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Chair - Music Department
Takoma Park, MarylandJob Title: Chair
Department: Music
Reports To: Provost
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary Range: $70,129.28 - $77,945.09 + $1000 Chair Stipend.
OVERVIEW OF THE UNIVERSITY
Washington Adventist University (WAU) is a Christ-centered institution of higher education that supports a culture of excellence where all feel valued. Nestled in a desirable residential community in Takoma Park, Maryland, WAU offers its faculty and staff an environment where professional expertise is valued and lasting connections between co-workers are formed as we work together to ensure the success of our students. Regardless of title, every employee supports WAU’s vision of producing graduates who bring moral leadership and competence to their communities.
SUMMARY
WAU seeks a visionary leader to head the Department of Music. Washington Adventist University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and approved by the American Music Therapy Association. The Department of Music offers a Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Music degrees in Music Performance and Music Therapy, a Bachelor’s level Music Therapy Equivalency Program, and a Music Minor. It is the purpose of the Department of Music to provide professional training, reinforced by a sound general education, in an environment where music is presented as a medium for spiritual, intellectual, emotional and cultural development.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic and Academic Leadership
Complete CV
Cover letter which addresses 1) themes of this job listing and 2) includes the candidate’s vision for music departments in faith-based higher education in 2025 and beyond
List of three references (references will not be contacted until later in the process)
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE NOTICES
Washington Adventist University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability in employment or in the provision of services. WAU complies with all applicable federal and state laws, including the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act.
If you require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please contact the Office of Human Resources.
Washington Adventist University provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Maryland law. As a religiously affiliated institution, Washington Adventist University exercises its constitutional and statutory rights to give preference in employment to members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and reserves the right to claim exemption from certain provisions of Title IX and Title VII where they conflict with the university’s religious beliefs and values.
Department: Music
Reports To: Provost
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary Range: $70,129.28 - $77,945.09 + $1000 Chair Stipend.
OVERVIEW OF THE UNIVERSITY
Washington Adventist University (WAU) is a Christ-centered institution of higher education that supports a culture of excellence where all feel valued. Nestled in a desirable residential community in Takoma Park, Maryland, WAU offers its faculty and staff an environment where professional expertise is valued and lasting connections between co-workers are formed as we work together to ensure the success of our students. Regardless of title, every employee supports WAU’s vision of producing graduates who bring moral leadership and competence to their communities.
SUMMARY
WAU seeks a visionary leader to head the Department of Music. Washington Adventist University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and approved by the American Music Therapy Association. The Department of Music offers a Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Music degrees in Music Performance and Music Therapy, a Bachelor’s level Music Therapy Equivalency Program, and a Music Minor. It is the purpose of the Department of Music to provide professional training, reinforced by a sound general education, in an environment where music is presented as a medium for spiritual, intellectual, emotional and cultural development.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic and Academic Leadership
- Serve as chief academic and administrative lead for the Department of Music
- Develop and implement strategic plans, both short- and long-term, for the music unit
- Lead music unit faculty in the development of a rigorous and supportive culture/environment
- Champion student recruitment, success, retention and career readiness
- Cultivate and maintain a growth-oriented, high-performing culture with a focus on creative innovation
- Explore innovative delivery of student learning, mentoring, faculty development, and support
- Teach courses (within the candidate’s area of expertise)
- Manage day-to-day operations of the music unit, including faculty and student professional supervision, budget oversight, and curriculum management
- Lead the music unit’s NASM and AMTA standards reaffirmation
- Explore data-informed decision-making regarding student learning, retention, and career pathways
- Oversee faculty hiring, annual evaluation, and grant opportunities with an eye toward promoting excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service
- Schedule and chair regular operational meetings with faculty, staff, and student professionals
- Serve on Academic Leadership Council, SGPS Academic Council, and other committees as assigned
- Be the point person with WAU Facilities, Sligo SDA Church, the Provost’s Office, and the President’s Office
- Manage all department calendars
- Conduct regular evaluation of degree offerings, courses, Community Music School offerings
- Support and encourage development of new programs, certifications, and non-traditional offerings
- Support standards in line with NASM, AMTA, and MSCHE accreditation
- Balance innovation with core skills, literacy, and musicianship
- Collaborate with Offices of Enrollment Management and Marketing to promote and support recruitment strategies
- Be the face of the department at university, local, regional, and national events, including professional conferences, community events, and denominational events
- Build and maintain partnerships with churches, music industry professionals, local academies and high schools
- Engage in partnerships to create internships, residencies, and career pathways for students
- Support fundraising efforts in collaboration with the Office of the President and Advancement to support funded scholarships and strategic initiatives
- Build strong relationships with music and arts organizations in the DMV community
- An earned doctorate in music
- At least five years of experience teaching at the university level
- Demonstrated administrative and academic leadership
- A strong commitment to faith-based higher education in the arts
- Excellent musicianship
- Demonstrable organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
- A collaborative and creative mindset with the capacity for visionary leadership
- Earned rank of Associate Professor or higher
- Experience with NASM and AMTA
- Experience with academic program and curriculum development, innovation, and outcomes assessment
- SDA in good standing
- Experience with Music Festivals
- Record of fundraising
- Demonstrated evidence of recruiting success
- Evidence of successful grant-writing
- Potential for high-profile national recognition
Complete CV
Cover letter which addresses 1) themes of this job listing and 2) includes the candidate’s vision for music departments in faith-based higher education in 2025 and beyond
List of three references (references will not be contacted until later in the process)
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE NOTICES
Washington Adventist University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability in employment or in the provision of services. WAU complies with all applicable federal and state laws, including the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act.
If you require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please contact the Office of Human Resources.
Washington Adventist University provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Maryland law. As a religiously affiliated institution, Washington Adventist University exercises its constitutional and statutory rights to give preference in employment to members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and reserves the right to claim exemption from certain provisions of Title IX and Title VII where they conflict with the university’s religious beliefs and values.