Program Assistant — Education (Summer Position)

Job Type: Summer Position
Employment Period: June 29, 2026 – August 21, 2026 (8 weeks)
Hourly Wage: $18.00
Location: Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre
300 – 851 4 Street SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1P2

About the National Music Centre

The National Music Centre (NMC) is Canada’s premier destination for music, culture, and innovation. Located in Calgary’s East Village, NMC is home to over 8,000 artifacts, including historic musical instruments, artist archives, audio recordings, textiles, memorabilia, and rare music technologies spanning more than 450 years of history. Through exhibitions, performances, research, education, and artist residencies, NMC preserves and shares Canada’s musical heritage with local, national, and international audiences.

About this position

The Program Assistant – Education will support the National Music Centre’s (NMC) summer camp programs, which inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence in children and youth through hands-on music activities. In addition, this role will research, design, and realize 1–2 new in-gallery activations for visiting students, launching in September 2026. These activations will connect music-based learning to core curriculum and enhance student engagement through interactive experiences. Based at Studio Bell, this position provides a dynamic work experience that combines arts education, child and youth engagement, and creative facilitation within a professional cultural environment.

The Program Assistant – Education will assist with delivering NMC's two summer camp programs (each one week in length), Music Makers (ages 6–9) and Build A Band (ages 9–12). Music Makers introduces children to music through exploration, rhythm games, and creative activities, while Build A Band helps young musicians develop ensemble skills, write songs, and present a final performance. The Program Assistant – Education will support instructors in ensuring programming is engaging, inclusive, and safely delivered.

Summer student funding for this position requires that applicants must meet all eligibility requirements for Canada Summer Jobs, including being between the ages of 15–30 at the start of employment.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Program delivery support:
  Assist with leading daily camp activities—including instrument exploration, rhythm games, songwriting, ensemble practice, crafts, and music-based learning—following established lesson plans and guidance from lead instructors.
• Camper supervision and safety:
  Help maintain a safe, positive, and inclusive environment by monitoring camper behaviour, supporting transitions between activities, and providing supervision during breaks, meals, and end-of-day procedures.
• Logistics and setup:
  Prepare classrooms, organize materials, assist with setup, and support daily cleanup to keep learning spaces organized and functional.
• Communication with families:
  Help greet parents and guardians at drop-off and pick-up, provide general information about the day’s activities, and contribute to a welcoming and professional atmosphere.
• Performance preparation:
  Support campers during rehearsals and assist with organizing the final end-of-week showcase, including basic stage coordination and setup.
• Team collaboration:
  Work closely with camp instructors, volunteers, and Education Department staff to coordinate schedules, share updates, and maintain smooth operations throughout the week.
• Program preparation and improvement:
  Participate in training sessions, assist with pre-camp planning, and contribute ideas during debriefs to enhance program flow, engagement, and participant experience.
• Program development and in-gallery activations:
  Develop 1–2 new in-gallery activations for K–6 field trips launching in the 2026 school year. Contribute to concept development, scripting, resource allocation and program brief development of education programs that connect music-based learning to core curriculum and exhibition content.
• Additional support:
  Provide assistance to the Education Department as needed, such as organizing supplies, supporting family programming, or helping with other youth-oriented activities.

Qualifications

• Must meet all Canada Summer Jobs eligibility requirements, including being between the ages of 15–30 at the start of employment
• Background or coursework in music, education, museum studies, or a related field
• Experience working with children and youth in camp, classroom, or informal learning environments
• Experience in arts education, facilitation, or creative programming is an asset
• Basic music skills are not required but are considered an asset

Commitment to Fair Hiring Practices

National Music Centre (NMC) believes in the power and importance of fair hiring practices in the workplace, and we will ensure equal opportunity for all qualified applicants to apply.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants should submit a PDF cover letter and resume to:

Stephanie Hutchinson
Director of Programs
stephanie.hutchinson@nmc.ca

Application Deadline: May 1, 2026

Please ensure your full name appears in your file name (e.g., Smith_John_Resume.pdf) and use the subject line: Program Assistant – Education. No phone calls please.