Executive Director of Peabody Extended Learning (Peabody Institute)

Isaacson, Miller, a global executive search firm, has been retained to support this important search. Confidential inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed to the firm as indicated at the end of this document.

The Opportunity

The Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute ( seeks an entrepreneurial, innovative, and strategic leader with a record of building programs, systems, and partnerships and a passion for performing arts to serve as the inaugural Executive Director of Peabody Extended Learning. Peabody Extended Learning is an emerging expansion of the Peabody Institute’s non‑degree programs and academic community partnerships, currently anchored in the Peabody Preparatory, Maryland’s premier community school for the performing arts.

The Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University ( is one of the nation’s oldest and most distinguished conservatories, founded in 1857 as the country’s first academy of music. Today, as an academic division of Johns Hopkins University, the Conservatory combines world‑class undergraduate and graduate degree programs in music and dance with a commitment to innovation through programs in performance, composition, music technology, and interdisciplinary arts. Peabody has a rich legacy of producing influential artists and composers while advancing research and education in the performing arts. The Peabody Preparatory, founded in 1894, extends this mission to the broader community, offering music and dance instruction for students of all ages and abilities. Its programs range from private lessons and youth ensembles to adult learning opportunities, professional development, and wellness‑focused initiatives. The Preparatory also champions access and equity through programs like Tuned In, which provides Baltimore City students with comprehensive musical training and support. With multiple campuses and online options, the Preparatory fosters lifelong engagement with the arts and serves as a vital cultural resource for the region.

With the Institute having embarked on its Building on the Breakthrough Strategic Plan, the Executive Director of Peabody Extended Learning will lead a bold expansion of programs and reimagine how Peabody engages learners of all ages. With a forthcoming brand launch, Peabody Extended Learning intends to showcase a dynamic portfolio of offerings for students, community and professional artists, and the broader public, encompassing all current activities of the Peabody Preparatory and becoming the umbrella for all non‑credit educational programs for the Institute. This leader will bring a passion for education, strong business acumen, and the ability to identify strategic markets, guide informed investments, grow revenue, and scale both in‑person and online programming to significantly expand reach and impact. Positioned at the forefront of a new model for arts education that blends community engagement, opportunities for students of all ages, digital innovation, and accessible programming, the Executive Director will have the rare opportunity to shape the direction of this new entity. Creativity and vision are essential, as this role will be building a transformative platform that redefines what a world‑class performing arts institution can offer beyond its traditional boundaries.

Applications, Inquiries, and Nominations

Katie Rockman, Arianna Williams, Maria Connor are leading the search on behalf of Isaacson, Miller. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. The minimum to maximum salary range for this position is $111,800 to $195,900; the targeted salary range is $140,000 to $160,000, commensurate with experience. Johns Hopkins University offers a comprehensive benefits program and PTO package.

Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website.

Please be aware that our employment offer is contingent upon the successful completion of our pre‑employment process, including criminal background, education, employment, and reference checks. This will require you and your references to answer questions regarding substantiated findings of serious misconduct.

This salary range does not include all components of the Peabody Institute's compensation program. This position may be eligible for a discretionary bonus. Therefore, the actual compensation paid to the selected candidate may vary slightly from the salary range stated herein. For more information, please contact the hiring department.

#J-18808-Ljbffr