TITLE:  Performing Arts Director (Choir, Concert, or Drama)

REPORTS TO:  Principal 

Job Objective: Directs a performing arts program (i.e., vocal, instrumental, or theater).

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Production skills substantiated by training and/or work experience.
• Meets all mandated health screening requirements. 
• A record free of criminal violations that would prohibit public school employment. ·
• Embodies high ethical standards and integrity. Accepts responsibility for decisions and conduct. 
• Complies with drug-free workplace rules, board policies, and administrative guidelines/procedures. 
• Ability to establish working relationships with co-workers and function as part of a cohesive team. 
• Commitment to keep current with work skills essential to the objectives of the position.

NOTE: Supplemental contracts are offered to licensed staff with appropriate training, knowledge, and experience. Unfilled positions may be offered to other qualified applicants meeting school district and state department of education criteria. Verification of qualifications may be required (i.e., official academic transcripts/diplomas, previous employers, professional references, etc.).

Essential Functions:  The following are typical work responsibilities. A reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential functions.

• Evaluates student interest/commitment.
• Recommends programming options.
• Develops a purpose statement and budget for administrative approval.
• Requisitions program supplies/equipment. 
• Develops a program schedule and outline of activities.
• Coordinates activities with the school calendar.
• Consults with staff to ensure that shared resources/facilities are used effectively. 
• Conducts a risk assessment.
• Implements safety precautions.
• Responds to emergencies. 
• Advances the district’s professional image.
• Maintains open/effective communications.
• Uses problem-solving techniques to tactfully address and resolve questions/concerns. 
• Refers district policy interpretation inquiries to administrators. 
• Plans/directs program activities.
• Keeps the administration informed about emerging issues. 
• Monitors compliance with all licensing agreements. 
• Publicizes program information.
• Encourages active student participation. 
• Informs students about personal responsibilities.
• Verifies that authorized fees have been paid. 
• Supervises approved fund raising projects.
• Ensures that program activities are self-sustaining when expenses exceed financial subsidies authorized by the board or administration. 
• Attends financial in-service training to keep current with accounting procedures as directed. 
• Ensures that student activity accounts (e.g., receipts, expenses, etc.) are suitable for audit. 
• Manages all aspects of the performance.
• Selects instrumentalists.
• Plans lighting designs.
• Assigns work crews.
• Supervises all rehearsals/performances.
• Oversees wardrobe activities.
• Coordinates videotaping and photography activities. 
• Organizes auditions.
• Maintains the integrity of the selection process.
• Helps parents/students understand program objectives and performance standards. 
• Works with students to improve individual and group skills.
• Provides support, guidance, and accountability to help students benefit from program participation. 
• Assists students seeking additional knowledge and/or advanced skills.
• Directs parents to supplemental resources within the district and community. 
• Promotes collaboration and facilitates student involvement in community service projects. 
• Facilitates participation in board-approved local, regional, and/or national competitions. 
• Checks program posters, correspondence, newsletters, news releases, etc., prior to public release. 
• Arranges student transportation for sanctioned activities.
• Supervises participants during trips.
• Obtains permission to be away when duties conflict with other assigned responsibilities. 
• Promotes respect for program participants. Plans and attends recognition ceremonies/events. 
• Verifies that participants have fulfilled all requirements for awards and recognition certificates. 
• Provides opportunities for students to critique program activities.
• Implements improvements. 
• Checks program equipment.
• Makes minor repairs.
• Ensures that equipment is operational and available when needed.
• Keeps track of school equipment assigned to students. 
• Works with the administration to schedule repairs by outside vendors.
• Evaluates the relevance of new technology.
• Recommends program purchases.
• Prepares inventories as directed.
• Implements rules/procedures that promote the correct use and care of program resources.
• Properly stores all materials.
• Works with staff/students to address equipment safety/security. 
• Maintains an up-to-date equipment inventory.
• Requests permission and follows board-approved procedures for the disposal of fixed assets. 
• Prepares/maintains accurate records.
• Submits required paperwork on time. 
• Maintains the confidentiality of privileged information. 
• Upholds the student conduct code.
• Implements effective pupil management procedures.
• Provides appropriate student supervision. 
• Consults with parents as needed (e.g., phone calls, E-mail, written notes, meetings, etc.). 
• Takes precautions to ensure safety.
• Watches for conduct/situations that may indicate a problem.
• Works with supervisors to manage or eliminate risk factors. 
• Reports suspected child abuse and/or neglect to civil authorities as required by law. 
• Participates in staff meetings, conferences, and other required school activities. 
• Represents the music department at meetings outside the district as directed. 
• Pursues educational opportunities to enhance professional performance. 
• Supports workplace initiatives that enhance personal productivity and advance district goals. 
• Maintains a professional appearance.
• Wears work attire appropriate for the position. 
• Performs other specific job-related duties as directed. 

Abilities Required:  The following personal characteristics and skills are important for the successful performance of assigned duties.

• Anticipates time constraints.
• Manages tasks efficiently to meet deadlines. 
• Averts problem situations and intervenes to resolve conflicts. 
• Demonstrates professionalism and contributes to a positive work/learning environment. 
• Differentiates subtle variances in intonation, pitch, rhythm, and sound. 
• Uses active listening, observation, reading, verbal, nonverbal, and writing skills effectively. 
• Exhibits consistency, resourcefulness, and resilience. 
• Interprets information accurately and initiates effective responses. 
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual. 
• Respects diversity. Manages individual and group interactions skillfully. 
• Uses diplomacy and exercises self-control when dealing with other individuals.

Working Conditions:  Safety is essential to job performance. Employees must exercise caution and comply with standard safety regulations and district procedures when involved in the following situations:

• Balancing, bending, crouching, kneeling, reaching, and standing. 
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions and temperature extremes. 
• Exposure to air-borne particulates, chemical irritants, combustible materials, electrical hazards, equipment vibrations, noises, and odors. 
• Exposure to blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases. 
• Interacting with aggressive, disruptive, and/or unruly individuals.
• Lifting, carrying, and moving work-related supplies/equipment. 
• Operating and/or riding in a vehicle. 
• Traveling to meetings and work assignments.

Performance Evaluation:  Performance Job performance is evaluated according to policy provisions and contractual agreements adopted Evaluation: by the Graham Local School District Board of Education.

The Graham Local School District Board of Education is an equal opportunity employer. This job description identifies general responsibilities and is not intended to be a complete list of all duties performed. This document is subject to change in response to student demographics, staffing factors, funding variables, modified operating procedures, program/curriculum changes, and unforeseen events.