Job Title: Middle and Upper School Vocal Music Director
Office or Division: Middle and Upper School
Reports To: Head of Upper School
Effective Dates: 2025-26 school year (10-month, FTE 1.0)
The Wellington School, a vibrant PreK-12 independent school in Columbus, Ohio, is dedicated to delivering an exceptional education through both traditional and innovative, hands-on teaching methods. Situated in a city known for its dynamic blend of culture and growth, Columbus offers an inviting and exciting place to live and work, boasting a thriving arts scene, multiple universities and higher education options, an expansive Metro Park system, diverse dining, and a welcoming spirit. At Wellington, every member of our community plays a critical role in upholding our values as we help students find their purpose and realize their potential for tomorrow’s world. We strive to provide students, families, and faculty with an educational experience that challenges and inspires, helping all to achieve their fullest potential. Wellington is committed to providing its faculty and staff with professional development opportunities, competitive compensation/benefits package, and a supportive work environment. Diversity and belonging are central to our work, and we invite you to explore our website to learn more about our unique approach to teaching and learning.
Mission We help students find their purpose and realize their potential for tomorrow's world.
Values Be Curious Be Yourself Be Ambitious Be Empathetic Be Responsible
Position Description
Wellington seeks a dynamic, student-centered vocal music director to conduct choral ensembles in grades 5-12 and to provide musical guidance and direction to our students. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in both sparking students’ passion in the choir classroom and supporting their social-emotional wellbeing. This position involves directing three middle school choral ensembles, one larger upper school choral ensemble, and the upper school advanced vocal ensemble. In addition, this position will serve as an advisor to upper school students and assist the Director of Performing Arts in preparing students for the annual middle school musical.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct all choral ensembles in grades 5-12 and lead upper school advanced vocal ensemble.
Arrange, in conjunction with the other members of the music department, concerts throughout the school year. Typically, all choirs will have at least one winter concert and one spring concert.
Work with the Director of Performing Arts to prepare students for the annual middle school musical.
Serve as advisor to 10-15 upper school students and contribute to a grade-level team.
Actively participate in the school community, collaborating with colleagues and contributing to a positive and dynamic academic environment.
Pursue and engage in ongoing professional development opportunities aligned with the school's mission and goals.
Communicate effectively with parents and caregivers of students and advisees to keep them aware of student progress.
Position Requirements
Passion and enthusiasm for music and teaching
Ability to teach multiple levels, starting with beginners
Experience working with middle and high school students as a teacher and conductor, with an emphasis on care, advocacy, and relationship building
Teach lessons lasting from 40 minutes to an hour or longer, usually incorporating elements of general musicianship, such as ear training and theory, as well as technique and interpretation
Performance experience or current involvement in ensembles a plus
Patience, perseverance, and excellent communication skills
Bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in music education with choral emphasis
Successful candidates will bring demonstrated excellence in vocal instruction, creative vision and flexibility in program development, and excellent organizational skills. A deep understanding of the developmental journey of students from grade 5 through grade 12 in both their social-emotional growth and musical development is a must
Demonstrated experience in
cultural competency in teaching practices.
managing a classroom with a focus on creating a positive and inclusive classroom culture.
differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of students.
assessing and documenting student growth through observations, record-keeping, and various assessments.
Candidates should demonstrate an ability to operate effectively in diverse environments, interact successfully with people from widely varying backgrounds, and employ culturally responsive pedagogy to create an inclusive and equitable classroom community.
Benefits
Daily work driven by an inspiring mission: To help students find their purpose and realize their potential for tomorrow's world
Warm and welcome culture
Opportunities to participate in school life
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Paid parental leave
403b retirement and contribution match immediately at hire
Paid time off, sick days, and bereavement time
Wellington tuition remission (50%)
Free fresh daily lunch during the school year with accommodations for dietary restrictions and preferences
Free parking
Candidates should send materials to Jamie Fencl, middle school administrative assistant, fencl@wellington.org, by February 15, 2025. All candidates should include:
We believe every person plays a role in making Wellington a diverse, equitable, and inclusive place to learn, teach, and work. We seek to attract culturally and academically diverse faculty and staff who thrive on being engaged participants in our vibrant, innovative educational community. We embrace diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of our admission policies, financial aid, or employment.