YOLA Instrument Coordinator

Job Description

Position: YOLA Instrument Coordinator

Department: Learning

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $30 per hour

Program Summary

YOLA is the signature program of Los Angeles Philharmonic Music and Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel. YOLA is inspired by El Sistema, the Venezuelan music education system that provides half a million children with free musical instruments and intensive musical instruction. Central to YOLA’s mission is the promotion of healthy growth and development through the study, practice, and performance of music. Simultaneously, YOLA positively invests in each child’s development as a musical ambassador of peace, hope, and understanding amongst a diverse population of cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs. YOLA currently serves more than 1,500 students from elementary, middle, and high schools across Los Angeles.

Position Summary

The YOLA Program Assistant supports the day-to-day operations of a YOLA site by providing administrative, logistical, and programmatic assistance to ensure a safe, engaging, and well-organized environment for students, families, and staff. This position reports to the Associate Operations Director and interacts with teaching artists, and LA Phil administrative teams to uphold the mission of YOLA and create a vibrant and nurturing space for music education.

Job Requirements

Position Elements:

• Provide comprehensive administrative support for cross-site YOLA programs and initiatives.
• Serve as primary point of contact for processing invoices and managing supplies related to instrument coordination.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive institutional and participant information.
• Order and track delivery of supplies for YOLA events, programs, and operations.
• The YOLA Program Assistant is one of a two-person team who collaboratively split responsibilities across four YOLA sites, while also assisting with ad hoc projects as needed to support program operations.
• Support Learning Department staff as needed on company-wide educational and community initiatives, including pre-concert and concert duties.
• Coordinate instrument inventory management, including purchasing, assignment, repair requests, and tracking.
• Partner with YOLA site staff to ensure accurate records, secure storage, and reliable availability of all instruments and related equipment.
• Assist in vendor selection, negotiation, and management to secure competitive pricing and terms.
• Maintain detailed documentation of all work orders, repairs, and instruments sent to or received from vendors.
• Advise Learning Department leadership on recommended purchases of instruments and equipment.
• Stay up to date on the student musical instrument market to inform procurement decisions.
• Coordinate timely delivery of instruments and supplies to multiple YOLA sites.
• Coordinate and schedule appointments, meetings, and maintain accurate meeting minutes.
• Act as primary liaison for instrument and supply needs across YOLA sites.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with internal teams, vendors, and other external partners.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including YOLA site leadership, teaching artists, musicians, families, community partners, and LA Phil staff.
  
  

Position Qualifications

• College education or equivalent experience in music performance, education, arts administration, human services, social work, or a related field.
• Demonstrated appreciation for and knowledge of music, especially orchestral and/or choral repertoire.
• Experience coordinating or supporting educational, artistic, or community-based programs.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt messaging for diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and remote collaboration tools such as Slack, Google Workspace, and Zoom.
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to travel between YOLA sites as needed
  
  

Revised 07/2025

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the FCIHO.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association embraces and is committed to diversity and inclusion within our staff, musicians, guest artists, audiences, and surrounding communities. The Association does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and religious grooming), sex (including pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition or information, genetic information, marital status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the law, the Association also provides reasonable accommodation for disabled applicants and employees in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, for pregnant employees who request an accommodation with the advice of their health care providers, for pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions; for employees who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking; and for applicants and employees based on their religious beliefs and practices.