The John J. Cali School of Music seeks a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative leader to serve as its next Director. Exercising both intellectual and artistic leadership, the Director is expected to articulate and implement a strategic vision for the growth and development of the school within the framework of Montclair State University’s expanding mission as a top-100 public research university.
The Cali School, a center of excellence and a point of pride for Montclair State University, is known for academic and artistic achievement. The School offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in music education, music performance, music therapy, theory/composition, and jazz studies, as well as a BA in recording arts and production, a two-year Artist’s Diploma, and a one-year Performer’s Certificate. With a faculty of 21 full-time members and approximately 150 part-time instructors, the school serves over 500 students, who are selected through a competitive admissions process.
The School maintains strong relationships with professional performance and educational organizations and enjoys partnerships with outstanding music schools around the world. Its facilities, which include the 235-seat Jed Leshowitz Recital Hall, teaching studios, music practice and rehearsal rooms, and faculty studios, provide a conservatory-like setting. The school’s ensembles regularly perform in the acoustically perfect Alexander Kasser Theater, which seats 500 and can accommodate a full orchestra or a 160-voice chorus.
Reporting to the Dean of the College of the Arts, the Director holds a critical leadership role within the school, bearing the ultimate responsibility for its overall direction and management. This position demands a comprehensive understanding of both the academic and administrative functions of the institution, ensuring that the school operates efficiently and effectively in all its endeavors.
A tenured professorship is available to candidates at the Associate or Full Professor rank based on qualifications. Such an appointment is distinct from and not required for the Director’s position.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Advances the academic programs across both undergraduate and graduate levels maintaining and enhancing the quality of education offered.
- Leads efforts to develop innovative curricula, support faculty in their teaching and research, and ensure that students receive a well-rounded and cutting-edge education that prepares them for successful careers in the arts.
- Strengthens existing collaborations beyond the campus, and establishes new partnerships with a diverse array of stakeholders such as professional performing artists, performing arts organizations, and performing arts schools at regional, national, and international levels in order to position the school as a leader in the performing arts community.
- Plays a pivotal role as the School’s advocate and representative, engaging with various constituencies, including the campus community, alumni, the professional music community, and the broader public; articulates the school’s mission, vision, and values, ensuring that the school’s voice is heard and respected in all relevant arenas.
- Leads the School’s expanding fundraising and development efforts identifying and cultivating new sources of financial support, both from traditional avenues such as grants and donations and through innovative approaches to fundraising in order to impact the school’s ability to enhance its programs, facilities, and overall reputation within the arts community.
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to the school’s mission and values, embodying these principles, leading by example and inspiring others within the school to do the same. This leadership will be critical in navigating the complex challenges facing higher education today and in steering the school toward continued success.
- Develops, administers and monitors the School’s budget and expenditures.
- Recruits, hires, trains, develops and evaluates staff; approves personnel actions in accordance with established policies and procedures.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- Management retains the right to change or add job duties at any time.
QUALIFICATIONS:
REQUIRED:
- Master’s degree or higher in music, arts management, or a related field.
- The capacity for visionary leadership across a breadth of programs: performance, theory/composition, jazz studies, music teacher preparation, music therapy, and recording arts and production.
- Extensive management experience, including responsibility for budgetary and personnel matters in a highly complex organization.
- Ability to serve as the public face of the school, effectively advocating for the school’s mission and values, engaging with alumni, and representing the school to the public.
- Excellent relationship-building and fundraising skills.
- An understanding of faculty and student development processes and dedication to enhancing their experience and ensuring their success.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively deal with the full range of stakeholders: students, faculty, university administration, donors, volunteer leaders, and external partners.
- A commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for a diverse student body and faculty, aligned with the university’s broader mission.
- A confident, engaging, and transparent leadership style.
- An active, broad-based connection to the professional music community.
PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY
Applicants should include the following:
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Cover letter describing how their background, skills and education match the needs of the position.
- List of four (4) professional references, including their names, titles and contact information.