Pep Band Director

Position

Description:

The Pep Band Director will lead and grow the Valparaiso University athletic band program while also contributing to broader institutional goals. This full-time position is evenly divided between:

• Athletic Band Leadership (50%) – Directing all facets of the pep band program, including recruitment, instruction, performance planning, and student leadership development.
• Strategic Additional Responsibilities (50%) – Based on the candidate’s qualifications and institutional needs, this portion of the role will focus on one or more of the following areas: student recruitment and admissions support, student success programming, club sports administration, athletic facility operations, and/or game/event management.

This dual-role position is ideal for an individual who is both musically proficient and versatile in supporting student engagement and university operations beyond music.

Athletic Band Leadership – 50%

• Facilitate the direction and organization of the university athletic pep band program.
• Lead and manage the university’s pep band program, including rehearsals, performances, and game day support.
• Recruit and retain highly talented students for the band program.
• Arrange or adapt music appropriate for a collegiate pep band.
• Collaborate with campus partners to elevate school spirit and create a vibrant game-day atmosphere.
• Serve as a mentor and role model to students and foster a positive learning environment.
• Participate in campus events and represent the band program in the community.
• Maintain compliance with all institutional policies and safety protocols.

Additional Strategic Duties – 50% (Assigned based on qualifications and institutional need in one or more of the following areas):

• Student Recruitment:
  Serve as admissions counselor, assist with admissions events, tours, and outreach efforts.
• Student Success:
  Coordinate programming or serve in a role focused on academic support and/or personal development.
• Club Sports Operations:
  Support the administration, scheduling, and oversight of elite club sport programs.
• Event Management:
  Assist with the planning and execution of athletic and university events.
• Facilities Maintenance Camp Support:
  Contribute to operations within athletic facilities.

• Strong musical skills, including knowledge of band instruments and arranging or transposing music.
• Excelled communication, leadership and organizational skills with the ability to handle administrative tasks.
• Ability to plan and lead rehearsals and performances.
• Ability to take initiative, work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment, and manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment and to preparing students to lead and serve.
• Ability to work extended days, weekends and holidays. Limited travel required.

• Student Recruitment:
  Serve as admissions counselor, assist with admissions events, tours, and outreach efforts.
• Student Success:
  Coordinate programming or serve in a role focused on academic support and/or personal development.
• Club Sports Operations:
  Support the administration, scheduling, and oversight of elite club sport programs.
• Event Management:
  Assist with the planning and execution of athletic and university events.
• Facilities Maintenance Camp Support:
  Contribute to operations within athletic facilities.

Bachelors degree in Music or related field or equivalent experience

• Experience with college athletics and pep band traditions.
• Strong musical skills, including knowledge of band instruments and arranging or transposing music.
• Excelled communication, leadership and organizational skills with the ability to handle administrative tasks.
• Ability to plan and lead rehearsals and performances.
• Ability to take initiative, work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment, and manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment and to preparing students to lead and serve.
• Ability to work extended days, weekends and holidays. Limited travel required.

All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon the clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, they will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.