Director of Music - 2025-26

Director of Music (beginning 2025-26 school year)

Porter-Gaud is an Episcopal, coeducational day school serving more than 1,000 students in grades 1-12. The O'Quinn Schools of Porter-Gaud serve an additional 600 preschool students from age two through kindergarten. Porter-Gaud School is seeking a Director of Music beginning with the 2025- 2026 school year. This is a whole school position, spanning all three divisions on the Porter-Gaud campus. This is an 11-month position (July - June).

Porter-Gaud seeks an experienced music educator with a record of successful program development and leadership to become our first Director of Music. Able to motivate others with an inspiring and dynamic leadership style, the Director of Music will collaborate with our dedicated faculty to enhance our music curriculum, improve performance offerings for students, increase the participation rate of students in music courses and programs, and raise the level of music achievement for students overall. Working closely with our faculty, administration, students, and families, this individual will lead the development of a strategic vision for our music program that will distinguish Porter-Gaud as a regional center of musical excellence in a city known for its vibrant arts culture.

Director of Music Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a clear vision for the musical experiences of all Porter-Gaud students through a comprehensive and realistic strategic plan with clear goals and timelines.
• Lead the review and enhancement of our music curriculum in lower, middle, and upper schools, ensuring that it aligns across divisions and encourages in our students active participation in music programs and an even greater appreciation of music as a performing art.
• Oversee all musical events and programs, offering clear direction on standards, potential improvements, and next steps.
• Foster the professional development and growth of music faculty through evaluative feedback on classroom teaching and musical performances.
• Develop new music programs for orchestras and/or bands based on strategic vision and community interest.
• Develop and encourage strategies to increase enrollment in choirs and instrumental ensembles in all three divisions.
• Plan, coordinate, and support high quality music events for the entire school, including but not limited to our yearly programs ( Founder's Day, Lessons and Carols, Middle and Upper School Musicals, Spring Arts Festival.)
• Direct the Upper School Choir, Upper School Chamber Singers, Middle School Leading Tones, and serve as the Vocal Coach for the Upper School Musical
• In close partnership with PG chaplains and music faculty, develop a meaningful program of musical performances presented at the chapel services in all three divisions.
• Increase visibility of music ensembles at assemblies, chapel services, and across campus.
• Identify and develop a group of highly talented musicians within the school; nurture and support music scholars in their chosen area of expertise - performance, composition, and/or history and theory
• Cultivate relationships with musical arts leaders from throughout the Charleston area to encourage stronger connections and opportunities for education and performance.
• Work closely with the music faculty and Communications Department to ensure that information relating to music concerts, events, and initiatives are communicated effectively to all stakeholders, and that students' successes and achievements are celebrated.
• Accompany and or coordinate the accompaniment of musical performances as needed

The successful candidate will possess:

• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Empathy and patience.
• Ability to express oneself clearly.
• Ability to interact effectively and diplomatically with all internal and external constituencies of the School.
• Ability to act as a team member and to exhibit initiative to benefit Porter-Gaud School.
• Accuracy, integrity, and professionalism.
• Ability to exhibit prompt, reliable, and sustainable attendance.
• Ability to work under stressful circumstances.
• Ability to be flexible in working hours.
• A systems-thinking approach to problem-solving.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to manage a team.
• Ability to show strategic leadership in line with the school improvement plan.

Minimum Requirements:

• Master's degree in Music Education or a Master of Music from an accredited college or university
• Knowledge of music theory, vocal instruction, and instrumental teaching strategies.
• 5-10 years of teaching experience in a school setting
• Departmental or program leadership experience
• Evidence of relevant and challenging continuing professional development.
• Demonstrated skill as an advanced pianist and accomplished accompanist

Reporting: As the Director of Music, this position reports to the Assistant Head for Academics and takes direction from Division Heads and the Fine Arts Department Chair

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Porter-Gaud is a Christian community that seeks to love and serve faculty, staff, students, and families of all faith backgrounds. Therefore, all Porter-Gaud employees will honor the God-given dignity of each member of our community. They will display a continuous commitment to developing the attitudes, knowledge, and skills to engage in appropriate and effective communication with students, colleagues, and families from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We desire candidates who will contribute to the school's efforts to continue creating a more inclusive and equitable community where all individuals can develop a sense of belonging.

Porter-Gaud School is committed to increasing the racial, ethnic, and religious diversity of our faculty and staff. The School welcomes applicants who would bring additional dimensions to the School's teaching mission. In accordance with law, Porter-Gaud School is an equal opportunity employer and hires without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disability.

Porter-Gaud School is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students. We hold our employees to the highest possible standards. All employees are subject to extensive background check screenings and must sign our code of conduct. We strive to monitor employees while interacting with students. We take any inappropriate interactions between students and employees seriously and are committed to mandatory reporting standards as required by law. We will fully cooperate with authorities in any allegation or case of abuse.