Description

Director of Fine Arts

The Director of the Fine Arts Department at Fort Worth Country Day reports to the Head of School and is responsible for the oversight, direction, and inspiration of the JK-12 Fine Arts department. The Director leads the school’s 18 visual and performing arts instructors, faculty who are passionate about their work and who enjoy being at a school known for its significant commitment to the arts.  The Director of Fine Arts is a member of the senior administrative team of the school, expected to champion the arts, while being sensitive to the complementary efforts of faculty in core academics and athletics. 

Of note, the school requires arts, both performing and visual, in its JK-4th grade, and requires electives of the 5th through 8th graders, ending with two years of requirements from the department in a student’s Upper School years. Significant numbers of the school’s alumni professionally enter the arts world, as musicians, curators, auction house members, visual artists, actors (an alum has a Tony) and dancers (the school offers ballet from 4th grade, including giving athletics credit to students who choose ballet). 

The Director of Fine Arts is responsible for:

• Potential to teach one class and act as a substitute when needed
• Curriculum oversight including faculty and classroom observation
• Hiring of new fine arts faculty and substitute teachers
• Overseeing the after-school music and ballet conservatories
• Budgeting and purchase order approval and management
• Assisting in the scheduling, promotion, set up and tear down of all Fine Arts events and exhibits
• Managing all Fine Arts events
• Coordinating receptions that occur after performances
• Overseeing CAST (the arts parent “booster” organization)
• Collaborating with the Admission office on various tasks including reading admission files
• Partnering with the Athletic Director to coordinate calendar and production events
• Creating and managing the Fine Arts performance and exhibition calendar
• Attending faculty, department chair, middle school team meetings, curriculum committee meetings and Admission team meetings

The ideal candidate will: 

• Possess significant experience as a teacher of the arts
• Be well-informed in developmentally appropriate pedagogy in both visual and performing arts across developmental stages
• Be committed to the professional growth of his or her colleagues in the department and to helping them develop through thoughtful feedback and collaboration, as well as by seeking out appropriate professional development opportunities and affiliations
• Be prepared to manage the infrastructure of an arts program and facilities, including appropriate budgeting for the purchase and maintenance of equipment and instruments
• Preferably have led a department prior to applying to FWCD
• Naturally promote the FWCD Core Values (Respect, Responsibility, Kindness, Courage, Integrity and Scholarship)
• Be a lifelong learner committed to continuous self-improvement and to always furthering student learning
• Have a thoughtful approach to intercultural communication and inclusion of underrepresented groups
• Have a graduate degree in the arts or in education (preferable) 

All employees of FWCD must:

• Embody, model and communicate the School’s mission and core values (respect, responsibility, kindness, courage, integrity and scholarship)
• Exhibit generous community spirit, professional flexibility, a sense of humor and a positive attitude
• Collaborate and work well with colleagues, parents and students
• Execute duties in a positive and punctual manner
• Be an enthusiastic lifelong learner driven toward professional self-improvement and personal growth

 Equal Opportunity Employer / Statement of Inclusivity:

Fort Worth Country Day is an Equal Opportunity Employer that maintains a policy of nondiscrimination with respect to all employees and applicants for employment. The ideal candidate should possess a thoughtful approach and knowledge of intercultural communication and inclusion of underrepresented groups. Employment decisions at FWCD are based on merit, qualifications, abilities and performance and are subject to the academic and business requirements of the School. 

The FWCD Inclusivity Statement confirms: We believe that understanding and respecting differences not only inspires compassion and empathy, but also fosters intellectual curiosity and creativity. We embrace the diverse cultures, experiences and perspectives that comprise and enhance our learning environment. We commit to sustaining and growing an intentionally inclusive community. 

About Fort Worth Country Day and the City of Fort Worth:

Fort Worth Country Day earned the distinction of being ranked one of the Best Companies to Work for in Fort Worth for 2018.

Fort Worth Country Day is a coed, junior kindergarten through grade 12 college-preparatory day school with approximately 1,100 students and 250 faculty and staff. Country Day seeks to promote inclusivity and retain a diverse faculty. The 104-acre campus offers excellent facilities for academics, arts and athletics. Faculty and administration nurture a collegial professional environment in which innovation is encouraged. Opportunities for ongoing professional development are exceptional. Fort Worth Country Day is proud of its school community where students, parents, faculty, staff and administration join together to develop an effective and enjoyable place to teach and learn. 

Fort Worth ranks as one of the top 12 largest cities in the United States and is known for its vibrant arts, music and cultural life. The Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan region is home to over 6.6 million people. More information about the School and Fort Worth community is available at www.fwcd.org.