more than the musicians and the music, and that there are many people and jobs behind the scene that makes a symphony performance and season run smoothly. I have had a chance to work in various departments and on various projects within the symphony, such as the marketing and box office departments, and learned the different aspects and jobs of these departments. I loved my time here at the symphony and love the enthusiasm, encouragement, and confidence that the staff members have in my abilities and ideas.

– Darian Auge, St. Ambrose University

I have had such a great time interning with the QCSO this past year. Music has always been a passion of mine and being able to combine that passion with my interest in non-profit organizations is amazing. I have learned much about what it takes to keep a non-profit organization running as well as many details of running a box office. I know this internship will benefit me in my future endeavors and I am very thankful for having had this opportunity.

– Paige Phelps, Augustana College

Intern_pic

Funding for the QCSO website provided by the Scott County Regional Authority