Job Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and proactive Manager of School Development & Facilities to lead the site selection, buildout, and setup of Payam Music schools as we scale nationwide. You will act as our operational trailblazer: entering new markets, managing physical construction, outfitting spaces, and handing off turn-key facilities to local School Directors. Requiring 30–50% travel, this role demands exceptional project management skills, rigorous financial discipline, and a willingness to get your hands dirty.

About Us

As featured on CBS 60 Minutes, Payam Music is fundamentally changing the way students learn piano. In a national segment spotlighting our innovative Payam Method and teaching philosophy, legendary film composer Hans Zimmer added "it's exactly what I wish I could have had growing up!” That kind of impact is what drives everything we do. Our CEO Hadi Partovi, also the founder and CEO of Code.org, recognized the power of our mission from day one and has been committed to scaling it ever since.

At Payam Music, students fall in love with piano. While traditional methods have remained unchanged since Mozart’s era, our patent-pending curriculum helps students learn to play piano faster and more effectively. The curriculum teaches beginners using an innovative alphabetical and numerical notation which allows students to play melodies from their favorite songs within just minutes!

Our students consistently outperform national averages, with 96% reaching diploma level in just 4-5 years, compared to the national average of 1-2% over 10-12 years. In 2025, our students competed against over 300,000 participants, taking the top 4 of 5 Washington state spots and #1 national spot in the prestigious PTA Reflections competition.

Payam Music currently offers private 1:1 piano lessons in our schools.

What You Will Do

1. Site Validation & Real Estate Feasibility

Site Evaluation & Selection: Tour prospective target locations to evaluate physical layouts, square footage, foot traffic, and parking ratio against brand standards.
Acoustic & Structural Assessment: Inspect wall structures, ceiling heights, and shared-wall conditions to determine soundproofing requirements and noise mitigation viability.
Zoning & Permitting Due Diligence: Research municipal zoning codes, change-of-use requirements, and local building regulations to ensure compliance before lease execution.
CapEx Budgeting & ROI Scoping: Produce detailed initial cost estimations for physical buildouts and tenant improvements to support site viability decisions.
Landlord & Lease Support: Collaborate with real estate brokers and legal counsel to outline Tenant Improvement (TI) allowances, delivery conditions, and scope-of-work terms.

2. Construction & Project Management

Contractor Oversight: Hire and manage general contractors for framing, drywall, acoustic treatment, flooring, and painting.
Timeline & Budget Control: Maintain strict tracking of project milestones and budgets to guarantee on-time school openings.

3. Hands-On Launch & Logistics

On-Site Execution: Travel to sites to handle final setup—assembling furniture, hanging signage, and mounting acoustic panels.
Vendor & Tech Deployment: Coordinate piano deliveries, set up high-speed internet, configure security/access controls, and test hardware.

4. Operations Handoff & Facility Management

White-Glove Handoff: Lead a structured orientation for the incoming School Director covering HVAC systems, security systems, and emergency procedures.
Ongoing Maintenance: Serve as the central point of contact for vendor repair escalations across operational locations.

Who You Are

Swiss Army Knife: Equally comfortable negotiating contractor bids at 9:00 AM and building furniture at 2:00 PM.
Organizational Powerhouse: Expert user of project management tools, budget trackers, and vendor management systems.
Contractor Savvy: Proven experience vetting, hiring, and holding trades accountable to tight deadlines.
Qualifications: 3+ years in multi-unit retail expansion, franchise rollouts, or boutique commercial development (experience with chains like Starbucks, Chipotle, or boutique fitness/tutoring centers preferred).

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: $75,000 – $85,000
Incentives: Milestone bonuses per successful school opening
Perks: Equity options, top-tier medical benefits, 401(k), and paid time off

Apply now to build the stage where the next generation of musicians will learn.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

Are you open to traveling to prospective locations to evaluate potential sites?

Experience:

multi-unit retail expansion : 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: Remote

Payam Music

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