SMTD Head Performance Librarian & Licensing Manager

Job Summary

Note: To be considered for this position, candidates must include a cover letter specifying their interest in and qualifications for this position. The cover letter should be the first page of your resume and uploaded as one document.

It is the mission of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance to create an environment of educational and artistic excellence by nurturing creativity, academic integrity, and professionalism in its faculty and students. As a comprehensive performing arts school set in one of the world's finest public institutions of higher education, the School is deeply engaged in the creation, practice, scholarship, and pedagogy of music, theatre, and dance.

• We aim to provide leadership, nationally and internationally, in all three fields.
• We assert and celebrate the value of the arts to the mission of the University of Michigan.
• We serve the community, the region, and the State of Michigan through public performances, cultural resources, arts education, and outreach programs.
  
  
  

The School's mission is predicated on the belief that the study and practice of the performing arts depend upon a diverse community of learning in which a spirit of social responsibility and principled entrepreneurship is fostered.

Responsibilities*

This position manages both staff and student staff to support all aspects of the SMTD Performance Library, including music preparation, library services, and copyright licensing. This role is responsible for procuring all performance materials for all large ensembles, affiliated departments, and curricular programs at the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. As well as facilitating music-related copyright, synchronization, master rights, mechanical rights, and performance rights for live performances produced by students and faculty.

STEWARDSHIP & PROCUREMENT

• Oversees all Performance Library operations serving the ensembles affiliated with the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, and is responsible for the implementation of long-term policies and procedures.
• Acquires ensemble performance materials through purchase or rental, as well as materials for SMTD University Productions, the Department of Musical Theatre and the University Opera Theatre.
• Researches various editions and versions of pieces to aid faculty and administration in programming decisions, while advising faculty on the best source material(s) for any bowings, edits, cuts, or other changes which may need to be made to extant parts.
• Negotiates all copyright licenses and contractual agreements that provide performing and streaming rights for the SMTD, and works closely with the SMTD Advancement Office to design and standardize responsible media licensing.
• Implements all updates to the FileMaker performance database, including ensuring the performance history of the SMTD ensembles is accurate and up-to-date, as well as managing the MiVideo and Media Space resources.
• Represents the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance in the Major Orchestra Librarians' Association and actively participates as a member.
  
  
  

SUPERVISION

• Supervises and manages the full-time staff position of SMTD Performance Librarian & Concert Programs Manager
• Recruits, hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates 5-10 student workers during any given year.
• Oversees educational training and advancement opportunities in the field of performance librarianship for student library staff.
• Leads special projects for archival repair, storage and digitization, including the Revelli Collection, which comprises over 2,500 band scores and parts from William D. Revelli's personal collection.
  
  
  

PURCHASING, LICENSING & COMPLIANCE

• Creates and maintains a budget for purchasing, rentals, and licensing needs; including procuring synchronization licenses, master rights, mechanical rights, and performing rights (small and Grand Rights) for music and texts to be performed, printed, live-streamed, recorded and distributed on official SMTD social media and digital platforms and collaborate with the SMTD University Productions, Finance Office, and Broadcast/Media Services (when applicable).
• Facilitates price quotes, orders, requisitions and purchase orders, contracts, and invoices for payment for all SMTD ensembles and affiliated groups/programs.
• Completes all purchases for office and library needs to ensure adequate supplies are maintained throughout the year.
  
  
  

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor degree in music or related field.
• 5 years of training and experience in the field of performance librarianship
• Knowledge of licensing or copyright law is preferred
• Ability to manage a high volume of work and projects at one time, shift priorities quickly and communicate effectively
• Knowledge of online and database searching procedures with proven problem solving and decision making abilities
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; must be able to demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Understanding of basic musical terms in Western European Languages including German, Italian, and French
• Knowledge of general notation software such as Finale and Sibelius. Experience using Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Workspace.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, communities, and cultures.
• This position involves traveling to various locations across campus to conduct assessments and deliver materials.
  
  
  

Modes of Work

This is a hybrid position working 3 days onsite and 2 days remote per week. Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Background Screening

A pre-employment background check must be conducted before a candidate may receive a firm offer of employment to a staff position at the University of Michigan.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.