Musical Artist-In-Residence

Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan•New York, NY

5d•$80,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Marlene Meyerson Jewish Community Center in Manhattan seeks a creative, collaborative, and community-minded Musical Artist-in-Residence to advance our mission through artistic excellence, education, performance, and meaningful community engagement. The Musical Artist-in-Residence serves as the JCC's lead Jewish music educator, song leader, and performer, using music to build community, enrich Jewish life, and create meaningful connections across all ages and programs. This highly visible role will establish a shared musical culture throughout the JCC, engaging participants from early childhood through older adulthood through performance, education, ritual leadership, and community-building. The ideal candidate is a talented musician, educator, and community builder with deep knowledge of Jewish music traditions and a passion for making Jewish music accessible, inclusive, and relevant to diverse audiences.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Music Education or a related field, Master's degree preferred.
Minimum 5 years of music education experience
Proficiency in Jewish music traditions and a strong understanding of their cultural context
Understanding of Hebrew and ability to lead/teach rituals for meals, Shabbat, holidays, and communal singing
Ability to play and teach one or more musical instruments and/or vocal proficiency
Ability to create compelling and engaging musical experiences and programming
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Commitment to creating a welcoming environment where participants of all backgrounds feel valued, and an appreciation for the diversity within Jewish musical tradition
Availability for a full-time schedule, including some evenings and weekends

Responsibilities

Serve as the JCC's primary musical leader, using Jewish music as a unifying thread across departments, programs, and life stages.
Develop and maintain a shared JCC repertoire and songbook that includes traditional melodies, liturgical music, folk songs, Israeli music, and contemporary Jewish music.
Lead music for Shabbat, Havdalah, holidays, and other communal celebrations throughout the year.
Perform regularly at JCC programs, special events, and community gatherings, serving as a visible artistic presence within the community.
Develop new programs, events, and experiences that bring together members of our community around music.
Provide weekly music education for Nursery School classes, introducing children ages 2–5 to Jewish music and other early childhood favorites through singing, instruments, and interactive learning.
Serve as a key member of the camp team, building community, spirit, and Jewish identity through music, including weekly Shabbat programming.
Lead weekly community Shabbat family music classes.
Design and deliver engaging musical experiences for diverse audiences, including older adults and individuals with diverse abilities.
Collaborate with JCC staff and community partners to integrate performance, education, and engagement.
Strengthen and connect existing music programs while developing new initiatives
Incorporate vocal training, instrumental instruction, music theory, and experiential learning.
Maintain an active knowledge of developments in Jewish music and music education.