Overview
The Institute for the Creative Arts (ICA) is Arkansas\'s first Performing & Visual Arts High School. As a charter school funded by the state, ICA offers an intensive arts and academic curriculum to prepare students for higher education, creative careers, and leadership in the performing and visual arts industries. ICA seeks an exceptional educational leader to serve as the Director of the Contemporary Music Program in the Institute’s School of Music. This role leads a program focusing on industry-ready music styles such as jazz, pop, and rock for 21st-century students, building upon the basic elements of music.
ICA opened its first year in the fall of 2024 in the Arkansas Center for the Creative Arts, a 40,000 sq. ft. facility with performance spaces and a recording studio on a 10-acre campus on Fort Smith’s Riverfront Drive. Students in grades 9–12 participate daily in a specific arts program. The ideal candidate will have significant experience recruiting and teaching high school students, with a background in leading band, jazz band, and other contemporary instrumental ensembles. Excellent communication skills are essential for networking with the community and identifying students for the program. The candidate will collaborate with other ICA instructors to develop the curriculum and coordinate performances and events, reporting to the President and, secondarily, to the Dean.
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in music; a master’s degree is a plus with emphasis in directing instrumental ensembles.
- Three years of teaching experience preferred, particularly at the high school level.
- Strong team-building, organizational, and customer service/communication skills.
- Dynamic and energetic leadership qualities.
- Ability to collaborate with community partners and recruit/mentor students.
- Must meet Arkansas Qualified Teacher Requirements.
Responsibilities
- Lead and teach instrumental ensembles.
- Prepare students for college and the professional industry.
- Develop summer programs and camps.
- Coordinate and collaborate with other music instructors.
- Assist in recruiting instructors and developing the curriculum.
- Engage with parents and work on recruitment and retention of students.
- Coordinate with other ICA instructors on curriculum and performances.
- Manage physical requirements as needed to supervise students.
Salary and Benefits
Full-time contract. Salary commensurate with qualifications. $50,000 and up. Full benefits package.
Start Date
July 2026
Contact Information
- Andrea DeWitt
- 1101 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901
- Phone:
- Email:
Job Details
- Job ID:
- Application Deadline: Posted until filled
- Posted: Yesterday
- Position Type: Full-time
- Job Categories: Classroom Teacher > Music: Instrumental