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Director of the Mustang Band/Athletic Bands and Spirit Groups

Employer
SMU
Location
Texas, United States
Salary
Salary Commensurate with experience
Date posted
Nov 4, 2021

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Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience & qualifications.

Job Summary:

Southern Methodist University (SMU) seeks qualified applicants for the position Director of the Mustang Band/Athletic Bands & Spirit Groups.  

The successful applicant will have significant experience with marching/athletic bands at the high school and/or university level, including expertise in drill design that encompasses a variety of styles. In addition, it is expected the successful candidate will possess a high level of musicianship, with excellent rehearsal technique and teaching skills, as well as exceptional administrative and leadership ability. This unique position demands a dynamic, visionary leader, capable of leading the Mustang Band/Athletic Bands program into the future, while respecting the traditions and heritage that have made the Mustang Band special for decades.

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 Mustang Band alumni affinity group), 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.
 

Qualifications

 

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.

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by:  December 31, 2021.

Deadline to Apply: This position is Open until Filled.

Physical and Environmental Demands:
  • Bend
  • Crawl
  • Reach above shoulders
  • 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.

EEO Statement: 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.

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