Chairperson of Instrumental Department – Remote Academic Leadership Role at East Carolina University School of Music (Full‑Time/Part‑Time)

About East Carolina University and the School of Music

East Carolina University (ECU) is a nationally recognized public research university located in Greenville, North Carolina, celebrated for its commitment to student success, community engagement, and innovative scholarship. The ECU School of Music stands at the forefront of musical education, offering a vibrant ecosystem of five distinct yet collaborative departments: Instrumental, Keyboard, Music Education/Therapy, Theory/Composition/Musicology, and Vocal Studies. Our faculty are accomplished performers, scholars, and educators who nurture the next generation of musicians, educators, and creative leaders. As a remote “Work‑From‑Home” opportunity, this Chairperson position enables you to lead the Instrumental Department from anywhere in the United States while staying connected to the dynamic campus culture that defines ECU.

Why This Role Is Unique and Impactful

In today’s evolving educational landscape, the Chairperson of the Instrumental Department is more than an administrator; you are a visionary catalyst who shapes curriculum, drives artistic excellence, and cultivates a thriving community of faculty and students. This role offers a rare blend of strategic leadership, hands‑on mentorship, and creative freedom, all while enjoying the flexibility of remote work. If you are passionate about fostering musical talent, leading interdisciplinary initiatives, and steering a department toward national distinction, this position provides the platform to make a lasting imprint on ECU’s storied legacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Representation: Serve as the primary liaison between the Instrumental faculty and the School of Music Director, articulating departmental needs, goals, and achievements.
• Participative Management: Facilitate collaborative decision‑making processes, ensuring all faculty voices are heard when shaping department policies and initiatives.
• Budgetary Oversight: Develop, monitor, and allocate departmental budgets; manage equipment purchases, maintenance contracts, and resource distribution to support teaching, performance, and research activities.
• Record‑Keeping & Compliance: Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date departmental records in alignment with ECU Faculty Manual guidelines and university regulations.
• Community Building: Promote a harmonious and productive professional environment across the Department, School, and wider university community, fostering mentorship, open communication, and mutual respect.
• Student Recruitment & Retention: Partner with faculty to design and implement effective recruiting strategies, outreach programs, and scholarship initiatives that attract top-tier instrumental talent.
• Faculty Evaluation & Development: Conduct annual performance reviews for faculty members, assessing teaching effectiveness, scholarly/creative output, and service contributions; provide constructive feedback and professional development plans.
• Committee Collaboration: Respect and integrate recommendations from departmental committees, ensuring transparent governance and shared ownership of departmental decisions.
• Audition Oversight: Direct the planning, execution, and evaluation of School of Music entrance auditions and upper‑level placement assessments specific to instrumental programs.
• Facility Management: Determine optimal utilization of rehearsal spaces, studios, and performance venues allocated to the Instrumental Department, coordinating scheduling and maintenance as needed.
• Faculty Engagement: Convene at least one formal faculty meeting each semester to discuss curriculum updates, policy changes, research opportunities, and other matters of departmental importance.
• Continuous Improvement: Champion initiatives that enhance instructional quality, student outcomes, and research productivity, leveraging data-driven assessments and best practices.
• Administrative Delegation: Execute specific responsibilities assigned by the Director of the School of Music, acting as the department’s chief administrator for all personnel procedures per the ECU Faculty Manual.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Master of Music (M.M.) from an accredited institution, with a strong emphasis on instrumental pedagogy, performance, or related fields. A terminal degree (Doctor of Musical Arts, Ph.D.) is highly preferred.
• Experience: Substantial faculty experience within a university‑level School of Music, demonstrating a record of excellence in teaching, performance, and scholarly activity.
• Leadership Potential: Proven capacity to lead academic units, manage budgets, and inspire collaborative environments; experience as a department chair, program director, or associate dean is advantageous.
• Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work full‑time in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications & Desired Skills

• Doctoral degree (DMA, Ph.D.) in instrumental performance, music education, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated success in securing external funding, grants, or partnership agreements that enhance departmental resources.
• Extensive experience with curriculum design, assessment, and accreditation processes.
• Strong record of artistic achievement (solo, ensemble, recording, touring) that raises the department’s national profile.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to navigate diverse stakeholder interests.
• Proficiency with digital learning platforms, remote collaboration tools, and music technology (e.g., digital audio workstations, notation software).
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a clear vision for fostering an inclusive environment for students and faculty of all backgrounds.
• Experience supervising graduate teaching assistants, adjunct faculty, and support staff.

