Assistant Director of Choral and Vocal Coaching

As the second-largest Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s eight colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Computer Science & Engineering; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 390 Colleges: 2025 Edition, and Best Business Schools: 2024 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Choral and Vocal Coaching is responsible for providing vocal coaching to Choral Program students, accompanying choirs as assigned, and enhancing the overall Performing Arts student experience. This role involves working with students to develop their individual and group vocal skills, preparing them for performances, and fostering a vibrant musical community within the university.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group vocal coaching to students at all levels of proficiency.
• Provide skilled and researched leadership from the piano as a rehearsal leader, pianist, and diction coach.
• Accompany choir rehearsals as assigned, lead sectional rehearsals, and conduct full rehearsals when the primary ensemble conductor is absent.
• Assist in the creation, implementation and oversight of the Badge and Certificate programs in vocal performance and related fields.
• Develop and implement vocal training programs that enhance students' technical skills, musicality, and performance abilities.
• Collaborate with the Director of Choral Programs to integrate Vocal Performance into the broader music curriculum.
• Organize and participate in student recitals, concerts, and other performances on and off campus.
• Mentor and support students in their personal and professional development, offering guidance on vocal health, performance techniques, and career opportunities.
• Maintain accurate records of student progress and provide feedback and assessments as needed.
• Stay current with trends and best practices in vocal pedagogy and choral conducting.
• Participate in departmental meetings, committees, and other university-related activities.
• Assist with recruitment efforts by participating in auditions, open houses, and other outreach events.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
• Perform administrative duties as assigned, including supervising work-study students.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes

• Master's degree in Collaborative Piano, Piano Performance, or a related field required; DMA preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in vocal coaching and/or choral conducting, preferably in an academic setting.
• Strong background in vocal pedagogy and a comprehensive understanding of various vocal techniques and styles.
• Ability to coach diction in English, Latin, Italian, French, and German and instruct in the use of IPA. Ability to coach additional languages, including Spanish, Russian, and Scandinavian, is an asset.
• Demonstrated success in coaching or conducting recital, oratorio, or operatic performances.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of students, faculty, and staff.
• Strong commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Unusual Working Conditions

Flexible hours are required, including evenings and weekends, as required by choir schedules, rehearsals, performances, and university events.

This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.