Location: Albany, NY
Category: Professional
Job Type: Full-time
Posted On: Wed Jul 15 2026
Job Description:
The Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment at the University at Albany invites applicants for a full-time Assistant Director of Marching & Spirit Bands staff position.
We are searching for an experienced educator to assist in the continued growth of our Marching & Spirit Bands program. The successful candidate will join a program with a consistent upward trajectory, more than tripling in size over the last four years, while providing quality comprehensive music education to students from a wide range of backgrounds.
The Marching & Spirit Bands program is a key part of university life, including formal university events, athletic games, recruitment events, community performances, and more. The program is part of the Department of Recreation & Wellness in the Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment, and works collaboratively with various other areas of the University including the Department of Music & Theatre, Athletics, Government & Community Relations, and more.
The Assistant Director of Marching & Spirit Bands will assist in the management of a modern and comprehensive athletic band program. They will assist in instruction and administrative management of the Marching Great Danes, UAlbany Spirit Band, and UAlbany Winter Guard, with the possibility of teaching course(s) through the Department of Music & Theatre, commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and expertise. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to excellence in teaching, student mentorship, personnel management, community engagement, recruiting, conducting, fundraising, and contribute to the academic mission of an R1 institution. This is a 12-month position with varying hours including nights and weekends for rehearsals, performances, and recruitment events.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Program Leadership, Administration, and Artistic Operations- Provide professional leadership and support for the continued growth, quality, and sustainability of the University at Albany Marching and Spirit Band program in collaboration with the Director of the Band. Contribute to the planning, coordination, and execution of rehearsals, performances, travel, and special events while ensuring program operations support a high-quality student and artistic experience. Provide stewardship of program resources. Collaborate with campus partners, external stakeholders, instructional staff, and students to advance program goals and ensure effective implementation of performances and activities. Supervise student members as needed. Supports the overall artistic vision, operational effectiveness, and visibility of the program. Manage student attendance-tracking and data for rehearsals and performances, including evening and weekend events. Oversee part-time professional staff.
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Musical Instruction, Rehearsal Leadership, and Performance Development- Provides musical leadership and instructional support for the Marching and Spirit Bands program by preparing and executing effective rehearsals that promote student learning, ensemble excellence, and artistic growth. In collaboration with the Director of Bands and program staff, the position contributes to the creative development of performances, including drill design, choreography, visual elements, musical composition and arrangement, and integration of guest performers and special programming. The Assistant Director supports the continued artistic development and success of students through high-quality instruction, mentorship, and performance preparation.
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Recruitment, Outreach, and Program Visibility- Supports recruitment and outreach efforts to promote the University at Albany Marching and Spirit Bands program and attract talented prospective students. The position represents the program at on- and off-campus recruitment events, including high school marching band events, and builds relationships with students, families, music educators, and regional K-12 programs. The Assistant Director develops and maintains recruitment communications, manages prospective student engagement platforms such as Bandwindow and the website, and collaborates on initiatives that enhance program visibility and enrollment.
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University and Division Engagement- Contributes to the mission of the Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment and the University at Albany by participating in and supporting campus events, activities, and initiatives that enhance student engagement, belonging, and the overall university experience.
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Lead and manage direct reports/team providing guidance, support, and performance feedback to assure goals, programs, activities, and personnel practices are consistent with and contribute to the University's mission. Lead employees for maximum performance and dedication, fostering a positive and productive work environment. Complete performance management feedback and goals timely and per requirements, offering constructive feedback and developing improvement plans.
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Other reasonable duties as assigned
Functional and Supervisory Relationships:
- Reports to Director of Marching & Spirit Bands
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Supervises the following positions: Marching & Spirit Bands temporary part-time professional staff and student staff
Job Requirements:
- Proficiency in marching band techniques.
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Ability to teach students at a wide range of skill levels, including beginners.
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Ability to work collaboratively with students, staff, faculty, university administration, and external stakeholders.
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Excellent oral and written communication skills.
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Demonstrated ability to teach, develop instrumental activities, and direct student musicians.
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Ability to address multiple tasks and prioritize as needed.
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Superior time management, organization, and communication skills required, as is a desire to work directly with students.
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Ability to support students from diverse backgrounds and to actively foster a respectful, positive learning environment.
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Applicants must demonstrate an ability to develop inclusive and equitable relationships within our diverse campus community.
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Applicants must demonstrate an ability to support diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging relative to their role.
Job Requirements:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master's degree from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization.
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Two years of relevant experience in a leadership role in a high school or collegiate marching arts program.
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Experience with student recruitment and outreach.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree in Music, Music Education, or related field from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization.
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Specialization in percussion preferred.
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3-5 years of experience in a leadership role of collegiate level athletics band program(s).
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Experience arranging music and/or writing drill for collegiate marching band programs.
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Management & Administrative experience: Experience scheduling, transportation for large groups, personnel management, and student management.
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Experience with some of the following: instrument repair, audio engineering, music technology, HBCU-style marching band, and popular music styles.
Working Environment:
- Flexible hours, including weekends and evenings, are required to execute the position's responsibilities.
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Frequent travel to/from off-campus events, athletic games, and recruitment activities.
Additional Information:
Professional Rank and Salary Grade: Instructional Support Technician, SL3, $60,000-65,000.
Special Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. If you currently need sponsorship or will need it in the future to maintain employment authorization, you do not meet eligibility requirements. Additionally, please note that UAlbany is not an E-Verify employer.
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, without exception, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University's crime statistics for the past three years; and disclosures regarding the University's current campus security policies. The University at Albany's Annual Security Report is available in portable document format [PDF] by clicking this link http://police.albany.edu/ASR.shtml
Pursuant to NYS Labor Law 194-A, no State entity, as defined by the Law, is permitted to rely on, orally or in writing seek, request, or require in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current wage, or salary history as a condition to be interviewed, or as a condition of continuing to be considered for an offer of employment, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation, and for the purpose of verifying information, may such requests be made. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor's Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at [email protected].
THE UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY IS AN EO/AA/IRCA/ADA EMPLOYER
Please apply online via http://albany.interviewexchange.com/candapply.jsp?JOBID=202644
