Director of Music & Dance

POSITION: Director, Music & Dance School

DEPARTMENT: Music & Dance School

REPORTS TO: Chief Programs Officer

DIRECT REPORTS: Assistant Director, Music & Dance; Assistant Director, Productions; Department Chairs and Program Coordinators

SALARY: $100,000 - $115,000

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of the Music & Dance School is a senior leader responsible for the vision, development, and day-to-day management of Third Street’s 7-day programs and activities. This role oversees a wide range of music and dance instruction for students of all ages and experience levels, with offerings that include individual lessons, dance classes, theory and composition, small ensembles (rock, jazz, chamber), and large ensemble programs such as choirs, orchestras, concert bands, and musical theatre.

The Director leads with a focus on program quality, student development, and the planning of impactful events and performances that support learning and strengthen community connection.

They work closely with faculty, staff, families, and senior leadership to foster a welcoming, inclusive environment that supports meaningful student experiences and reflects the values of the Third Street community. The Director also plays a key role in driving enrollment and ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the program.

The ideal candidate brings strong leadership skills, deep experience in arts education, and a clear commitment to expanding access to high-quality instruction in a community-based setting.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of all educational and performance programs, including course planning, faculty support, student retention, resource allocation, and alignment with best practices in community arts education.
• Support the ongoing evolution of program structure and content across music and dance, ensuring high-quality instruction, clear progression pathways, and meaningful student development at all levels.
• Oversee scheduling, course offerings, and room assignments in collaboration with faculty, department chairs, and administrative staff.
• In partnership with the Chief Programs Officer, set and achieve enrollment and tuition revenue goals.
• Work closely with the Director of Student Services to support appropriate student placement, monitor development, and ensure access to guidance and support.
• Foster strong relationships with students, families, faculty, and staff to promote a positive, inclusive program culture.
• Hire, supervise, and evaluate Department Chairs, Assistant Directors, and other Music & Dance School leadership staff.
• Ensure all faculty and program staff have up-to-date job descriptions and performance goals, and that regular evaluations are conducted and used effectively.
• Support implementation of the faculty Collective Bargaining Agreement and participate in contract negotiations as assigned.
• Develop and manage program budgets, including tuition, financial aid, equipment, payroll, and other related expenses.
• Oversee the accuracy and timeliness of all program materials in coordination with the Marketing & Communications team, including the website, catalogs, and brochures.
• Work closely with the Director of Marketing & Communications to review, streamline, and implement marketing procedures that ensure timely, accurate promotion of programs and performances, supporting enrollment goals and audience engagement.
• Supervise the Productions team in planning and delivering student recitals, ensemble concerts, faculty and community performances, and special presentations both onsite and offsite.
• Collaborate with cross-departmental staff to lead and support school-wide and community-facing events, including the Cultural Celebration Series and Partners at Third Open House.
• Represent the Music & Dance School at internal performances and events, and externally with partners, schools, and peers in the field.
• Serve as a member of both the senior management and Emergency Response teams, contributing to institutional planning and decision-making.
• Participate in strategic planning and support the Chief Programs Officer, Board, and relevant committees as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A recognized arts leader with excellent and proven management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Track record of success in all aspects of community arts administration, including: program development; arts education and performance programming; financial management; faculty and staff management; and program evaluation.
• Demonstrate a strong passion for music, the arts, and arts education and a deep appreciation for the special and important role of the community school in connecting all people to music and the arts.
• Strong professional network and working knowledge of New York City and of musicians, music educators, and community musical resources in the Tri-State area surrounding the School.
• Track record of working collaboratively with staff, faculty and external partners, and the ability to build consensus among multiple constituencies.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in a complex management role with responsibility for supervising multiple team members, demonstrating the ability to lead, develop, and motivate staff to achieve departmental and organizational goals.
• Excellent administrative and communication skills – verbal and written – and an inclusive approach to problem-solving and relationship-building.
• Demonstrated success in leadership roles within arts-focused not-for-profit organizations, successfully engaging diverse professional and volunteer stakeholders to advance mission-driven initiatives.
• Personal integrity and high ethical standards; high energy and creativity; and a good sense of humor.
• Proven ability to lead and manage a team across on-site and remote environments, effectively balancing multiple projects, competing deadlines, and resource constraints to achieve organizational goals.
• Ability to work Tuesday to Saturday during the Fall-Spring academic year and to attend evening and weekend performances and activities. Summer schedule shifts to Monday to Friday
• Bachelor’s degree in music or music education; an advanced degree is preferred, as is experience both as a teacher and performer.

About Third Street

As the nation’s longest-running community music school, Third Street has been transforming lives through the arts for 130 years. In 1894, Third Street was founded by Emilie Wagner, an arts education pioneer who made music education the cornerstone of a settlement house that welcomed immigrants to NYC and provided families with housing support, food, and medical care alongside arts enrichment. Today, Third Street is committed to leveraging arts education to empower youth to reach their fullest potential and unite the diverse communities of NYC. Third Street serves 5,000+ students annually, enriching their lives and communities.

Since the 1970s, Third Street has worked with local public schools to provide music instruction to their students, thereby becoming one of the first in the nation to initiate such partnerships. Today, Third Street collaborates with 35 public schools and community centers across NYC. The goal of these partnerships is simple: to change the lives of students for the better through music and dance.

Our Commitment to diversity embraces a collegial Third Street community in which faculty and staff of every racial identity feel a sense of belonging and feel supported and valued in their work.