Chair of Theater

Job Description:

About The Boston Conservatory at Berklee
Founded in 1867, Boston Conservatory is the nation’s oldest performing arts conservatory to offer fully accredited programs in dance, music, and theater that train exceptional young performing artists for careers that enrich and transform the human experience. Known for its multidisciplinary environment and deep community engagement, the school is internationally recognized as an innovative leader among conservatory programs. With its groundbreaking programming and 700-plus annual performances, the institution has established itself as an essential voice in making the performing arts a more visible and valued dimension of communities locally and abroad.

In 2016, the Conservatory merged with Berklee to form the most comprehensive performing arts institution in the world. Energized by this partnership, the Conservatory continues to grow as a vibrant community of artists, educators, and industry leaders, paving the way for the future of the arts.

Overview of the Theater Division

The Theater Division comprises a Dean, a Chair, an Assistant Chair, a Project Manager, a faculty of 70+ teachers, and a roster of accompanists. The division serves approximately 280 students enrolled in B.F.A. programs in Musical Theater and Contemporary Theater. These two distinct programs form the foundation of the Theater Division:

• Musical Theater Program: Internationally recognized and consistently ranked among the top in the United States, this program is listed in Playbill’s "Big 10" most represented colleges on Broadway. Students receive a contemporary and innovative conservatory education, equipping them to become multi-dimensional theater artists. Performance opportunities range from Broadway hits to modern classics and world premieres.

• Contemporary Theater Program: This program offers intimate, rigorous training that blends devising, movement, site-specific work, theater analysis, writing, production skills, and a focus on socially conscious artistry. Graduates are prepared to navigate the ever-evolving theater industry as resourceful, multidisciplinary theater-makers.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Management:

• Represent the Theater Division as an administrative leader on and off campus by engaging in advocacy and outreach efforts.

• Develop divisional goals and reports, including budget tracking and allocation, in consultation with the Dean.

• Manage divisional resources and operational priorities in alignment with the Conservatory’s goals.

• Plan and lead divisional and Conservatory-wide events such as orientation, donor events, the Boston showcase, and commencement.

• Hire and onboard new faculty to meet curricular needs; manage and support faculty and guest artists while fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.

• Evaluate and supervise faculty, ensuring adherence to faculty union rules and institutional policies.

• Provide the Dean with informed recommendations on salary adjustments and promotions in rank.

• Collaborate with the Dean on planning guest artists and facilitate alumni and VIP guest artist engagements as needed.

• Implement and monitor strategies to promote faculty development and engagement.

• Assign teaching responsibilities to divisional faculty, ensuring equitable teaching loads and union compliance.

• Monitor faculty attendance and arrange coverage or substitutes as needed.

• Schedule and preside over regular faculty committee meetings, ensuring productive collaboration.

• Work with faculty and concert services to schedule repertory recitals at the end of each semester.

• Actively participate in divisional, Conservatory, and institutional committees as needed.

• Perform other administrative tasks as assigned by the Dean of the Theater Division.

• Manage crises and advise on faculty and student interpersonal and classroom issues.

• Maintain a teaching load of one or two divisional courses per semester, subject to time availability.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

• Integrate equity-focused practices across the theater curriculum, instruction, and governance.

• Champion initiatives to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds.

Theater & Musical Theater Expertise

• Collaborate with the Project Manager, Assistant Chair, and Performance Services staff to schedule productions and hire designers.

• Cultivate industry connections to enhance student opportunities, partnerships, and program visibility.

Curriculum & Program Development

• Work closely with Academic Affairs on class scheduling and assigning classrooms and teaching studios.

• Assist the Dean in ensuring the curriculum reflects current trends and prepares students for evolving industry demands.

• Submit new course and course change proposals to the BCB Steering Committee as needed.

• Lead the Academic Program Review process.

• Collaborate with faculty to incorporate diverse perspectives and practices into the curriculum.

• Oversee student registration with the support of the Assistant Chair.

Student Success & Community Building

• Advise students during registration alongside the Assistant Chair and Student Success Advisors.

• Support students' academic and artistic growth by fostering a community that values individuality and creative exploration.

• Review academic records of transfer students and determine appropriate transfer credits.

• Partner with the Equity and Title IX Office on elevated student concerns.

Recruitment & Communication

• Support the admissions team by actively recruiting undergraduate students, attending welcome events, and participating in student events as needed.

• Attend recruitment tours and assist the Faculty Recruitment Committee as needed.

• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications

• Extensive experience in theater and musical theater production and curriculum design.

• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and inspire faculty and staff effectively.

• Proficiency in higher education administration, including budget management and resource allocation.

• Three to five years of experience hiring and supervising college/university-level theater faculty.

• Substantial and relevant college/university-level teaching experience.

• A deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all educational and creative spaces.

• An advanced degree in the performing arts or equivalent professional experience.

• A commitment to continued personal growth as an artist and academic leader.

Start Date

This is a 12-month administrative position with a renewable contract. The initial appointment is for three years.

Submission Process

Candidates should submit the following materials in PDF format at berklee.edu/jobs, addressed to the attention of the Search Committee and Dean of Theater. Submissions include:

• A letter of interest addressing capabilities, experiences, teaching philosophy, and interests.

• A current resume or CV (including industry credits).

• Names and contact information for at least three (3) references.

• Links to online resources with representative samples of your professional work.

Only complete applications will be considered. The position will remain open until filled.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee: 

We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance.  Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at [email protected] or call 617-747-2375.

*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*