Core Competencies for Success

• Visionary Leadership: Ability to set strategic direction, anticipate trends in music education, and champion innovative programs.
• Fiscal Acumen: Sound budgeting skills, capable of aligning financial stewardship with academic priorities.
• Pedagogical Expertise: Deep understanding of instrumental instruction methodologies, ensemble dynamics, and student development pathways.
• Collaborative Spirit: Skilled at building cross‑departmental partnerships, fostering interdisciplinary projects, and engaging community stakeholders.
• Administrative Precision: Familiarity with university policies, faculty manuals, and compliance requirements, ensuring meticulous record‑keeping and procedural adherence.
• Advocacy & Representation: Confident public speaker and effective advocate for departmental needs at institutional, regional, and national forums.
• Technology Fluency: Comfortable leveraging LMS systems, virtual rehearsal platforms, and data analytics to support teaching and assessment.

Career Growth & Professional Development

ECU invests heavily in the professional advancement of its faculty leaders. As Chair of the Instrumental Department, you will have access to:

• Mentorship from senior university administrators and deans.
• Funding for conference travel, research projects, and artistic residencies.
• Opportunities to lead university‑wide initiatives, such as interdisciplinary festivals, community outreach programs, and curriculum innovation pilots.
• Dedicated support from the Office of Faculty Development for leadership training, grant writing workshops, and technology integration seminars.
• A clear pathway to senior academic leadership roles, including Associate Dean or Vice‑Provost positions, should you wish to expand your influence.

Work Environment & Culture

Even though this role is remote, you will remain an integral part of ECU’s vibrant academic community. Our culture is built on:

• Collaboration: Regular virtual faculty meetings, interdisciplinary projects, and shared governance structures.
• Inclusivity: A steadfast commitment to equity, with active initiatives that amplify under‑represented voices in music.
• Innovation: Support for forward‑thinking pedagogy, including hybrid course delivery, digital performance platforms, and experiential learning.
• Work‑Life Balance: Flexible scheduling, generous leave policies, and a supportive environment that respects personal and professional priorities.
• Community Engagement: Strong ties to local arts organizations, schools, and cultural institutions, offering faculty and students enriched performance and service opportunities.

Compensation, Perks, & Benefits (General Overview)

• Competitive Salary: Commensurate with qualifications, experience, and the level of responsibility associated with a department chair.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, alongside wellness programs and mental‑health resources.
• Retirement Savings: University‑matched 401(k) plan and participation in the ECU pension system for eligible faculty.
• Tuition Benefits: Access to tuition remission for own graduate studies or for immediate family members.
• Professional Development Funds: Annual budget to support conference attendance, scholarly publications, and artistic projects.
• Technology Stipend: Resources to equip your home office with necessary hardware, software, and high‑speed internet connectivity.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation allowance, sick leave, and designated holidays, with additional sabbatical options after a period of service.
• Family Friendly Policies: Paid parental leave, flexible work arrangements, and support for childcare initiatives.

Application Process & Important Dates

To be considered, candidates must complete an online candidate profile through ECU’s PeopleAdmin system. Required documents include a tailored cover letter, a current curriculum vitae or résumé, and proof of eligibility to work in the United States. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with the earliest screening beginning on October 13, 2023. The posting will remain open until the position is filled or until the close date of 11:59 p.m. EST on the indicated deadline.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

East Carolina University is an equal opportunity and affirmative‑action employer. We actively seek to recruit, hire, and retain a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities upon request.

Next Steps – Join a Legacy of Musical Excellence

If you are ready to lead, inspire, and shape the future of instrumental music education at a premier public university, we encourage you to submit your application today. This is a remarkable opportunity to combine academic leadership with artistic passion, all while enjoying the flexibility of remote work. Take the next step in your career and become a pivotal part of ECU’s thriving School of Music.

Apply Now

Click the link below to begin your application process. We look forward to reviewing your credentials and welcoming a visionary leader to our community.

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