Pep Band Director

The mission of The University of Bridgeport is to promote academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.

Position Description Summary/Purpose:

The University of Bridgeport seeks an energetic and entrepreneurial Pep Band Director to establish and lead a new university pep band supporting athletic events and enhancing school spirit. This part-time role requires a dynamic musician-educator who is equally passionate about musical leadership and student recruitment.

The Director will build the ensemble from the ground up, develop a spirited and engaging repertoire, and coordinate performances at select athletic events and university functions.

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities:

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Lead a comprehensive recruitment effort to build the pep band including writing policies and procedures.

• Conduct outreach to local High Schools, current University of Bridgeport students, potential transfer students

• Ensemble leadership and program development.

• Establish and direct the University Pep Band, including rehearsals and performances.

• Select and arrange repertoire appropriate for athletic events (fight songs, pop arrangements, spirit music).

• Conduct rehearsals and performances with a focus on high energy and audience engagement.

• Maintain musical standards while encouraging participation from students of varying ability levels.

• Participation in key University events such as Accepted Students Day, Welcome Week, Knights Fest, Commencement, etc.

• Coordinate performances at select athletic events (primarily basketball; others as determined).

• Conducts all work in a safe manner and all work safety practices are followed.

Other Functions: 

• Participate in campus spirit initiatives and university events when appropriate.

• Collaborate with admissions, athletics, orientation programs, and student life to promote participation in game-day experience

• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.

• Assists other department staff as needed to promote a team effort.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

• Ability to recruit, develop, and retain student musicians

• Develop strategies to ensure sustainable enrollment growth in the ensemble.

• Schedule rehearsals and manage ensemble logistics.

• Maintain music library and coordinate arrangements.

• Work within an assigned program budget.

• Coordinate student leadership within the band.

• Demonstrated ability to build a cohesive, spirited pep band program that enhances the game-day experience and supports institutional pride.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage students, staff, and athletics personnel

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as required for games and events

• Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and build an environment in which all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in music, music education, or a related field.

• 1-3 years of experience directing or assisting with band ensembles (pep band, marching band or similar).

• Demonstrated ability to recruit and motivate student musicians.

• Strong organizational and leadership skills.

• Demonstrated experience conducting live performances, preferably in athletic or high-energy event settings

• Experience working with student musicians in an educational environment (high school or collegiate level)

• Experience with music selection, arrangement, and adaptation for diverse instrumentation

• Experience coordinating rehearsals, performances, and event logistics

• Knowledge of copyright and licensing requirements for public musical performance

Preferred

• Master’s degree in music or music education.

• Experience building or growing a music ensemble program.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

Work Environment

Physical Activity

Lifting Requirements 

Vision requirements (Especially relevant if driving is required by the job)

_X_     Close vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 inches or less)

_X_     Distance vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 feet or more)

_X_     Color vision (i.e. ability to identify and distinguish colors)

_X_     Peripheral vision (i.e. ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or

            left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point)

_X_     Depth perception (i.e. three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and

            spatial relationships)

___      No special vision requirements

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between The University of Bridgeport and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the University as the needs of the University and requirements of the job change.)

The University of Bridgeport provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The University of Bridgeport complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.