Chair - Music Department

Job Title: Chair

Department: Music

Reports To: Provost

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $70,129.28 - $77,945.09 + $1000 Chair Stipend.

Washington Adventist University (WAU) is a Christ-centered institution of higher education that supports a culture of excellence where all feel valued. Nestled in a desirable residential community in Takoma Park, Maryland, WAU offers its faculty and staff an environment where professional expertise is valued and lasting connections between co-workers are formed as we work together to ensure the success of our students.

Regardless of title, every employee supports WAU’s vision of producing graduates who bring moral leadership and competence to their communities.

WAU seeks a visionary leader to head the Department of Music. Washington Adventist University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and approved by the American Music Therapy Association. The Department of Music offers a Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Music degrees in Music Performance and Music Therapy, a Bachelor’s level Music Therapy Equivalency Program, and a Music Minor.

It is the purpose of the Department of Music to provide professional training, reinforced by a sound general education, in an environment where music is presented as a medium for spiritual, intellectual, emotional and cultural development.

• Serve as chief academic and administrative lead for the Department of Music
• Develop and implement strategic plans, both short- and long-term, for the music unit
• Lead music unit faculty in the development of a rigorous and supportive culture/environment
• Champion student recruitment, success, retention and career readiness
• Cultivate and maintain a growth-oriented, high-performing culture with a focus on creative innovation
• Explore innovative delivery of student learning, mentoring, faculty development, and support
• Teach courses (within the candidate’s area of expertise)

• Manage day-to-day operations of the music unit, including faculty and student professional supervision, budget oversight, and curriculum management
• Lead the music unit’s NASM and AMTA standards reaffirmation
• Explore data-informed decision-making regarding student learning, retention, and career pathways
• Oversee faculty hiring, annual evaluation, and grant opportunities with an eye toward promoting excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service
• Schedule and chair regular operational meetings with faculty, staff, and student professionals
• Serve on Academic Leadership Council, SGPS Academic Council, and other committees as assigned
• Be the point person with WAU Facilities, Sligo SDA Church, the Provost’s Office, and the President’s Office
• Manage all department calendars

• Conduct regular evaluation of degree offerings, courses, Community Music School offerings
• Support and encourage development of new programs, certifications, and non-traditional offerings
• Support standards in line with NASM, AMTA, and MSCHE accreditation
• Balance innovation with core skills, literacy, and musicianship

• Collaborate with Offices of Enrollment Management and Marketing to promote and support recruitment strategies
• Be the face of the department at university, local, regional, and national events, including professional conferences, community events, and denominational events
• Build and maintain partnerships with churches, music industry professionals, local academies and high schools
• Engage in partnerships to create internships, residencies, and career pathways for students
• Support fundraising efforts in collaboration with the Office of the President and Advancement to support funded scholarships and strategic initiatives
• Build strong relationships with music and arts organizations in the DMV community

• An earned doctorate in music
• At least five years of experience teaching at the university level
• Demonstrated administrative and academic leadership
• A strong commitment to faith-based higher education in the arts
• Excellent musicianship
• Demonstrable organizational,…