Marching Band Director

About the Role

Simpson University is seeking a passionate, creative leader who will serve as an architect of music culture in Northern California for a generation. We are building a 100+ piece marching band and are looking for a Director of Marching Bands who will recruit, design, and launch this program from the ground up. This leader must be deeply embedded in the marching band world and willing to spend a significant portion of the first year attending high school performances, competitions, and events to personally recruit the students needed to form the inaugural class.

Simpson University's strategy is to engage strong Christian faculty and staff who disciple students toward a mature Christian life while participating in a vibrant campus experience such as marching band. Each faculty and staff member contributes to shaping campus culture by mentoring each of their students through their personal, academic, and spiritual development through graduation. The creator of a Marching Band program will inspire, teach, and direct the ensemble while embracing the unique challenges of launching a new program and continuously recruiting each incoming class.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree with 4 years of marching band participation required
• Desire to gain or earned master's degree preferred
• Ability to lead, direct, recruit, promote, and give vision to a full marching band program required
• Ability to travel on thrifty budgets, work evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Experience managing traveling with large student groups and marching band equipment
• Must have a passion for working with diverse student populations and a commitment to inclusion and equity
• A personal commitment to Christ and faith integration at a Christian liberal arts institution is essential
• Personal relationship with Jesus, a vibrant Christian faith, and a commitment to Christian community; capable of sharing faith and engaging in conversations about Christ
• Demonstrate Simpson University Values in the performance of all duties
• Maintain lifestyle in accordance with Simpson University Lifestyle Policy in Staff Handbook
• Maintain the confidentiality of information, data and records
• Properly exercise tact, diplomacy, discretion, and professional judgment
• Demonstrate strong customer service skills in the performance of job duties
• Demonstrate good organizational and communication skills in the performance of job duties
• Supervises employees in accordance with Simpson University policies and procedures
• Support the overflow needs of other departments within the respective university area
• Perform other duties in accordance with this position as deemed necessary by the immediate supervisor

Primary Responsibilities

• Recruit and retain 100 students or more for a co-curricular marching band program which would play at athletic and university community events
• Fundraise to grow resources for the marching band and travel to band competitions and parades
• Develop and implement a year-round program of rehearsals, performances, and competitions
• Promote a culture of excellence, discipline, teamwork, and pride within the band program
• Oversee, order, and fundraise for band inventory, maintenance, and organization of instruments, uniforms, and equipment
• Manage the band operating budget and over one million dollars in band scholarship discount rates used annually for recruiting talent
• Coordinate transportation, scheduling, and logistics for events and trips
• Ensure compliance with university policies and procedures, including safety protocols
• Disciple students in their faith with Jesus Christ and encouraging personal, academic, and musical growth
• Support student leadership development within the band program and hire and train assistant band staff as the program grows
• Communicate effectively with students, parents, staff, and administration
• Collaborate with music and other faculty and staff to support school initiatives and student success

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Will spend significant time traveling for recruiting and attending events. Mostly outdoors on grass in all types of weather conditions.

Equipment used includes all types of musical instruments used in marching bands, as well as computer and recording technology in recruitment, communication, and social media.

Essential physical tasks include loading and moving musical equipment, climbing ladders for directing, working with students and performances in outdoor settings, and standing and driving for long periods of time.

Physical demands (based on typical week):

• Lifting/Carrying: Under 10 lbs (Frequent), 11-20 lbs (Frequent), 21-50 lbs (Occasional), 51-100 lbs (Rarely)
• Pushing/Pulling: Under 10 lbs (Frequent), 11-20 lbs (Frequent), 21-50 lbs (Occasional), 51-100 lbs (Rarely)
• Twisting/Turning (Occasional)
• Reach over shoulder (Frequent)
• Reach over head (Frequent)
• Reach outward (Frequent)
• Climb (Occasional)
• Crawl (Rarely)
• Kneel (Occasional)
• Squat (Occasional)
• Sit (Frequent)
• Walk – Normal Surfaces (Frequent)
• Walk – Uneven Surfaces (Frequent)
• Walk – Slippery Surfaces (Occasional)
• Stand (Frequent)
• Bend (Frequent)
• Driving – Automatic Trans (Frequent)
• Keyboard/Ten Key (Frequent)
• Fingering (fine dexterity) (Frequent)
• Handling (grasping, holding) (Frequent)
• Repetitive Motion – Hands (Frequent)
• Repetitive Motion – Feet (Occasional)

Salary

$70,000.00-$75,000.00 per annum