Director of Performing Arts

The Director of Performing Arts at Chadwick School leads the K-12 Performing Arts Program with a deep passion for the arts, a strategic and operational mindset, and extensive experience in both classroom instruction and production. This individual supervises and inspires a talented team of educators, including a technical director and teachers in theater, instrumental music, vocal music, and dance across divisions.

Committed to fostering a rich, inclusive learning environment aligned with Chadwick’s mission and core values, the Director cultivates students' love for performance, creativity, and artistic expression while instilling courage and a strong sense of community. The Director helps set a clear, forward-looking vision for the program, champions its continued growth and improvement, and builds a collaborative, joyful team culture in which faculty feel supported, valued, and inspired to do their best work.

ASSOCIATED RESPONSIBILITIES

• Be on campus from approximately 7:45 AM to 3:45 PM on school days. When supporting or directing evening tech week rehearsals and productions, start times may be adjusted accordingly unless morning teaching responsibilities require an earlier arrival.
• Model the Chadwick Core Values and foster joyful, inclusive learning and collaborative environments.
• Attend all faculty meetings and professional development days.
• Teach one performing arts course.
• Read and follow employment policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Read and follow academic policies outlined in the relevant division Handbook.

Strategy and Vision 

• Help develop and articulate a long-term strategic vision for the K-12 Performing Arts Program that aligns with Chadwick's mission and values.
• Set program goals and benchmarks, regularly assessing the program's strengths and growth areas to drive continuous improvement.
• Stay current with trends, innovations, and best practices in performing arts education, bringing fresh ideas that keep the program vibrant and forward-looking.
• Champion initiatives that expand access, deepen artistic quality, and elevate the visibility and impact of the performing arts across the school community.

Leadership & Faculty Support

• Supervise and support performing arts faculty, including full and part-time faculty and contracted specialists.
• Cultivate a collaborative, joyful, and supportive team culture in which faculty feel valued, trusted, and empowered to take ownership of their programs.
• Model a collaborative mindset by soliciting and responding to faculty feedback.
• Invest in the professional growth of faculty through mentorship, feedback, and meaningful professional development opportunities.
• Support and guide teachers in curriculum development, alignment, and best practices in performing arts education.
• Recognize and celebrate faculty accomplishments, and proactively support faculty wellbeing and workload balance, particularly during demanding production and performance seasons.
• Facilitate weekly department meetings and participate in Curriculum Team meetings with Department Chairs.

Administrative & Operational Management

• Oversee the Technical Director in managing performing arts facilities, including signage, storage, and equipment organization.
• Manage department budget, resource allocation, hiring of outside contractors, and purchasing.
• Support coordination of logistics for non-program-specific performing arts field trips, travel arrangements, and communication.
• Oversee the Performing Arts Department's social media presence.
• Serve as a liaison to Limelighters, the parent volunteer group, attending monthly evening meetings or ensuring department representation.

Production & Event Oversight

• Oversee and manage the annual performing arts calendar.
• Collaborate with faculty and Division Directors to evaluate productions for artistic merit, challenge, and alignment with Chadwick's mission, values, and DEI philosophy.
• Attend performances to provide support and feedback to directors.
• Support directors of concerts and productions as needed.
• Oversee concerts and productions, including ticketing, patron management, volunteer coordination, lobby setup, meals, parking, facilities, and maintenance support.
• Coordinate with directors and the marketing/communications team for event promotion.

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills

• Bachelor's Degree required; master’s preferred or comparable professional experience.
• Minimum five years of teaching and production experience.
• Deep knowledge of performing arts and educational practices.
• Proven leadership and supervisory skills, particularly in leadership support and consensus building.
• Exceptional communication and organizational abilities, including organizing details of productions and performances and ability to meet deadlines.  
• Ability to effectively handle multiple priorities.