Director of Marching Band

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The Director of Marching Band is responsible for the creation, implementation, leadership, and administration of the university's marching band program and related instrumental ensembles. This part-time position provides artistic, educational, operational, and strategic oversight while supporting the mission of Ave Maria University and enhancing campus spirit, student engagement, and institutional visibility.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Development
Establish and implement the vision, structure, and operational framework for the university marching band program
Develop strategic plans for program growth, recruitment, retention, and sustainability
Create traditions, performance standards, and organizational culture for the program
Student Recruitment and Retention Recruit qualified student musicians through outreach to high schools, music educators, and prospective students
Collaborate with admissions, athletics, and campus leadership on recruitment initiatives
Develop retention strategies and student leadership opportunities
Instruction and Performance Conduct and direct marching band rehearsals and performances
Direct additional ensembles including concert band, jazz band, pep band, and other instrumental groups as assigned
Select music, coordinate drill design, and oversee show development
Evaluate student performance and provide mentoring and instruction
Administrative Management Prepare and manage annual operating budgets
Oversee purchasing, inventory, equipment, uniforms, instruments, and facilities
Coordinate travel, scheduling, contracts, and event logistics
Ensure compliance with university policies and safety procedures
Personnel Management Recruit, supervise, and evaluate assistant directors and student leaders as assigned
Institutional Engagement Represent the university at performances, outreach events, and community functions
Collaborate with university departments to support institutional events and student engagement initiatives

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in Music, Music Education, Conducting, or related field. Master's degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience directing marching bands, concert bands, jazz ensembles, or related instrumental music programs, preferably at the high school or collegiate level. Experience with performance planning, rehearsal design, and event coordination.

CERTIFICATION: N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Demonstrated success in marching band instruction and leadership. Strong organizational, communication, and administrative skills. Ability to work evenings and weekends, as needed. Experience in drill design, arranging, budgeting, and personnel supervision. Must support the University's Catholic mission.

PHYSICAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Requires ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations. Ability to stand for extended periods. Ability to conduct rehearsals and performances outdoors in varied weather conditions. Ability to lift and transport equipment up to 30 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed both indoors and outdoors with exposure to outdoor elements typical to our location in SW Florida; heat, humidity, rain, etc.

Ave Maria University is a Catholic institution of higher education. Ave Maria University makes employment decisions in a manner that is consistent with federal, state and local law. All information included in any application must be truthful and accurate.

The responsibilities and requirements listed above are not an exhaustive list of all that will be expected of this position; however, it is met to identify the general criteria for this position.