Performing Arts Program - Assistant Director of Performing Arts Recruitment & Production
Sacred Heart UniversityAbout the role
As the second-largest Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s eight colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Computer Science & Engineering; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 390 Colleges: 2025 Edition, and Best Business Schools: 2024 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio, a Division I athletics program, and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance, and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu
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To apply
Only applications submitted through the official Careers at SHU site will be accepted for employment consideration. If you are viewing this job advertisement through a different site, please visit Careers at SHU to submit a formal application.
Qualified candidates are invited to submit a complete application and resume via our online application system. A cover letter or statement of interest is also preferred for all staff positions.
Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.
Position Summary
The Assistant Director of Performing Arts Recruitment and Special Events will play an integral role in the development and direction of the PA department. Working as a cohesive unit with the Director of Performing Arts Recruitment & Production and Cohort Directors, this position will assist in providing recruitment/retention goals for Dance, Theatre, Band and Choir.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
Recruitment
• Works with the Director of Performing Arts Recruitment & Production for the recruitment of incoming students and retention of current students.
• Work directly with Admissions and Financial Aid to oversee all Performing Arts recruitment.
• Make on-site recruitment visits to New England high schools for all areas of performing arts, including high school open houses, admissions events, performances, and auditions.
• Maintain all PA rosters (Colleague), scholarships, grants, and reports, and train staff on SLATE.
• Attend on and off-campus SHU recruitment events (Open Houses, Admitted Students Day, conferences, etc)
• Implement PA protocol for recruitment cycle and communicate goals for each department (in-office power user for Slate, attend admissions meetings, etc).
• Plan and execute recruitment efforts to increase awareness and quality applicants for our programs (including but not limited to outreach to guidance counselors, high school performing arts directors, studio owners, etc. )
Retention
• Communicate with all PA Directors and PA students' resources on campus that will assist with retention.
• Coordinate all PA retention efforts to include: meeting with freshmen/sophomores, documenting all notes on students in retention software.
• Assist in the coordination of retention events.
• Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a management or leadership role.
• Proven ability to think strategically and demonstrate strong organizational skills.
• Knowledge of marketing and fundraising practices.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to motivate and inspire teams.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Working Conditions
Will require evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays.
This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a
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