Head, School of Music

Carnegie Mellon University seeks an imaginative advocate, a generous collaborator, and a proactive communicator as the next Head of the School of Music.

The School of Music is one of five schools in the College of Fine Arts and currently comprises 90 faculty (17 tenure-track, 23 teaching track or special faculty, and 50 adjunct; 20 of the 90 are members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra), and 13 full-time staff. 201 of our students are undergraduates (of whom 56 are pursuing BXA intercollege degrees), and 129 are graduate students. Our community also includes alumni, supporters, audience members, our students' families, Pittsburgh residents, industry leaders, and our peer institutions.

The School of Music offers the BFA in Performance, Composition, and Electronic Music and the MM in Performance, Composition, and Music Education. Cooperative degrees include the BS and MS in Music and Technology, the BXA Intercollege Programs (combining the strengths of CFA with computer science, engineering, humanities, or science), Related programs include Master of Arts Management, and the Master of Entertainment Industry Management. For more information about the School of Music, please visit: https://www.cmu.edu/cfa/music.

Reporting to the Dean of the College of Fine Arts, the Head plays a visible and important role internally and externally, focused on providing the School's students with maximum opportunities to fulfill their potential as artists, thinkers, and citizens.

The Head will articulate a compelling vision of music's role in society and will help our students explore the riotous diversity of potential careers in music. They will foster an environment of growth, challenge, support, curiosity, and exploration. The Head will be an articulate proponent of CMU's excellence across science, technology, and the arts to further strengthen the position of the School and the College.

The Head of the School of Music is the key steward of the School's artistic mission, leading its faculty and staff to set strategy for the School. The Head also serves as the primary fundraiser, partnering with the Dean in this regard.

This is a unique administrative role with fiduciary and administrative obligations, as well as primary responsibility for faculty leadership. The next Head of the School will be an active member of a strong leadership team within the College of Fine Arts and will mentor a faculty, staff, and student body of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and identities.

The Head will possess vision, passion, innovation, and execution skills, the ability to engage with multiple stakeholder groups, and a record of operational excellence. The Head will possess achievements as a performer, creator, producer, or scholar of music sufficient-when combined with the leadership record-for appointment at the level of full professor with tenure in the School of Music at Carnegie Mellon University.

Initial screening of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Carnegie Mellon will be assisted by Jackie Zavitz, Meghan Ashbrock, and Sulli Cressler of Heidrick & Struggles, Inc.

Nominations and applications should be directed to: CMUHeadofMusic@heidrick.com

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  A big-picture thinker with a clear vision of music's capacity to impact the world in positive ways, and a track record of inspiring others to mobilize behind a collective purpose. Demonstrated executive leadership skills, including vision, execution, strategic planning, community building, and systems thinking. Ability to design and implement major initiatives in collaboration with other stakeholders to support community-wide success. A record of strengthening the whole organization through inspired recruitment, development, and advancement of outstanding colleagues.

  
  
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  Possesses excellent communication skills and the ability to interact and connect with multiple stakeholder groups, including faculty, staff, students, University leadership, industry leaders, and alumni. A cultivator of strong relationships and a demonstrated aptitude for leading fundraising efforts to secure financial support for strategic initiatives.

  
  
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  A record of progressive, collaborative, and thoughtful leadership, with a demonstrated appreciation for the nuances of guiding an academic enterprise. Evidence of outstanding financial and operational management as well as an ability to delegate while articulating clear direction and expectations. Strong people management skills, and the ability to recruit, retain, and develop a diverse and talented team who uphold a culture of trust and accountability.

  
  
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  Achievements as a performer, creator, producer, or scholar of music sufficient-when combined with the leadership record-for appointment at the level of full professor with tenure in the School of Music at Carnegie Mellon University. A terminal degree in music or demonstrated artistic equivalent is required.

  
  
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  A demonstrated record of strengthening diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, including the implementation of pragmatic steps needed to remove structural barriers. High levels of courage, emotional intelligence, integrity, and good judgment. A graceful blend of humor and humility.

  
  
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  A student-centered approach that engages, supports, challenges, and listens. Dedication to enhancing their experience and ensuring their success.

  
  
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  Engagement in the international conversation about the present and future of music schools, and a commitment to bringing CMU actively into that conversation.

  
  

Carnegie Mellon University has retained Heidrick & Struggles, Inc. for assistance in this exciting search.

All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited.

Applications should include a cover letter/letter of interest, CV or resume.

Applications received by September 15 will receive priority consideration.

Nominations and applications should be directed to: CMUHeadofMusic@heidrick.com