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Organization Description:

Make a meaningful difference in the lives of Oakland youth. At Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland (BGCO), our mission is to develop our community’s youth into positive contributors to society. We provide programs and services tailored to the needs of today’s youth while complementing the efforts of families, schools, and other community-based organizations.

We aim to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to reach their full potential as goal-oriented, responsible, and productive members of society. BGCO currently serves nearly 2,000 youth across three Clubhouse locations in Oakland, providing outcome-driven programming in three key areas: Academic Success, Good Character & Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles.

We value people, professionalism, initiative, integrity, responsibility, and teamwork.

This position will be based at the following Clubhouse:

Anna Marie Whalen Branch

3300 High Street, Oakland, CA 94619

Employment Details

• Status: Part-time
• Hours: After-school hours: 4-8pm; summer and school break hours: 11-3 or 12-4
• Pay: $25 / hour
• Benefits: Paid sick leave, training opportunities

Job Summary:

The Music Studio Director (Part Time) is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating a high-quality music program that teaches modern music production and performance, with a strong emphasis on rap and hip hop. This role guides youth through beat making, songwriting, vocal recording, mixing, and basic release planning while modeling and maintaining a safe, respectful, and creative studio culture.

Primary Responsibilities:

Program Development & Instruction:

• Teach core music production skills including beat making, sampling, MIDI programming, arrangement, vocal tracking, basic mixing and mastering, export, and delivery.
• Create and mix rap and hip hop music with youth, including instruction on flows, hooks, verse structure, ad libs, punch-ins, comping, and basic tuning.
• Instruct youth on Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, or Ableton Live.
• Teach proper use of studio hardware including audio interfaces, microphones, MIDI controllers, studio monitors, and headphones.
• Lead audio and video projects that support BGCO goals and result in finished tracks, EPs, or other creative outputs.
• Design engaging classes, workshops, and a culminating showcase of youth work.

Studio Operations & Administration:

• Oversee day-to-day studio operations, including scheduling, equipment care, troubleshooting, and overall studio readiness.
• Plan annual class calendars and ensure program policies are current and followed.
• Maintain attendance, registration, and project records for participants.
• Manage routine administrative needs related to the music studio program.

Youth Engagement & Collaboration:

• Recruit and retain program participants and support consistent attendance.
• Attend team meetings, support organizational events, and contribute to program strategy.
• Collaborate with site leadership, program staff, and development staff to align on goals and media needs.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Support special programs and events as assigned.
• May be required to drive a Club van if authorized.
• Consult with parents or caregivers when appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Relationships:

• Internal: Daily interaction with Branch leadership, program staff, and development staff to align on programming goals and media needs.
• External: Engagement with volunteers, guest artists, and donors as approved.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated, hands-on experience creating and mixing rap and hip hop music.
• Proficiency with at least one professional DAW such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, or Ableton Live.
• Practical knowledge of microphones, preamps, audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, and studio monitors, with the ability to set up, operate, and maintain equipment.
• Experience working with teens in creative or educational environments.
• CPR and First Aid certification required or obtained within 60 days of hire.
• Background check and TB clearance required prior to working with youth.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record if driving is assigned.