Director of Performing Arts (77441)

Reporting to the Dean of Students, the Director of Performing Arts implements the University's strategic vision and provides administrative leadership for the University's co-curricular performing arts programs (excluding student groups affiliated with Iona spirit programs). This role integrates comprehensive program oversight with direct artistic and instructional leadership in one performing arts discipline aligned with the Director's expertise.The Director will help develop and grow specific programs within the larger artistic disciplines of theater & dance, instrumental and vocal programs. This individual will promote and track student participation, new student recruitment and retention. The position requires sound managerial skills in the areas of budgeting, facilities, scheduling, staff supervision, assessment and reporting. The Director will strategize long-term growth through continuous improvement of performance quality along with future creation of ensembles and groups. The position emphasizes representation for the University within the regional arts community, visibility on campus, and close collaboration with key Iona partners including undergraduate admissions, facilities, student affairs, and others. As a member of the Iona community, this individual will understand and respect the institution's Catholic identity and Christian Brothers heritage.Duties & ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership Implement the University's vision and strategic initiatives by providing a unified vision and direction for all performing arts programs. Assess and evolve the performing arts portfolio, strengthening existing programs and developing new initiatives aligned with student interest, enrollment goals, and institutional priorities. Develop and implement assessment plans consistent with divisional and University-wide objectives.Artistic Development Directly lead instruction in one performing arts discipline based on professional expertise. Consult with ensemble staff to shape annual performances schedule Support artistic excellence, student development, and educational outcomes across all ensembles. Coordinate performances, special appearances, recordings, and community engagement initiatives. Enhance regional and national visibility through performances and external partnerships.Recruitment & Retention Lead recruitment strategy in partnership with Undergraduate Admissions, including auditions, campus visits, and recruitment events. Represent performing arts programs at Undergraduate Admissions and university events. Support student retention through individual outreach, direct student support, and facilitating mentorship opportunities. Staff & Department Management Supervise a team of professionals including instructors, coaches, part-time stipend staff, and assist with advising student leaders. Recruit, train, evaluate, and mentor professional & student staff. Manage budgets, contracts, equipment, and other departmental resources. Collaborate with Facilities Management to coordinate use, maintenance, and safety of performing arts spaces. Establish and enforce departmental policies, procedures, and risk management practices.Preferred Qualifications A minimum of five years of relevant performing arts experience, preferably in post-secondary or private program leadership. Demonstrated ability to balance administrative leadership with artistic or instructional responsibilities. Experience with recruitment, budget management, and staff supervision. Knowledge of current trends in performing arts and higher education. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills; ability to work effectively with diverse student populations.About Iona University/EEO languageFounded in 1940, Iona University is a master's-granting private, Catholic, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers. Iona's 45-acre New Rochelle campus and 28-acre Bronxville campus are just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. With a total enrollment of nearly 4,000 students and an alumni base of more than 50,000 around the world, Iona is a diverse community of learners and scholars dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace and service. Iona is highly accredited, offering undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees and numerous advanced certificate programs. Iona students enjoy small class sizes, engaged professors and a wide array of academic programs across the School of Arts & Science; LaPenta School of Business; NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences; and Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Iona also continues to be recognized in prestigious national rankings. Most recently for 2025, Iona has been named one of the nation's best colleges by The Princeton Review, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and others. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report recognized Iona as one of top colleges for social mobility in the country, while Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) ranked an Iona degree in the top 5 percent nationally for long-term return on investment. Iona's LaPenta School of Business, meanwhile, is also accredited by AACSB International, a recognition awarded to just 6 percent of business schools worldwide.Iona offers a comprehensive benefits package to all full-time employees that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement plans; life insurance; short and long-term disability; employee assistance program (EAP); tuition remission; and generous time off. For more information on our benefits and working at Iona visit the Human Resources section of our website.Iona University values and celebrates diversity and is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all of our employees and does not tolerate discrimination based on any legally protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws. As an equal opportunity employer, Iona University encourages applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.

Created: 2026-04-02