Director of Athletic Bands

Shenandoah University seeks a dynamic and energetic Director of Athletic Bands to lead in creating, recruiting, facilitating, and directing a marching band that will initially perform in the fall of 2022. After successfully directing the construction of the foundation of this new program during the 2021-22 school year, the new director will lead the marching band in its first performances in 2022-23.

Responsibilities

This is a 12-month, full-time, benefitted, staff position with responsibilities for administering all aspects of a marching band program including recruiting and retaining qualified students with music teaching responsibilities that could include courses in music education, conducting and Conservatory Bands based on the expertise of the candidate. Working in a close professional relationship and collaboration with the Director of Bands candidates should demonstrate the ability to lead an SU Marching Band in a safe, student-focused, and professional manner that maintains our high performance standards and intense spirit, and seek to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion at SU.

Shenandoah University

Shenandoah’s main campus is located in Winchester, Virginia. With more than 4,100 students across 200+ areas of study in six different schools, Shenandoah boasts a creatively charged and collaborative environment of mutual respect, acceptance and understanding in which personal inspirations and ideas of thinkers and doers are nurtured by a rich mixture of personalities, cultures and perspectives. The Shenandoah experience is the foundation of a friendly, caring and supportive community.

Shenandoah Conservatory

Shenandoah Conservatory is a community of 700+ students across music, theatre and dance uniquely committed to rigor, nurture, innovation and diversity. The conservatory inspires artistic and scholarly excellence, preparing talented students for successful careers in the arts.

Shenandoah Athletics

Home to the Hornets made up of 22 sports, our Department of Athletics is committed to the holistic development of our 500+ student-athletes. Each individual is offered the opportunity to excel in the classroom, in competition and in the community. All members of the Department of Athletics have the responsibility to establish a competitive, disciplined and professional atmosphere in which to inspire student-athletes.

Required Skills

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in wind conducting or music education
• Three years of experience working with and/or teaching in secondary school band programs and/or university band programs;
• Experience with the creative design components of marching band (drill design, arranging, color guard and/or choreography, etc.).
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Admissions, Athletics and provide a strong student focused environment
• Experience with community engagement and working successfully with various constituency groups

Preferred qualifications:

• Demonstrated effectiveness in recruiting and organization;
• Demonstrated success as teacher and conductor;
• Demonstrated success in administering all aspects of a band program with a growth mindset and flexibility of mind;
• Skills in writing and arranging for marching bands and athletic bands
• Enthusiasm for crafting a forward-looking and culturally relevant expression

For more information contact:

Dr. Tim Robblee, Director of Bands trobblee@su.edu

How to Apply:

Submit the following materials for full consideration:

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of references
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Links to a 10-minute rehearsal or teaching video (performance video is also welcome, but the successful candidate will submit video demonstrating engagement with students (teaching, rehearsing, etc)

Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff. All candidates are strongly encouraged to include a statement in their cover letters addressing ways in which they may be able to contribute to that commitment.

**Note: A pre-employment background check and drug screen will be required as a condition of hire. If the job requires driving for University business, a satisfactory driving record will be required as well.

At this time, SU is requiring that individuals within certain groups specifically those who have high levels of contact with others at the university or pose a greater risk to our community to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by August 1 for Fall 2021 or have at least the first dose by June 1 for groups that will be in person this summer (with full vaccination following as soon as possible), unless they have a SU-approved medical or religious exemption

Shenandoah University values the unique and diverse perspectives of individuals and communities locally and globally and seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status or on any other basis protected under applicable law.