Salisbury Area Young Musicians – Manager/Musical Director

We have a vacancy for Manager/Musical Director of the organisation, to take over in September 2026 from the current lead, Richard Parsons, who is stepping back after 10 years in the role.  For this freelance post the Board of Trustees is seeking a candidate who is a highly skilled musician with experience of running ensembles and events, who has an enthusiasm and ability to develop a vision for taking the organisation forward. They should have the ability to appropriately delegate tasks to the SAYM Administrator and experience in managing other personnel/tutors is an advantage. The successful candidate will have a commitment to, and understanding of, the value of music and the arts to young peoples’ development. They should have the ability to work flexibly and, where necessary, be available in evenings and weekends. The manager should have strong collaborative skills, but also the ability to work independently and to manage their own time.

Salisbury Area Young Musicians (SAYM) is a thriving community music organisation that brings together nearly 250 young people aged 4-19 from across Salisbury and the surrounding area. Drawing participants from 50 local schools, we provide exceptional musical opportunities through our diverse range of ensembles including:

  • 2 Jazz ensembles – developing improvisation and performance skills
  • 3 Wind bands – building orchestral and concert band repertoire
  • Guitar groups – exploring contemporary and classical styles
  • Orchestra – creating inspiring symphonic experiences
  • 3 String ensembles – nurturing technical excellence and musicality
  • 2 Choirs – developing vocal skills and ensemble singing
  • Start the Music group for 4-6 year olds.

For our young people: Music transforms lives. It builds confidence, develops discipline, fosters teamwork and provides a creative outlet that enriches every aspect of a young person’s development.

For our community: SAYM performances bring families and communities together, showcasing the incredible talent of our local young people whilst enriching the cultural life of Salisbury and surrounding areas.

SAYM is a registered charity and is funded through subscriptions, fundraising and a grant from our local hub GSW.  Our groups meet weekly during term time, on Saturdays and some weekday evenings, across 2 school sites in Salisbury, and perform regularly throughout the year, reaching audiences across the region through concerts, festivals, and community events.

The successful candidate’s duties will include but not be limited to:

  • Developing plans for the financial stability and progression of the organisation
  • In consultation with the Board of Trustees prepare a budget for each academic year, and manage the organisation’s activities through the year to operate within this budget.
  • Making relevant grant applications to funding organisations, and developing other fundraising opportunities such as corporate sponsorship
  • Reporting regularly to the board of trustees (usually one meeting each term, plus informal updating on any significant issues as they arise)
  • Liaising with the local hub and completing annual reporting
  • Reviewing and developing the music making opportunities on offer to children and young people in the Salisbury area
  • Leading on the artistic and educational development of the organisation.
  • Line managing all ensemble leaders and assistants. Preparing and sending out the Service Level Agreements/Contracts for ensemble leaders, assistants and any other additional roles.
  • Setting rehearsal and concert dates for the academic year.
  • Planning and managing the programme of performance opportunities for SAYM young musicians across the year
  • Liaising with rehearsal and performance venues and working with the Administrator to make bookings and payment schedule
  • Lead role in recruitment of new tutors
  • Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead for the organisation
  • Whilst many of the responsibilities of the role are administrative and managerial, the Trustees are keen that the organisation is led by an inspiring music educator, therefore there are opportunities for the manager to take on role as an ensemble leader for one or more of the SAYM groups and there would be additional remuneration for this role. There is flexibility on which ensembles the successful candidate would lead, to fit with their specific talents and the structure of the current team.

This contract is a flexible part-time one based on an average of 7 hours per week over 38 weeks of the academic year. There is no office so the ability to work from home is essential. The total contract for the Manager role is in the region of £10,000 for the year.  Additional remuneration would be available if the successful candidate also took ensemble leader roles for specific SAYM groups.

Closing dates for applications: Monday 13 April

If you would like to discuss the role, or would like to visit to see our activities in action, prior to applying, please contact Richard Parsons – manager@saym.org

How to Apply

Please send a CV and covering letter to manager@saym.org.uk

Suitable for UK based applicants eligible to work in the UK. As an organisation SAYM follows safer recruitment procedures including pre-employment check, an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references

As an organisation SAYM follows safer recruitment procedures including pre-employment checks, an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.