Assistant Chair, Music Therapy

Berklee College of Music; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Berklee College of Music's Music Therapy Department seeks an Assistant Chair to lead and expand its clinically oriented training programs, ensuring excellence in practicum and internship supervision. The role focuses on accreditation readiness, faculty development, and building partnerships across healthcare and education settings.

The ideal candidate has a doctorate in music therapy with MT-BC certification and at least eight years of clinical experience, plus a track record in teaching and

Qualifications

• PhD/Doctorate in Music Therapy or equivalent.
• Board Certification in Music Therapy (MT-BC) required.
• Minimum eight years of clinical experience in music therapy.
• Experience teaching and mentoring in academic settings.

Responsibilities

• Oversee practicum and internship experiences for high-quality clinical training.
• Recruit, train and support clinical supervisors with mentorship culture.
• Monitor student progress and provide remediation as needed.
• Develop clinical training partnerships to expand learning opportunities.
• Collaborate with faculty to strengthen clinical education and accreditation readiness.
• Support accreditation activities and continuous program improvements.

Skills

Clinical supervision

Teaching and mentoring

Leadership

Collaboration

Education

Doctorate or equivalent advanced degree in Music Therapy

MT-BC board certification

Job description

Job Description: The Music Therapy Department at Berklee College of Music houses the Music and Health Institute, the Arts and Health Minor, and Berklee’s music therapy degree programs, serving as a global leader in the integration of music, health, and education. Home to the world’s largest undergraduate music therapy program, the department is dedicated to educational excellence, innovation, and a rich history of student-centered learning. Guided by distinguished faculty and strengthened by the leadership of alumni who are advancing the field across clinical, research, community, and industry settings, the department continues to shape the future of music and health worldwide. The Assistant Chair of Music Therapy plays a critical leadership role in ensuring a robust, high-quality clinical training program that meets accreditation standards and best prepares students for professional success. Working closely with the Chair, faculty, clinical supervisors, and external partners, the Assistant Chair oversees, expands, and continually improves practicum and internship placements, ensuring excellence in the training and supervision of clinical supervisors. This position requires a student-centered, forward-thinking leader who is passionate about teaching, accreditation compliance, faculty and supervisor development, and building strong relationships across healthcare, community, and industry settings.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Education and Student Success

• Provide oversight of practicum and internship experiences to ensure high-quality clinical training and student support
• Recruit, train, and support clinical supervisors while fostering a culture of excellence in supervision and mentorship
• Monitor student progress and clinical competency, providing guidance and remediation when needed
• Develop and maintain clinical training partnerships that expand learning opportunities and support workforce readiness
• Collaborate with faculty to strengthen clinical education, integrate evidence-informed practices, and enhance student learning experiences
• Support departmental initiatives related to accreditation, assessment, curriculum implementation, and continuous program improvements

Departmental Leadership and Professional Engagement

• Support departmental operations, accreditation activities, and program initiatives through service on departmental, divisional, and college-wide committees
• Represent the department in institutional and professional activities related to music therapy education, clinical training, and workforce development
• Teach within the music therapy curriculum and contribute to student learning, mentorship, and professional preparation
• Maintain active engagement in scholarship, research, and professional service, and contribute to departmental outreach, conferences, publications, and special initiatives

Qualifications

• Doctorate or equivalent advanced degree in Music Therapy or a related field, Board Certification in Music Therapy (MT-BC) required
• Advanced clinical expertise through specialized training or certifications in a music therapy practice area is preferred
• Minimum of eight years of clinical experience in music therapy, including experience supervising practicum students and interns
• Experience teaching, mentoring, and supporting student learning in academic environments
• Demonstrated knowledge of clinical education, supervision, accreditation standards, and competency-based training
• Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Commitment to collaborative leadership, student success, and excellence in clinical education
• Familiarity with emerging trends in music therapy, healthcare, and technology-enhanced learning

Start Date

The anticipated start date is Fall 2026. Salary range is $109k - $140k. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee

We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance. Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at [e-mail] or call 617-747-2375.

Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.

Employee Type: Chair

As the premier destination for the study of contemporary music and the performing arts, Berklee stands as the culmination of two pioneering institutions—Boston Conservatory and Berklee College of Music—each recognized for its global reach and cultural impact. Berklee is a place where artists come together to innovate, and where artistic and cultural diversity is embraced and celebrated. We strive to reflect these values in our inclusive hiring practices, creating a welcoming and equitable process that embraces diverse perspectives and fosters equity and opportunity for all. Guided by our fundamental values, our unified mission and vision define Berklee’s core purpose and help us envision the positive influence we can have on each other, our students, our communities, and the broader world.

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