Associate Dean for Artistic Administration

New England Conservatory of Music; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The New England Conservatory of Music in Boston is seeking an Associate Dean for Artistic Administration. This role includes overseeing performance department budgets, supervising faculty, and providing strategic artistic leadership. Candidates should have a Master's degree and at least 7 years of leadership experience in an arts setting. Responsibilities also encompass managing artistic projects and ensuring alignment with curricular goals. NEC offers a vibrant artistic community and opportunities for interdisciplinary innovation.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required.
• 7+ years leadership experience in conservatory or arts setting.
• Ability to inspire and manage a diverse team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and monitor performance department budgets.
• Supervise Performance Department Chairs.
• Oversee annual faculty contracting process.
• Lead artistic season planning.
• Manage faculty assignments and recruitment.

Skills

Leadership

Arts administration

Strategic planning

Team management

Analytical skills

Education

Master’s degree in music studies or related field

Job description

Associate Dean for Artistic Administration

Salary Range: $115,000.00 To $125,000.00 Annually

The New England Conservatory, an independent not-for-profit institution, is recognized internationally as a leader among music schools, educating and training musicians of all ages from around the world. With approximately 750 music students representing more than 40 countries, NEC cultivates a diverse, dynamic community for students, providing them with performance opportunities and high-caliber training by 225 internationally esteemed artist-teachers and scholars. NEC pushes the boundaries of making and teaching music through college-level musical training in classical, jazz, and Contemporary Improvisation. It offers unique interdisciplinary programs such as Entrepreneurial Musicianship and Community Performances & Partnerships that empower students to create their own musical opportunities. As part of NEC's mission to make lifelong music education available to everyone, the Division of Expanded Education delivers training and performance opportunities for children, pre‑college students, and adults.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and monitor performance department budgets, ensuring they align with NEC’s long‑term financial health and strategic priorities.
• Serve as the primary supervisor for all Performance Department Chairs, providing guidance on artistic direction and faculty contractual obligations.
• In partnership with Human Resources, oversee the annual faculty contracting process for all performance faculty.
• Oversee the administration of all performance departments, including Large Ensembles, and ensure the annual performance schedule is formulated in consultation with faculty and production staff.
• Provide strategic oversight to the Institute for Concert Artists (ICA) Advisor to support the Conservatory’s most prestigious and highly selective performers.

Artistic Leadership

• Lead the annual artistic season planning in close coordination with the Dean, Department Chairs, and Production staff to ensure institutional consistency and artistic excellence.
• Work closely with faculty and department chairs to identify prospective guest artists and residencies; lead high‑level negotiations for guest artist residencies and external artistic partnerships that align faculty expertise with student learning opportunities.
• In partnership with Chairs, manage faculty assignments and studio loads, as well as the recruitment of new faculty members.
• Create opportunities for interdisciplinary innovation and build strong spirit‑of‑partnership connections across different musical genres and departments.

Operational Oversight

• Spearhead complex artistic projects, residencies, and special institutional performances, such as the annual scholarship gala.
• Serve as the central link between Artistic Administration and departments such as Marketing, Advancement, and Recording Technology.
• Partner with the Associate Dean for Curricular and Academic Affairs to ensure performance activities align with curricular goals, including the oversight of faculty evaluations and performance‑related course management.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in music studies, arts administration, or a related field is required.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience in a conservatory or arts setting.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire and manage a diverse team of faculty and staff.
• Deep understanding of a conservatory‑based educational model.
• Extensive experience in working closely with musicians and music faculty.
• Exceptional judgment and discretion in handling sensitive personnel and artistic matters.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in data‑driven decision‑making and strategic planning.

NEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.