Assistant Chair of Songwriting

Job Description:

Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, is actively seeking applicants for the Assistant Chair position within its esteemed Professional Writing and Music Technology division.

Berklee stands at the forefront of contemporary music education. A vibrant community pulses with the energy of thousands of students, renowned faculty, and alumni who've shaped the soundscape of the music world who have been recognized with 332 Grammy Awards, 118 Latin Grammy Awards, 31 Emmy Awards, 7 Academy Awards, and 11 Tony Awards.

We established the first college-level songwriting major in 1987. Since then, the institution has remained at the forefront of evolving and innovating the study of songwriting. The Songwriting Department boasts a distinguished faculty whose mission extends beyond teaching songwriting; it’s about nurturing a holistic skill set and teaching students the tools to build their own unique sonic landscapes.

The meticulously designed curriculum caters to the multifaceted nature of songwriting across five distinct focal points. Beyond these concentrations, students delve into various facets of songwriting, exploring creativity, the business side of the craft, utilization of music technologies, emerging trends in the field, industry strategies, and the critical examination of renowned songwriters. In addition to the major, the department also oversees the Music Theater Writing Minor, and offers several summer programs.

As Assistant Chair, you’ll be a critical partner to the Chair of Songwriting, contributing directly to the department’s strategic direction, fostering a culture of innovation, and inspiring our students to push the boundaries of what’s possible. This is more than an administrative role. It’s an opportunity to actively shape the future of songwriting, to sculpt a program that remains at the very forefront of musical expression, while championing the voices of the next generation of musical leaders. This role sits at the nexus of strategic leadership, artistic innovation, and student empowerment. A pivotal position for shaping the future of sound at Berklee.

Duties and Responsibilities:

As Assistant Chair, you will be a collaborator of the department’s mission. A dedicated contributor to shaping the next generation of music makers. You are fundamentally intertwined with the department’s creative dynamism, amplifying the impact of its students’ work, and advocating for a bold, strategically-informed vision for the future of songwriting. You’ll operate as a crucial strategic partner to the Chair, fostering a collaborative environment built on shared insights and ambitious goals. Your role will also center on deeply supporting our faculty, providing crucial assistance in their curricular endeavors and ensuring they have the resources and influence needed to teach and inspire.

• Collaborate with the Chair to develop and implement the department’s vision, ensuring our programs remain at the forefront of musical innovation

• Working closely with the Chair to identify and nurture talent, supporting faculty and student professional development.

• Conducting research on industry trends, pedagogical innovations, and student needs

• Engaging in the administrative aspects of the department and college

• Leading the operational planning and execution of key initiatives identified by the Chair, ensuring seamless progress and impactful outcomes.

• Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders – alumni, industry partners, guest artists – broadening the department’s reach and influence.

• Serving on the Academic Leadership Council, divisional, departmental, and other committees as needed

• Remaining professionally and/or scholarly active

• Maintaining high standards of integrity and applying a rigorous and passionate approach to all duties, contributing to a culture of excellence within the department.

• Supporting a range of duties as assigned, responding with agility and a commitment to the department’s overall success.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience 

• Comprehensive knowledge of songwriting, music production and performance within the music industry

• Demonstrated credit history as a non-featured artist in songwriting, producing, or music executive 

• Thorough knowledge of the music business, its practices, technologies and evolving tr