Interim Choral Arts Director

Taft vocalists sing in celebration and exultation. They may engage in the artistic life of the school through formal choral music classes, our showcase choir, student-led performance groups, and private vocal lessons. Musicians have written and recorded original compositions, including full albums in wide release, in our digital recording studio. They have traveled the world, performed at prestigious concert venues and with renowned musicians, and they fill the halls of Mr. Taft’s school with joyful sound. The Taft School seeks a part-time teacher in Choral Arts for an August 2026 start date to continue this legacy. The primary goal is to have an interim Director of Collegium Musicum (Taft’s premier vocal ensemble), though ideally this person will also be able to teach an additional performing arts class (introduction to singing or piano). A national search will be conducted for a full-time Choral Arts Director during the 2026-2027 academic year. A Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of three years of teaching experience is preferred. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and the names of three references to the online application through ADP. For more information on Taft’s Choral Arts, please visit our website at https://www.taftschool.org/arts/programs/music/choral-music.

Teaching faculty duties include:

• Teaching one to two class periods (blocks) each semester. Each class meets three times a workweek--Monday through Saturday-- in a rotating block schedule. Class blocks are 70 minutes each. Student enrollments, composition, and design of class periods are department or academic area-specific; 

• Collaborate with Admissions, Advancement, and other departments to plan and coordinate performances for multiple school events, including Family Weekend, Graduation, Admitted Student Days, etc.  

• Coordinate with the Collegium accompanist and Woodward Chapel organist for campus performances.

• Grading student assignments and assessments in a timely manner, within approximately one week of submission, and providing extra help sessions in accordance with the school’s philosophy. 

• Writing required class comments on individualized student performance three times during the academic year;

• Attend as many weekly faculty and department meetings as possible; student round table meetings as needed; and other meetings as may be required by the head of school, assistant head of school for faculty and academics, dean of faculty, department head, or other senior administrator.

Responsible for the care and well-being of students in a residential boarding school. Provide a safe and secure experience for all students.

If someone is available for a full-time interim position, additional responsibilities would include:

• Instruction of three to four total courses in the Arts department

• Two seasons, or equivalent involvement, in Taft’s afternoon program (co-curricular) activities (approximately 24 weeks per academic year with 5 days per week or equivalent as standard commitment) unless otherwise stated in the job description for a specific position;

• Evening duty– either dormitory duty or equivalent supervisory duty–that consists of a 4.5-hour shift between approximately 7:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. once a week; a 5-hour weekend duty shift between approximately 7:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. once a month; and, periodic overnight duty for faculty residing in dormitory housing or an afternoon duty shift for faculty assigned to supervisory duty. 

• Serving as an advisor to a group of students, attending weekly advisory community lunches, and writing individualized advisor letters at the end of each semester;

• Attending weekly seated dinners during fall and spring;

• Some summer work in preparation for the upcoming academic year program. 

• Drive students as part of afternoon program (co-curricular) activities and as needed for student appointments, activities, and emergency medical attention. This requires obtaining the A Endorsement on your CT Driver’s License. 

• Additional responsibilities and duties as directed by the head of school. 

Benefits-eligible full-time positions include campus housing or a housing stipend and use of school facilities, including the grounds, athletics center, and dining hall (position-specific and subject to availability). Part-time positions would not qualify for benefits or housing. 

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated commitment to the tenets described in the school’s Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Portrait of the Graduate.

• Bachelor’s degree.

• At least three years of relevant professional experience is preferred.

• Technology skills inclusive of general proficiency with Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, and Internet browser skills. The use of Canvas LMS and Veracross programs will be required in all aspects of normal daily activities, and training will be provided.

• The ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of students, employees, and other campus stakeholders to support and expand programmatic and institutional goals; and interest in joining a residential community that serves a globally inclusive student body.

• Authorized to work in the United States of America.

Note: additional qualifications may be required and will be outlined in specific position descriptions.