Assistant Chair, Professional Music

Responsibilities

• Represent the department in administrative settings both within Berklee and externally, modeling professionalism and serving as a liaison among internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide collaborative leadership in advancing departmental goals and initiatives that align with Berklee’s academic mission, artistic vision, and student success priorities.
• Support departmental operations and day-to-day logistical coordination to ensure smooth delivery of programs.
• Advise students on academic progress, career goals, and artistic development, fostering an environment where all students feel seen, supported, and challenged.
• Afford assistance with faculty and staff recruitment, onboarding, mentoring, development, and evaluation, supporting an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture that fosters professional growth.
• Coordinate and implement strategic projects that enhance the student experience, support innovation, and strengthen departmental systems or offerings.
• Organize and facilitate department-sponsored events, including guest artist/scholar visits, masterclasses, and community engagement opportunities.
• Assist with the development of class schedules and teaching assignments for faculty.
• Advance Departmental goals.
• Afford assistance with the management of Department budgets.
• Serve on Department, Division, and College committees.
• Facilitate Department-sponsored guest artists and events.
• Teach a minimum of one course per fall/spring semester.
• Maintain professional engagement.

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.
• Expertise in Popular Music (R&B, Hip-Hop, K-Pop, Afrobeats, Latin, “World” etc.).
• Strong administrative and leadership background in education, non-profit, or industry settings.
• Proven ability to support a welcoming and collaborative community where all individuals feel valued and respected.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, fostering relationships within academia, industry, and professional organizations.
• Proficiency in technology for both administrative and instructional functions.
• Ongoing professional engagement and leadership in the industry.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, advise, and support students.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous teaching experience at college or university level.
• Experience in curriculum development, assessment, and program management.
• Experience managing faculty and staff, including within a unionized environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive practices.
• Experience in developing external partnerships or community engagement.
• Experience in budget oversight and strategic planning.
• Record of innovation and leadership in academia or the arts sector.