Pep Band Director

Valparaiso University; Valparaiso (IN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Valparaiso University invites applications for a full-time Pep Band Director who will lead the athletic band program and contribute to broader institutional goals. The role is split 50/50 between athletics leadership and strategic duties such as recruitment, student success programming, and event planning.

You will direct rehearsals and performances, arrange music for a collegiate Pep band, recruit and mentor students, coordinate with campus partners to elevate school spirit, and represent the

Qualifications

• Strong musical skills with knowledge of band instruments and arranging music.
• Excellent communication, leadership and organizational abilities.
• Ability to plan and lead rehearsals and performances.
• Ability to take initiative and work in a fast-paced team.
• Commitment to fostering a positive learning environment and student growth.

Responsibilities

• Athletic Band Leadership - Direct and grow the pep band program, including recruitment and rehearsals.
• Rehearsals, performances and game-day support for the pep band.
• Recruit and retain talented students for the band program.
• Arrange or adapt music suitable for a collegiate pep band.
• Collaborate with campus partners to enhance school spirit and game-day atmosphere.
• Mentor students and represent the program at events.
• Maintain compliance with institutional policies and safety protocols.
• Strategic duties: assist with student recruitment, success programming, and events as needed.
• Facilities and operations support related to athletic programs and events.

Skills

Musical proficiency

Band instruments knowledge

Arranging / Transposing music

Communication skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Rehearsals management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Music or related field

Job description

The Pep Band Director will lead and grow the Valparaiso University athletic band program while also contributing to broader institutional goals.
This full-time position is evenly divided between:
1. Athletic Band Leadership (50%) - Directing all facets of the pep band program, including recruitment, instruction, performance planning, and student leadership development.
2. Strategic Additional Responsibilities (50%) - Based on the candidate’s qualifications and institutional needs, this portion of the role will focus on one or more of the following areas: student recruitment and admissions support, student success programming, club sports administration, athletic facility operations, and/or game/event management.
This dual-role position is ideal for an individual who is both musically proficient and versatile in supporting student engagement and university operations beyond music.

Major Responsibilities

• Athletic Band Leadership - 50%
• Facilitate the direction and organization of the university athletic pep band program.
• Lead and manage the university’s pep band program, including rehearsals, performances, and game day support.
• Recruit and retain highly talented students for the band program.
• Arrange or adapt music appropriate for a collegiate pep band.
• Collaborate with campus partners to elevate school spirit and create a vibrant game-day atmosphere.
• Serve as a mentor and role model to students and foster a positive learning environment.
• Participate in campus events and represent the band program in the community.
• Maintain compliance with all institutional policies and safety protocols.
• Additional Strategic Duties - 50% (Assigned based on qualifications and institutional need in one or more of the following areas):
• Student Recruitment: Serve as admissions counselor, assist with admissions events, tours, and outreach efforts.
• Student Success: Coordinate programming or serve in a role focused on academic support and/or personal development.
• Club Sports Operations: Support the administration, scheduling, and oversight of elite club sport programs.
• Event Management: Assist with the planning and execution of athletic and university events.
• Facilities Maintenance Camp Support: Contribute to operations within athletic facilities.

Additional Strategic Duties

• Student Recruitment: Serve as admissions counselor, assist with admissions events, tours, and outreach efforts.
• Student Success: Coordinate programming or serve in a role focused on academic support and/or personal development.
• Club Sports Operations: Support the administration, scheduling, and oversight of elite club sport programs.
• Event Management: Assist with the planning and execution of athletic and university events.
• Facilities Maintenance Camp Support: Contribute to operations within athletic facilities.

Bachelors degree in Music or related field or equivalent experience

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Strong musical skills, including knowledge of band instruments and arranging or transposing music.
• Excelled communication, leadership and organizational skills with the ability to handle administrative tasks.
• Ability to plan and lead rehearsals and performances.
• Ability to take initiative, work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment, and manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment and to preparing students to lead and serve.
• Ability to work extended days, weekends and holidays. Limited travel required.

Other Qualifications

• Experience with college athletics and pep band traditions.
• Strong musical skills, including knowledge of band instruments and arranging or transposing music.
• Excelled communication, leadership and organizational skills with the ability to handle administrative tasks.
• Ability to plan and lead rehearsals and performances.
• Ability to take initiative, work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment, and manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment and to preparing students to lead and serve.