Inside Higher Ed · 10 hours ago
Department Chair, Guitar
Baltimore, MD
Full-time
Onsite
Director/ExecutiveJohns Hopkins University is seeking a Department Chair for the Guitar Department at Peabody Preparatory. This leadership role focuses on strategic direction, curriculum development, and oversight of music instruction while fostering a vibrant community of learners and educators.
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Responsibilities
Lead the development and implementation of a forward-thinking, long-term vision for the Guitar Department, identifying strategic opportunities for student and teacher growth, and anticipating evolving institutional needs
Cultivate relationships with key figures and institutions in the guitar and performing arts community to create enriching future opportunities for students and faculty, aligning with the department's strategic goals
Serve on Peabody Preparatory's Director's Council, actively contributing to broader institutional strategy and initiatives
Develop, guide, and continuously review Peabody Preparatory's guitar curriculum and student evaluation standards to ensure a comprehensive, high-quality, and equitable educational trajectory for all departmental students
Actively manage year-round student placements for private lessons, including maintaining availability in-person or online placement sessions, conducting placement sessions, facilitating student/parent orientations, introducing students to their recommended instructor, and maintaining communication with unplaced students
Provide guidance and support for new and current students
Coordinate student transfers efficiently by communicating with office staff and assigning faculty
Organize and oversee studio and department recitals, delegating responsibilities to individual faculty where applicable
Regularly gather and critically review program feedback from faculty, students, and parents to inform continuous improvement
Communicate regularly and proactively with students regarding department activities and unique opportunities
Collaborate with faculty and Preparatory leadership (Assistant Director and Director) to effectively manage student and family issues
Working closely with the Assistant Director and Director of the Preparatory, formulate and implement an effective student recruitment and retention plan that aligns with strategic growth
Supervise and evaluate all departmental faculty and ensure participation in developing and maintaining a dynamic curriculum
Optimize each faculty member's teaching load to leverage their strengths, ensuring an appropriate balance of group to private teaching and aligning private students with the teacher's expertise in age range, motivation levels, learning styles, communication needs, and methodology
Collaborate with faculty, Preparatory leadership, and HR to effectively manage and resolve faculty-related issues
Coordinate with the Assistant Director and Director of the Preparatory on all aspects of faculty hiring, including recruitment, credential review, interviews, and recommendations, ensuring alignment with departmental vision
Establish and champion excellence in teaching, curriculum, and community engagement
Schedule and lead regular departmental meetings (at least 1 per year) to foster communication and collaboration
Foster a strong sense of community within the department by involving faculty in decision-making and program development. Solicit and help shape ideas from faculty regarding new initiatives they are interested in developing
Mentor faculty through regular feedback on teaching and student outcomes
Communicate critical deadlines to department faculty for information pertaining to exams, recitals, and other department events as appropriate
Along with the Assistant Director and Director of the Preparatory and finance, develop and manage the department budget
Keep appropriate leadership consistently apprised of department initiatives, possible issues, and potential solutions. Monitor enrollments and class details in ASAP, and collaborate with finance to determine plans for under enrolled classes including communicating with families
Working with appropriate departments, create and oversee all departmental publications, programs, and web content, ensuring accuracy and alignment with branding
Plan, coordinate, prepare, and submit content for inclusion ASAP online registration system for all group classes
Serve on task forces, committees, adjudicate recitals, and attend administrative meetings as required
Maintain an active studio of students, providing direct instruction and serving as a model educator
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in relevant discipline is required, classical guitar preferred
Demonstrated strong administrative and teaching experience, with a focus in classical guitar, and supervisory experience in a music institution is a significant plus
Demonstrated capacity for visionary leadership and program innovation
High level of commitment to teaching students of all ages with a broad range of abilities and backgrounds in private and group class settings
Ability to work collegially but independently
Proven ability to build and maintain strong internal and external partnerships
Ability to multitask, prioritize, and think strategically to achieve departmental goals
Excellent communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills
High comfort level and proficiency with technology, including extensive experience with Microsoft Office Suite products or Google Docs
Preferred
Master's degree is preferred
Community music school experience preferred
Experience with online database management systems is preferred
Benefits
Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement.
Company
Inside Higher Ed
Inside Higher Ed is the online source for news, opinion, and jobs related to higher education.
Founded in 2004
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
unknown2022-01-10Acquired
2006-08-31Series Unknown
Leadership Team
Stephanie Shweiki
Director, Foundation Partnerships
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