Junior Musical Lead Director - MS

Job Description

Reports to: Middle School Principal

Evaluated by: Middle School Principal

Salary: Group IV

Location: MS

New Albany-Plain Local Schools (NAPLS) is committed to empowering all learners to reach their full potential by cultivating character, curiosity, and confidence. The Junior Musical Lead Director – MS plays a critical leadership role in advancing the district’s purpose and values by providing an education-based theatre experience that develops the whole student academically, socially, ethically, and for skill development. Directors/Advisors are expected to model and promote the district’s core values, including kindness, dignity, respect, responsibility, integrity, belonging, and excellence, while ensuring extracurriculars remain an extension of the educational mission of New Albany-Plain Local Schools.

The Junior Musical Lead Director – MS is the chief leader of the assigned extracurricular program and is responsible for its vision, culture, administration, and performance. This position extends well beyond directing and requires strategic leadership, program development, staff supervision, and intentional student growth. The Director is responsible for ensuring a safe, inclusive, and academically aligned program that complies with all district policies, New Albany-Plain Local Schools expectations, and all applicable Extracurricular and Athletics Handbook regulations, and activity-specific rules.

• Serve as the program leader and primary ambassador for the Middle School Theatre program within the school and community.
• Establish and sustain a clear program philosophy aligned with district values and department standards.
• Set and enforce high expectations for behavior, effort, accountability, and citizenship.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and respectful activity culture where all students feel valued and supported.
• Model professionalism, ethical conduct, and sound judgment at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the principal.

• Lead all aspects of the activity program, including philosophy, culture, standards, and long‑term vision.
• Build a developmentally focused program for grades 6–8 that emphasizes character, leadership, teamwork, and resilience.
• Align program practices and expectations with education-based activities and student well‑being.
• Select appropriate scripts for performances.

• Teach activity‑specific skills, strategies, and conditioning appropriate to the level of performance.
• Conduct auditions and rehearsals in a professional manner and evaluate student performance based on established criteria.
• Prioritize student safety, wellness, and injury prevention.
• Support and monitor academic progress, reinforcing the importance of classroom success.
• Promote personal growth, decision‑making skills, and responsible behavior.
• Clearly define, articulate, implement, and create a culture of accountability for a theatre program aligned with the building and district expectations.
• Establish, clearly articulate, and enforce competencies for the selection of student leaders (if applicable).

• Recruit, recommend, mentor, supervise, and evaluate assistant directors and approved volunteers.
• Clearly define staff roles and expectations and support professional growth.
• Ensure all staff meet district and state certification and training requirements.
• Ensure all volunteers have appropriate background checks and other necessary credentials.
• Coordinate the work and rehearsal schedule for staff and volunteers.

• Maintain consistent, proactive, and professional communication with students, families, staff, administrators and community.
• Facilitate a parent meeting prior to each performance season for parents to review expectations and rehearsal/performance schedules.
• Clearly communicate program expectations, schedules, and updates through approved district platforms.
• Follow district communication protocols and collaborate with school and district leadership.

• Ensure compliance with all…