Dean of Performing Arts

Dean of Performing Arts

The Dean of Performing Arts provides leadership and direction to the department in alignment with the school’s mission, values, and educational goals and priorities. The dean is held as the expert in developing and implementing the department’s program and pedagogy.

The School seeks a leader with strong expertise, experience and interest to create a cohesive vision for educational, theatrical and musical programs across divisions. The Dean of Performing Arts has the ability to balance artistic goals with fiscal needs. Additionally, they collaborate with other arts and community leaders to create a vibrant arts culture at the school and in the wider community.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Leads department’s faculty members in ongoing curriculum review and design, and instructional strategies, based on a strong understanding of best practices, in partnership with the Lower, Middle and Upper School Principals.

• Leads the department’s selection, planning, development, preparation for all theater productions across all three divisions.

• Supports and evaluates, in an ongoing way, the pedagogy and course development and preparation for theater teachers in all three divisions in conjunction with the division principals.

• Works with the Head of School, Principals, the Chairs’ and Principals’ Committee, and the Program Committee to plan and implement an excellent overall educational program across all three divisions in alignment with the school’s “Foundation Documents.”

• Articulates the department’s strategies in achieving the Mission and goals of the School and sets departmental objectives, assessments, and policies accordingly in cooperation with the members of the department and in concert with the Principals and Head of School.

• Strives to inspire a love for all aspects of theater in students as well as an understanding of how best to engage students in learning about theater.

Specific Duties:

• Makes recommendations to the Principals for staffing assignments of theater teachers.

• Provides specific professional development in the discipline and coordinates that professional development with ongoing all-school professional development efforts.

• Administers all aspects of departmental spending, including preparation of budget and supervision of expenditures.

• Performs general professional activities common to department chairs/deans. These include, but are not limited to, the following: managing placement of current and entering students, ordering texts and supplies, participating in the orientation of new faculty, supporting the ongoing activities of the admissions office, and supervising the assessment and grading procedures of departmental faculty

• Participates productively as a member of the Chairs and Principals Committee and the Program Committee in order to ensure academic integration of the school’s program and to exchange information and ideas regarding the total school program.

• Holds regularly scheduled department meetings

• Serves as a role model to encourage faculty self-evaluation, professional growth, scholarship, and effective training.

• Involves the department in developing and mapping the scope and sequence of the theater curriculum.

• Regularly observes teachers and meets with them, establishing and documenting those conversations

• Generates yearly evaluation, along with the Principals, of each member of the department.

• Conveys information to members of the department regarding plans; curriculum development and assessment; resources; facilities; and activities which affect department members.

• Publicizes within the school community the scholarship and endeavors of the department and gives recognition to exceptional achievement within the department.

• Works closely with the development office on creating relationships with alumni in the arts.

• Performs other duties as assigned by the Head of School.

Position Requirements:

• At least five years of successful teaching and/or experience in theater or related fields.

• Knowledge of and experience in curriculum development, including emerging paradigms, pedagogy and methods for the study of theater and a particular eye for the selection and teaching of multicultural theater productions.

• Flexibility, strong communication skills and ability to be a collaborative team leader in the department and across the School generally.

• Approaches position with humor, determination, and humility.

• Sound technology skills.

Terms of Employment:

• This is an administrative position. Chairs/Deans return to school one week before the faculty arrives in August, and remain one week after the faculty departs in June.

Dwight-Englewood School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, ethnicity, age, national origin, religion, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or military veteran status. The diversity of our student body supports our commitment to employ a diverse faculty and staff. Educators from all backgrounds who bring knowledge and expertise in equity, diversity and multicultural education are especially encouraged to apply.