Internal Application: Director of Bands

About Roanoke College

Roanoke College is a place where every student who works hard has the opportunity to succeed. We champion potential, providing essential learning and leadership through innovative academic programs and transformative educational experiences, giving students the mettle, mindset, and empathy to pursue lives of purpose, build meaningful careers, and meet society’s most pressing needs. Located in scenic Salem, Virginia, Roanoke College is an intimate, welcoming community that has served the local region and beyond for nearly 200 years. Now, we’re building on momentum and offering a Roanoke experience for today’s students and a legacy that belongs to every Maroon. Learn about the College's new strategic plan, Imagine Roanoke: A Strategic Plan for Roanoke College and the 21st Century Learner.

Roanoke College is a nationally ranked residential liberal arts college affiliated with the Lutheran Church (ELCA), located in the beautiful Roanoke Valley of Virginia. A Phi Beta Kappa institution, Roanoke College is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks diversity among its faculty, staff, and students; women and members of under-represented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

The Position

Responsible for overseeing and directing all aspects of the college's marching and spirit bands program as well as teaching and directing the jazz and wind ensembles each semester. This role involves recruiting, teaching, leading, and inspiring student musicians, coordinating rehearsals and performances, developing engaging and innovative shows and performances, and maintaining a high standard of musical excellence. The Director of Bands serves as a mentor, educator, and advocate for the students, fostering their musical growth and promoting a positive and inclusive ensemble culture.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement comprehensive short- and long-term vision and plan for the band programs in alignment with the college's goals and values.
• Work closely with the Director of Athletics, the Fine Arts Department/music program, and the Office of Marketing, Communications, and Enrollment Management to develop a marketing and communications strategy for bands to recruit talented student musicians for the ensembles.
• Oversee budgeting, scheduling, equipment maintenance, and inventory management. Maintain the music library and rehearsal space, including instruments. May supervise a student assistant.
• In teaching and directing, provide musical instruction and guidance to students, assisting them in developing their technical skills, musicianship, and performance abilities. Schedule and conduct rehearsals for each ensemble, ensuring efficient use of time and focusing on improving musicality, marching techniques, and ensemble performance. As needed, provide individual lessons with students in their instrumental areas.
• Create engaging and innovative shows and performances, including music selection, drill design, and choreography.
• Identify opportunities for marching and spirit band participation in extracurricular events; direct band performances at college athletic events, parades, competitions, and other public appearances, ensuring high-quality musical and visual presentations.
• Serve as a mentor and role model for students, fostering a positive and supportive learning environment.
• Foster a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and collaboration within the band programs, encouraging student leadership and involvement.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance student retention and engagement in the band programs, ensuring strong and vibrant ensembles.
• Engage with the college community and external stakeholders, representing the band programs and promoting their achievements and contributions.
• Support fundraising efforts to secure resources for the marching band, including evaluating summer camp programs.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in music or related field; master’s preferred.
• Five or more years’ experience directing athletic bands, as well as jazz and wind ensembles in a college or high school setting.
• Demonstrated success with developing and leading student-centered, learning-focused courses and co-curricular programs that provide transformative educational experiences and foster student success and well-being.
• Successful record of recruiting students to a collegiate or high school program.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact and work effectively with administrators, coaches, academic leadership, faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, community leaders, and members of the community at large.
• Ability to interact with donors and assist with fundraising on behalf of the College.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access with the ability to foster inclusivity and belonging in the band programs.
• Exceptional personal and professional integrity and a commitment to the highest ethical standards for programs and personnel.