Department Chair, American Roots

Overview

General Description The Chair of Peabody Preparatory's American Roots Department is responsible for developing, leading, and overseeing a thriving program dedicated to Jazz, Blues, Rock, Hip Hop, Bluegrass, and Country music. This role involves both administrative and teaching responsibilities, with a focus on providing comprehensive group music instruction to students of all ages and abilities. The ideal candidate will possess a strong commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive music community.

Reports to:

Director of the Preparatory. Supervises:
American Roots Department Faculty. Sections include Teaching and Administrative duties, with responsibilities to work with faculty, the Assistant Director of the Preparatory, HR, and the Business Office as needed. The position entails developing curricula, managing student evaluation standards, and maintaining program quality across the department.

Location and Organization:
Peabody Preparatory is located in downtown Baltimore and shares space with the Peabody Conservatory, with four satellite campuses in Towson, Annapolis, Frederick, and Howard County, MD.

Salary and benefits follow Johns Hopkins University policies. The role is part-time, with 8-10 hours per week year-round.

Compensation: based on experience.

Note:

Start date targeted for Fall 2024.

About Us:

Established in 1894, Peabody Preparatory serves approximately 2,500 students weekly and aims to offer a broad range of programs from early childhood through adult and professional levels, with a commitment to inclusivity and excellence in music education.

• Develop, guide, and review Peabody Preparatory's American Roots curriculum and student evaluation standards to ensure a comprehensive educational trajectory for all departmental students.
• Establish procedures, oversee department placements and student transfers, coordinate with office staff, and assign faculty as necessary.
• Conduct student and parent orientations and placement and audition sessions.
• Organize studio recitals and repertoire classes; coordinate or delegate department recitals to individual faculty.
• Regularly gather and review program feedback from faculty, students, and parents.
• Work with faculty and the Assistant Director of the Preparatory as needed to manage student and family issues as they arise.
• Supervise and evaluate all departmental faculty and ensure participation in developing and maintaining curriculum.
• Coordinate with the Assistant Director of the Preparatory on faculty hiring, including recruitment, credential review, interviews, and recommendations.
• Establish high standards for the department and communicate those to department faculty.
• Schedule departmental meetings regularly (at least once per year).
• Serve as faculty mentor by answering questions, offering feedback on teaching and student performance, and involving faculty in decision making and program development.
• Communicate deadlines to department faculty for information pertaining to exams, recitals, and other department events as appropriate.
• Along with the Assistant Director of the Preparatory and the Business Office, develop and manage department budget.
• Establish a new curriculum for Jazz, Blues, Rock, Hip Hop, Bluegrass, and Country music.
• Collaborate with chairs of other departments to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and student success.
• Monitor enrollments and class details in the ASAP online registration system, and coordinate plans for under-enrolled classes with the Business Office, including communicating with families.
• Create and maintain effective communication channels for students, parents, and faculty.
• Oversee all departmental publications, programs, and web content.
• Plan, coordinate, and prepare content for inclusion in ASAP for all group classes, placements, and auditions.
• Serve on Peabody Preparatory's Director's Council and participate in task forces and committees as required.
• Adjudicate recitals and attend administrative meetings as required.
• Teaching:
  Chair is required to maintain a small studio of students.
• Compensation: based on experience.

• Bachelor's degree, ideally in music or music education, or equivalent…