About Sacred Heart University
As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2025 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu
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To apply
Qualified candidates are invited to submit a completed application and résumé through the University's online application system. Applications submitted outside of the official Careers at SHU website will not be considered. Applicants should not apply through third-party or external job sites, as such postings may be fraudulent or may misrepresent opportunities that are no longer available at the University. A cover letter or statement of interest is preferred for all staff positions.
Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.
Position Summary
The Assistant Director of Choral Programs will assist the Director of Choral Programs in the administration, coordination, and artistic direction of all choral programs.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
- Assist in implementation of all strategic goals for the program, both artistic and administrative, as directed by Director of Choral Programs.
- Serve as primary conductor for up to three ensembles as assigned.
- Serve as primary Accompanist/Assistant Conductor for up to two ensembles as assigned; lead weekly sectional rehearsals; lead rehearsals when the Director cannot be present.
- Be available as substitute conductor/accompanist to all university choral ensembles as needed.
- Lead choral ensembles in a busy performance schedule comprising on and off campus concerts and events (examples of on-campus events include Academic Convocations, Baccalaureate Masses, Commencement, etc.).
- Support recruitment of students for Choral Program through outreach to high school choral programs, auditioning prospective students, and presence at Open Houses, Accepted Student Days, Orientation Days, and other admissions/recruitment events as assigned.
- Support all activities of the Choral Program’s Student Executive Board.
- Foster and maintain a working relationship with the academic music program in the School of Performing Arts.
- Foster and maintain a working relationship with Campus Ministries to provide quality liturgical music for on-campus services.
- Support retention efforts within the choir program through intentional one-on-one meetings with students and attendance at choir events.
- Supervise work-study students and hourly employees of the Choral Program; review and approve timesheets.
- Assist with all administrative tasks required for the smooth operation of the choral program as assigned.
- Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes
- Minimum of M.M. Degree in Choral Conducting, Vocal Performance, Piano, or Organ.
- Demonstrated history of strong administrative and leadership skills
- Significant experience directing/accompanying high school, university, or liturgical choirs and a cappella ensembles
- Excellent interpersonal skills for relating to a diverse student population.
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word & Excel, Adobe Creative Suite, and a professional music notation software (Finale, Sibelius,or Dorico)
- Strong desire to help grow and improve the quality, diversity, and size of a university choral program with a focus on student experience
Unusual Working Conditions
- 12-month position, 35 hours per week.
- This is an exempt position and requires a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends during the academic year
This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.
Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.
