Nashville Public Radio is hiring: Assistant Music Director in Swarthmore

Job no: 495809 Work type: Full Time Location: Swarthmore Categories: Staff, Salary (Exempt), On Campus Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia. The College is committed to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination and encourages candidates who will advance a diverse and inclusive community. Who We Are The Chester Children’s Chorus numbers 130 children, ages 8‑18, from every school in Chester, PA. The mission is to provide an intensive, sophisticated, and joyful choral and math experience to young people of Chester, PA and to support their academic achievement and personal development. Our motto is “Strong voice, strong mind, strong spirit.” The Opportunity Reporting to the Artistic Director (AD), the Assistant Music Director (AMD) conducts and rehearses younger members of the chorus (grades 3‑5; 50‑60 children) throughout the school year and summer, preparing the groups for 10‑12 concert performances per year. Rehearsals take place after school on weekdays and Saturdays on the Swarthmore College campus. Essential Responsibilities Lead year‑round rehearsals and prepare assigned choruses for concert performances, including a 5‑week summer program. Curate repertoire appropriate for each assigned ensemble’s level and performance goals, drawing from diverse musical traditions. Collaborate with the Artistic Director on artistic planning and creative initiatives, including repertoire development, special performances, and other projects. Teach sight‑reading, vocal technique, and musicianship skills. Manage the annual music budget for assigned ensembles, purchase scores and supplies, and assist in maintaining music resources for the chorus as a whole. Track and support each chorister’s musical development, attendance, and constructive participation. Collaborate with the communications team to share the story of the Chorus through newsletter articles, social media, concert promotions, and other media. Collaborate with administrative staff on program planning and development. Assist the Artistic Director in conducting auditions for prospective choristers and assessing current students for placement or promotion. Supervisory Responsibilities Oversee 2‑3 part‑time Music Program Assistants. Who You Are Fluent in a broad range of musical styles, including classical choral repertory, gospel, folk, jazz, and popular genres. Strong vocal ability, able to model healthy singing within a child’s range. Keyboard proficiency at an intermediate or higher level, with ability to read lead sheets and improvise as needed. Ability to teach sight‑reading and develop musicianship. Capacity to cultivate disciplined, joyful rehearsal environments that foster both musical excellence and community. Effective classroom and rehearsal management skills, genuine enthusiasm, and patience for working with children and youth. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in music, music education, or related field, or equivalent professional experience in choral conducting and instruction. At least three years of experience leading choral or classroom‑based music programs. Demonstrated record of artistic excellence, pedagogical effectiveness, and commitment to youth development through music. Preferred Qualifications Advanced degree or training in music, conducting, or education. Five or more years directing choirs or teaching group music; experience with multi‑genre repertoire and performance production. Experience mentoring young musicians, with familiarity with diverse musical traditions. Physical Demands Ability to lead rehearsals and move actively within rehearsal and performance spaces; occasional lifting and carrying of equipment up to 50 lbs. Must travel between rehearsal sites, performance sites, and Chorus events; valid driver’s license required. Proficiency in using standard office and instructional technology (email, Google Workspace, digital communication and file‑sharing platforms). Working Conditions Primarily in‑person work in rehearsal and concert settings. Rehearsals after school and Saturdays during the academic year, full‑day Monday‑Friday during the five‑week summer learning program. Occasional evenings and weekends for performances, rehearsals, and special events. Benefits Retirement plans Tuition Grant Program Tuition Reimbursement Program Paid Time Off (Staff) Holiday Schedule Application Information Submit a resume and cover letter by February 28, 2026. Applications received after this date may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the job has been filled. The market range for this position is $50,000‑$72,000 per year. Clearances Act 153 Clearance: Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH), Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (PACA), FBI Criminal History Background Check. MVR Clearance: Motor vehicle report required prior to employment. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any identity or characteristic protected by law or College policy. #J-18808-Ljbffr