Director, Mustang Band and Spirit Groups

Job Summary

Southern Methodist University (SMU) is seeking a Director of the Mustang Band and Spirit Groups, the integral “Hub of SMU Spirit”.  The Director will oversee all aspects of the Mustang Band and SMU Spirit programs, including Cheer, Pom, and Peruna (live mascot) Handlers. The Director will also supervise the Assistant Director of the Mustang Band, the Spirit Coordinator, and the Peruna Handler Coach.  Additionally, the Director will oversee departmental budgets, including scholarships for Mustang Band students and will assist with fundraising efforts for the Mustang Band, the Spirit programs, and Peruna.  The Director serves as a liaison to the Diamond M Club, the Department of Athletics, Meadows School of the Arts, and other stakeholders.

Essential Functions:

Provide direction for the Mustang Band and oversight of the SMU Spirit programs, including Cheer, Pom, and Peruna Handlers.  This involves supervision of the Assistant Director of the Mustang Band, Spirit Coordinator, and Peruna Handler Coach, and coordinating collaboration between these groups, particularly related to appearances and performances for athletic competitions as well as on-campus, and off-campus events.

Maintain and oversee department budgets, including scholarships for Mustang Band students in partnership with the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students and the Senior Financial Budget Officer for the Division of Student Affairs.

Collaborate with the Division of Development and External Affairs to assist with and coordinate fundraising efforts for the Mustang Band, the Spirit program, and Peruna.

Lead the recruiting efforts for the Mustang Band and provide support for recruiting efforts for the SMU Spirit program, including Cheer, Pom, and the Peruna Handlers.

Serve as a liaison with the Diamond M Club, the Department of Athletics, Meadows School of the Arts, and other stakeholders.

Serve as a member of the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Leadership Team.

Education and Experience:

Master’s degree is required; Doctoral degree is preferred. 

Marching band director experience at the high school or college level is required.  Experience working within a higher education setting is preferred.  Experience conducting and rehearsing a marching band program is required.

Familiarity with high school or college spirit programs (Cheer, Pom, and live mascots) is preferred.

Experience developing and maintaining working relationships with other departments and offices is required.

Knowledge of financial management and budget experience is required.  Supervisory experience is also required.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) is required. 

Experience with Pyware and Finale (or comparable products) is preferred.  Familiarity with Tresona is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Must have high-level interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with other departments, and a wide range of constituencies. 

Candidate must have excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Candidate must have strong organizational skills that include effective planning, time management, and project management skills.

Must possess strong leadership and supervisory skills. Must be able to develop teamwork and collaboration with groups.

Must possess excellent administrative skills including budgetary planning and monitoring of expenditures against budget.

Candidate must have effective and creative problem solving skills.

This position will regularly require evening and weekend work, especially during football and basketball seasons.

This position also requires some travel and coordination of student travel, particularly for out-of-town games and appearances.

Physical/Environmental Demands:

• Bend
• Crawl
• Reach above shoulders
• Carry/lift 25-50 lbs.
• Sit for long periods of time
• Squat
• Climb
• Handle objects (dexterity)
• Kneel
• Stand
• Walk for long distances
• Push/Pull
• Carry/lift over 50 lbs.

This position drives motorized equipment, involve exposure to excessive noise, exposure to marked changes in temperature/or humidity, and work around moving machinery.

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by:  April 21, 2021.

Deadline to Apply:  April 28, 2021

To Apply: 

Please visit our website https://www.smu.edu/BusinessFinance/HR/WorkingatSMU

to access the online application.  See Working at SMU. Click on Staff Career Opportunities and apply to:  

Director, Mustang Band and Spirit Groups (REC00000003)

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.