We invite people of all ages to experience the natural beauty of our campus and the transformative power of the arts. Usdan was founded on Jewish values that inspire us to make the world more just and more beautiful. When we welcome the diverse group of passionate young artists here each summer the heart of Usdan comes alive. Our goal is to instill in our community a desire and drive to contribute creatively to the world now and for the rest of their lives.

The Music Department seeks a dynamic, energetic visionary with strong leadership skills who is an innovative thinker with the ability to effectively and creatively engage faculty, students, and staff in a collegial and collaborative manner. At Usdan, Chairs of Departments are responsible for the vision, direction, implementation, assessment and operations of their department. The Music Department serves students grades K-12 during an 8-week course of summer study, divided into two 4-week sessions. The Chair of the Music Department’s utilizes their expertise in music education and musical performance to hire, mentor and assess Lead Teachers and Assistant Teachers. The Chair also supports their staff of arts and education professionals to best serve a body of students diverse in age, ability, culture, and learning style. The Chair organizes performances of student and staff music, including approximately 40 in-studio showings and approximately 28 Festivals — daily live performances in the 900-seat McKinley Amphitheater for the full camp community. To perform this job successfully, Chairs must be able to communicate with students and other staff effectively and work in an outdoor environment. The position is full time in the summer season and part-time and mostly flexible in the fall, winter, and spring months.

Provide ongoing leadership and vision for the department in five primary areas (Student Recruitment, Staffing, Program Offerings, Collaboration & Partnerships, and Administration) throughout the year.

STUDENT RECRUITMENT

This role focuses on developing and executing strategies to attract and retain students, with an emphasis on quality, diversity, and community. Responsibilities include setting enrollment goals, ensuring appropriate departmental representation at staff tours and recruitment efforts, and overseeing the student audition process as needed.

STAFFING

The role involves creating a sustainable department staffing structure, by recruiting a diverse candidate pool of faculty, by mentoring and assessing faculty to align with Usdan’s artistic and educational philosophy, by creating a work culture of inclusion, and by fostering a strong network of artists.

PROGRAM OFFERINGS

In collaboration with senior leadership, the Chair shapes the department’s high quality and diverse course offerings and program. Additionally, the Chair oversees and plans a dynamic array of in-studio and Festival performances.

COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

The role involves managing partnerships with visiting artists and cultural organizations, which include summer and off-season events, workshops, and special projects. Additionally, the Chair facilitates collaboration across various studios and art forms at Usdan.

ADMINISTRATION

The role involves: coordinating with facilities and administration on building conditions, maintenance, and construction; overseeing supply organization; managing budgets; maintaining inventory for the department, while providing leadership and vision based on contemporary art and education practices. The Chair also engages in department planning, enforcing policies, manages substitutes, facilitates department meetings, and addresses challenges or conflicts with parents, students, and faculty.

Please apply through our online application: https://www.usdan.org/employment

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