Program Director, Sing for Hope Pianos
About Sing for Hope Sing for Hope harnesses the power of the arts to create a better world. Our creative programs bring hope, healing, and connection to millions of people in hospitals, schools, care facilities, and public spaces worldwide. A non-profit organization founded in New York City in response to the events of 9/11, Sing for Hope partners with hundreds of community-based organizations, mobilizes thousands of artists in creative service, and produces artist-created Sing for Hope Pianos across the United States and around the world. Sing for Hope Pianos is a global arts program that creates artist-designed pianos, places them in public spaces for everyone to enjoy, then transports and activates them year-round in schools, hospitals, and community centers worldwide. Sing for Hope has provided more pianos for under-resourced public schools than any other organization in the world.
About the Role
We are seeking an exceptional Director of Sing for Hope Pianos to lead the operational, logistical, and community-facing aspects of this iconic program. This is a New York City-based position. While some remote work is possible, the successful candidate must be able to work regularly from our Piano Studio in lower Manhattan and attend in-person meetings, events, site visits, installations, and partner engagements throughout the year. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of project management, operations, community engagement, and mission-driven work. The Director is responsible for leading the successful execution of the Sing for Hope Pianos program, overseeing installations and activations, managing the Piano Studio and program inventory, coordinating artists, vendors, volunteers, and community partners, maintaining budgets and timelines, and ensuring that one of Sing for Hope’s most visible public programs operates smoothly and professionally. The role combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution and requires someone who is equally comfortable managing details, building relationships, improving systems, solving problems, and moving projects forward. Many aspects of this role are well-established and supported by existing systems, procedures, and documentation. At the same time, Sing for Hope is an entrepreneurial organization that regularly embraces new opportunities. The successful candidate must be comfortable balancing structure with flexibility, operating within established processes while also adapting to shifting priorities, unexpected challenges, and occasional projects that require creativity, initiative, and learning on the fly. We are looking for someone who takes ownership, notices opportunities for improvement, solves problems before they become crises, and consistently leaves things better than they found them. The successful candidate will be highly organized, self-motivated, collaborative, adaptable, and deeply committed to delivering exceptional work. They will be equally comfortable managing complex projects, maintaining operational excellence, building relationships, and representing Sing for Hope in a professional and engaging manner. Sing for Hope is a small, high-performing team. We set ambitious goals, move quickly when opportunities arise, and hold ourselves to a high standard of professionalism and execution. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute at that same level—bringing initiative, sound judgment, accountability, and a commitment to excellence that strengthens the team around them. Most importantly, we are looking for someone who is excited by the mission, takes pride in their work, and wants to help move the organization forward.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the planning and execution of the Sing for Hope Pianos program in New York City and beyond
- Manage the Sing for Hope Piano Studio, including inventory, assets, equipment, supplies, and program materials
- Coordinate artists, movers, tuners, vendors, photographers, and other program partners
- Oversee piano installations, activations, launches, and special events
- Supervise staff, seasonal workers, interns, and volunteers as assigned
- Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, budgets, reports, and program documentation
- Ensure accurate inventory management and operational recordkeeping
- Collaborate closely with colleagues across departments to maximize organizational impact
- Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes, and overall program effectiveness
- Serve as a professional representative of Sing for Hope with partners, artists, community members, and stakeholders
- Support special projects and organizational initiatives as needed
What Success Looks Like The right person for this role:
- Takes initiative without waiting to be told what to do
- Can manage multiple projects simultaneously without becoming overwhelmed
- Balances attention to detail with big-picture thinking
- Communicates clearly and professionally
- Welcomes feedback and works well with others
- Is comfortable with accountability and ownership
- Continuously seeks better ways of working
- Can adapt when plans change while still delivering results
- Enjoys being part of a small, collaborative, mission-driven team
- Is as comfortable organizing a public launch as they are updating a project plan, maintaining inventory, or representing the organization in the community
Qualifications
- Demonstrated success managing complex projects, programs, operations, events, or initiatives
- Experience leading teams, supervising staff and volunteers, and/or coordinating contractors
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience managing multiple priorities simultaneously
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with others
- Proficiency with modern workplace technology and software tools
- Ability to attend occasional evening and weekend events as required
- Ability to work regularly from our New York City Piano Studio
- Ability to safely lift, move, and handle equipment and materials up to 50 lbs during studio operations and event preparation.
- Experience in nonprofit management, arts administration, public programs, community engagement, education, public health, events, or related fields
- Experience managing budgets and vendor relationships
- Experience working with public-facing programs or community initiatives
We recognize that strong candidates may come from a variety of professional backgrounds. If you believe your experience has prepared you for this role, we encourage you to apply. Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $100,000-$110,000 annually Benefits include:
- Comprehensive insurance package including medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement savings plan with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Professional development opportunities
Commitment to Diversity Sing for Hope is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives to apply. We believe our work is strongest when it reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.