Johns Hopkins University is hiring: Department Chair, American Roots - #Faculty

The Chair of Peabody Preparatory's American Roots Department

The Chair 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.

Responsibilities, including administrative and teaching, will be 8-10 hours per week, year-round. Target start date is Fall 2024.

Duties and Responsibilities

Students

• Develop, guide, and review the department’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 any student and family issues as they arise.

Faculty

• Supervise and evaluate all departmental faculty and ensure participation in developing and maintaining the curriculum.
• Work with faculty and the Assistant Director of the Preparatory and HR as needed to manage any faculty issues as they arise.
• Coordinate with the Assistant Director of the Preparatory on faculty hiring for the department, including recruitment, credential review, interviews, and recommendations.
• Establish high standards for the department and communicate them to department faculty.
• Schedule departmental meetings regularly (at least once per year).
• Serve as a faculty mentor by answering questions, offering informal and formal 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.

Administrative

• Along with the Assistant Director of the Preparatory and the Business Office, develop and manage the department budget.
• Establish a new curriculum for Jazz, Blues, Rock, Hip Hop, Bluegrass, and Country music.
• Collaborate effectively with chairs of other departments to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and support student success.
• Monitor enrollments and class details in the ASAP online registration system, working with the Business Office to determine plans for under‑enrolled classes, 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.
• Serve on task forces and committees, adjudicate recitals, and attend administrative meetings as required.

Teaching

• Maintain a small studio of students.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, ideally in music or music education, or equivalent experience (required). A master’s degree is preferred.
• Strong administrative and teaching experience (supervisory experience in a music institution is a plus) and a strong commitment to teaching students of all ages with a broad range of abilities and backgrounds in private and group class settings.
• Community music school experience preferred.
• Ability to work collegially but independently.
• Ability to multi‑task and think strategically.
• Excellent communication, conflict resolution, and problem‑solving skills.
• Passion for American Roots music and a commitment to providing exceptional music education.
• High comfort level with technology, ideally with extensive experience with Microsoft Office Suite products or Google Docs.

Salary: $7,280 - $9,100 per year. The referenced salary range is based on Johns Hopkins University’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill levels.

Please include: CV, cover letter, video of student performances, references.

Job Type: Part Time

Johns Hopkins provides a comprehensive benefits package supporting health, career, and retirement. Learn more: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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