Join our growing team and help shape the future of youth through music and the arts.
Careers at BandWith
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every competency or experience listed.
We encourage you to apply if this role excites you and you believe you can demonstrate the skills and experience to be a strong candidate.
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BandWith is a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to providing lasting access to instrumental and vocal music instruction in underserved communities. Through music education, ensemble performance, and mentorship, we empower youth and strengthen community wellness. Learn more at bandwithchicago.org.
As part of our broader workforce development strategy, the new BandWith Performing Arts Center Coffee Shop will operate as a social enterprise providing employment and training opportunities for East Garfield Park residents. In a neighborhood with no other coffee shops, this space will fill a long-standing gap while generating jobs and serving as a hub for creative activity and connection.
The Coffee Shop Manager will lead the launch and oversee the day-to-day operations of BandWith’s in-house coffee shop. This individual will build and manage the café team, ensure excellent and inclusive customer service, oversee ordering and inventory, and maintain compliance with health and safety standards.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on, experienced food service professional with strong leadership skills, a passion for community building, and a commitment to equity and inclusion.
Pre-Opening (Mid-December 2025 – Mid-January 2026)
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Oversee the completion of the Coffee Shop build out
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Partner with the Executive Director and the Manager of Operations to prepare the coffee shop for launch, including vendor sourcing, equipment setup, and health department compliance.
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Complete or renew Food Sanitation Manager Certification (BandWith will support certification if not currently held).
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Establish systems for ordering, inventory, and point-of-sale (POS) operations.
Daily Operations & Leadership
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Serve as the primary on-site employee during the initial launch phase, overseeing scheduling, ordering, and customer service.
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Maintain high standards for product quality, service, and presentation for both in-house and to-go customers.
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By January 2026, recruit, train, and supervise additional café staff with an emphasis on teamwork, accountability, and workforce development.
Customer & Community Experience
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Serve as a welcoming and inclusive presence, reflecting BandWith’s mission and values.
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Model excellent customer service and ensure a consistent, positive experience for all guests.
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Collaborate with the BandWith team to coordinate cross-promotions, events, and community programming connected to the café.
Compliance & Safety
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Ensure full compliance with Chicago Department of Public Health regulations for sanitation and food safety.
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Maintain cleanliness, safety, and accessibility at all times.
Financial & Administrative Management
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Manage coffee shop budget, sales tracking, and expense monitoring.
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Oversee cash handling and ensure POS system accuracy.
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Provide regular reports on financial performance and operations to the Director of Development & Operations.
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2+ years of experience in coffee shop or restaurant management
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Strong leadership, staff training, financial management, and customer service skills
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Knowledge of coffee preparation, service operations, and equipment maintenance
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Food Sanitation Manager Certification preferred; required within 30 days of hire (employer-supported)
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Deep alignment with BandWith’s mission of equity, arts access, and community engagement
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BIPOC candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
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Hiring target: December 15, 2025 – January 1, 2026
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Coffee Shop Launch Goal: February 1, 2026
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This is a full-time, in-person position located at BandWith’s new Performing Arts Center in East Garfield Park.
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Some evening and weekend hours may be required for special events or programs.
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BandWith offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
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Health insurance
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Paid time off
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Professional development support
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To Apply, please fill out and submit this Google Form. It will ask you to attach a resume and answer some questions in lieu of a cover letter. Please remember to submit the form once complete.
BandWith is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status.
Location: Chicago, IL 60612 (In-person)
Compensation: Starting at $50/hr, commensurate with experience | Part-time
Proposed Start Date: September 2025 (onboarding), with classes beginning the week of September 22
Founded in 2013, BandWith is a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to providing lasting access to instrumental, vocal, and dance instruction in underserved communities. Our mission is to empower youth through arts education, ensemble performance, and mentorship. Learn more at bandwithchicago.org.
The Opportunity
BandWith Chicago is seeking a passionate Dance Instructor who values educational access and equity and appreciates the power of the arts to enrich lives. The Dance Instructor will lead BandWith’s growing dance program, teaching Jazz and Hip Hop to children ages 8–13, and helping students build skill, confidence, and joy through movement.
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Mondays & Wednesdays, 3:30–6:30pm (includes prep and teaching time)
Class times:
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4:00–5:00pm — Jazz & Hip Hop Dance II (ages 11–13)
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5:15–6:15pm — Jazz & Hip Hop Dance I (ages 8–10)
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Fall Session — 12 weeks
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Spring Session — 15 weeks
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Summer Session — 6 weeks
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All sessions conclude with a culminating student performance.
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Develop and deliver an engaging dance curriculum in Jazz and Hip Hop styles for ages 8–13.
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Submit curriculum plans in advance of each session.
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Create a supportive and inclusive learning environment that fosters student growth and creativity.
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Prepare students for and lead end-of-session performances.
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Collaborate with BandWith leadership and staff to strengthen and expand the dance program.
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Maintain high standards of professionalism, punctuality, and communication with students, families, and staff.
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Apply via email to Rachel Oppenheimer, Operations Consultant at rachel@bandwithchicago.net with:
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An attached resume
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A letter of interest that briefly addresses the following:
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What draws you to BandWith’s mission and the Dance Instructor role?
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Please share a brief description of your dance instruction experience, highlighting experience working with youth.
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What else would you like to share about why you would be a terrific fit for the Dance Instructor position?
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Apply via email to Rachel Oppenheimer, Operations Consultant at rachel@bandwithchicago.net with:
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An attached resume
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A letter of interest that briefly addresses the following:
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What draws you to BandWith’s mission and the Choral Program Lead role?
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Please share a brief description of your choral instruction experience, highlighting experience working with youth.
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What else would you like to share about why you would be a terrific fit for the Choral Program Lead position?
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BandWith is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status.
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Impact: Help elevate the next generation of Chicago musicians
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Flexibility: Part-time hours that fit creative/academic commitments
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Team: Supportive, mission-driven colleagues
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