Chair of Songwriting

Job Description

Job Description:

Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, is actively seeking applicants for the Chair position within its esteemed Professional Writing and Music Technology division. 

As one of the globe’s leading independent music colleges, Berklee stands as a pinnacle institution dedicated to the exploration and advancement of contemporary music. At Berklee, a vibrant community thrives, of exceptionally talented and diverse students, revered faculty members, over 500 committed staff, and a network of accomplished alumni. Berklee’s commitment to arts education is reflected in the work of its students, faculty, and alumni – who have been recognized with 332 Grammy Awards, 118 Latin Grammy Awards, 31 Emmy Awards, 7 Academy Awards, and 11 Tony Awards. 

Renowned for pioneering contemporary music education, Berklee established the inaugural college-level songwriting major in 1987. Since then, the institution has remained at the forefront of evolving and refining the study of songcraft, consistently pushing boundaries and innovating within the field. The Songwriting Department boasts a distinguished faculty of thirty-one globally recognized experts. Their collective mission extends beyond teaching songwriting; it’s about nurturing a holistic skill set, weaving together the threads of creativity and technique. 

This department is responsible for shaping the educational path of 430 majors, as well as students from other disciplines who view songwriting as a supplementary area of study. The meticulously designed curriculum caters to the multifaceted nature of songwriting across five distinct focal points. Beyond these concentrations, students delve into various facets of songwriting, exploring creativity, the business side of the craft, utilization of music technologies, emerging trends in the field, industry strategies, and the critical examination of renowned songwriters. Moreover, the curriculum places a significant emphasis on situating songs within their cultural, social, and historical contexts. In addition to the major, the department also oversees the Music Theater Writing Minor and offers several summer programs.

The department also manages and promotes an array of events for songwriters who wish to perform original songs, writer camps, screenings with industry professionals, master classes and clinics with influential songwriters, and industry trips to music hubs like Nashville, Miami, NYC, and Los Angeles. 

The role of Chair within the Songwriting Department at Berklee College of Music embodies a pivotal leadership position accountable to the Dean of PW+MT. This position assumes a multifaceted responsibility encompassing administrative leadership, curriculum innovation, faculty oversight, student guidance, and the cultivation of an engaging learning environment. The Chair must possess excellent interpersonal, managerial, and organizational skills to navigate a large and complex academic setting. Collaborating closely with the Dean, this role involves fostering alliances with both internal and external stakeholders while adeptly managing the varied demands of senior leadership, faculty members, and students.

The ideal candidate demonstrates an established track record of high-level professional songwriting achievements. They exhibit a deep comprehension of the workings of the music industry, coupled with a proactive approach and a collaborative mindset. Essential qualities include strong collegiality, a positive demeanor, and a readiness to align with Berklee’s aspirations concerning Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. A steadfast dedication to fostering student experiences, faculty development, and displaying strong initiative are imperative traits for this role. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Chair is responsible for a variety of administrative and management duties, including but not limited to:

• Representing the department and division as an administrative leader on- and off-campus

• Engaging in the administrative aspects of the department and college 

• Collaborate with the Dean and provide strategic leadership for departmental development and curriculum management

• Advising on curricular technology and pedagogical practices

• Advising students on academics and career planning, in addition to resolving a wide range of student matters

• Participating in the hiring, mentoring, and performance evaluation of faculty and staff

• Developing, planning, and attending department events, weekly seminars, and guest artist visits that enhance the student experience

• Attending outreach events and liaising with prospective students to increase awareness of the Songwriting Department and educational opportunities

• Serving on the Academic Leadership Council, divisional, departmental, and other committees as needed

• Teaching (typically 1 course per semester)

• Maintain high standards of integrity in the conduct of duties

• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience 

• Comprehensive knowledge of songwriting, music production, and performance within the music industry

• Demonstrated credit history as a non-featured artist in songwriting, producing, or as a music executive in support of songwriters/producers/artists

• Thorough knowledge of the music business, its practices, technologies, and evolving trends

• Proficiency in general business operations, inclusive of administration, project management, strategic planning, talent acquisition, and financial management 

• Working knowledge of higher education structures and systems 

• Willingness to modulate leadership style to complement the the dept and division

• Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and verbal/writing communication skills

• Extremely organized with demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities/projects and meet deadlines

• Demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in prior employment opportunities, and to supporting a diverse workplace with a multicultural, multinational faculty and student body

This is a 12-month administrative position. Initial appointment is for three years. Compensation and rank are commensurate with professional experience.

SUBMISSION PROCESS: Electronic applications only. Please submit the following materials in PDF or Word format at berklee.edu/jobs. All application materials can be combined as one file and uploaded to the Resume/Cover letter application section.

Candidates should submit:

• Letter of Application

• Current resume or CV

• Names and contact information for at least three (3) references

• Links to websites or online resources with representative samples of your work

APPLICATION REVIEW and DEADLINE

1) Incomplete applications will not be considered.

2) The position will remain open for applications until filled.

Berklee is committed to increasing the diversity of the college community and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee:

We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance. Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at [email protected] or call 617-747-2375.

Berklee is committed to increasing the diversity of our institution, community, and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.

*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*

Employee Type:Chair