Jazz Ensemble Director/Instructor

Brandeis University•Waltham, MA

About The Position

The Music Department at Brandeis University seeks a Jazz Ensemble Director for academic year 2026 -2027. The Ensemble Director is responsible for all aspects of directing Jazz Ensemble(s) at Brandeis. Ensemble directors are expected to maintain an active professional presence (creative, scholarly and/or pedagogical) outside of Brandeis University. Programming, Rehearsal, and Performance Instructor of MUS 83a and MUS 83bb - Jazz Ensemble Preparation and performance of 1-2 ensemble concerts each semester. Lead weekly rehearsals of ensemble, as well as additional coaching sessions and/or sectional rehearsals as needed Hiring and scheduling extra players/soloists as necessary (paid via separate ensemble budget) Prepare publicity and program materials including program notes and artwork in collaboration with Concerts Manager Performance materials Acquisition and preparation of performance parts, including transposition for specific instrumentation when necessary (paid via separate ensemble budget) Composing/arranging music for specific instrumentation of ensemble as needed Management Schedule introductory meetings and auditions at the start of each semester as needed Support ensemble recruitment as appropriate, e.g., Activities Fair, Family Weekend Concert, etc. Manage ensemble budget Oversee setup and breakdown of each rehearsal and performance Maintain ensemble library and repertory lists Record ensemble attendance and follow up with attendance issues Keep track of registration and grading Arrange scheduling and transportation of equipment and personnel for any off-campus concerts Maintain ensemble instruments Candidates with MA, DMA, or PhD, and experience leading ensembles and teaching in a college setting will be given preference. Interested individuals should submit a cover letter, CV, and names and contact information for two references. This appointment is to a position that is in a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 509. Compensation for this role is $17,528.40. Pay Range Disclosure The University's pay ranges represent a good faith estimate of what Brandeis reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements. Equal Opportunity Statement Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, caste, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class"). COME WORK WITH US Brandeis University is a great employer for all the same reasons it is an outstanding university. Its commitment to inclusion, dedication to lifelong learning and commitment to excellence are just a few of the reasons our workplace culture shines bright. We take pride not only in maintaining this culture, but expanding it — by recruiting and retaining outstanding employees who share our values and enrich Brandeis University overall. Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class"). Applicants who require accommodation in the job application process are welcome to contact Human Resources at 781-736-4474 or via email, [email protected]. The health and safety of the Brandeis community is important. While not required, we strongly recommend that employees are fully vaccinated. For additional information feel free to review the Human Resources Office website. Certain positions at Brandeis University may require a background check. To review this policy, visit our website at http://www.brandeis.edu/human-resources/onboarding/index.html

Nice To Haves

Candidates with MA, DMA, or PhD, and experience leading ensembles and teaching in a college setting will be given preference.

Responsibilities

Directing Jazz Ensemble(s) at Brandeis
Maintain an active professional presence (creative, scholarly and/or pedagogical) outside of Brandeis University
Programming, Rehearsal, and Performance Instructor of MUS 83a and MUS 83bb - Jazz Ensemble
Preparation and performance of 1-2 ensemble concerts each semester
Lead weekly rehearsals of ensemble, as well as additional coaching sessions and/or sectional rehearsals as needed
Hiring and scheduling extra players/soloists as necessary (paid via separate ensemble budget)
Prepare publicity and program materials including program notes and artwork in collaboration with Concerts Manager
Acquisition and preparation of performance parts, including transposition for specific instrumentation when necessary (paid via separate ensemble budget)
Composing/arranging music for specific instrumentation of ensemble as needed
Schedule introductory meetings and auditions at the start of each semester as needed
Support ensemble recruitment as appropriate, e.g., Activities Fair, Family Weekend Concert, etc.
Manage ensemble budget
Oversee setup and breakdown of each rehearsal and performance
Maintain ensemble library and repertory lists
Record ensemble attendance and follow up with attendance issues
Keep track of registration and grading
Arrange scheduling and transportation of equipment and personnel for any off-campus concerts
Maintain ensemble instruments