Job Description

About Sacred Heart University

As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among 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. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Computing & Engineering; School of Performing Arts; 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, RN, & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This 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 communities. Sacred Heart University has earned national recognition for academic excellence, student success, career outcomes, and campus experience. The Princeton Review recognized SHU in its Best 392 Colleges: 2027 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2027 Edition, while additional national recognitions highlight the University’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers and lifelong success. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; Division I athletics; and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance, and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu

View SHU’s Faculty Experts Here

To apply:

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a completed application and résumé through the University's online application system. Applications submitted outside of the official Careers at SHU website will not be considered. Applicants should not apply through third-party or external job sites, as such postings may be fraudulent or may misrepresent opportunities that are no longer available at the University. A cover letter or statement of interest is preferred for all staff positions.

Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Theatre for Musical Productions provides artistic, musical, and operational leadership for the musical components of the Theatre Arts Program within the Division of Student Affairs. This non-academic position works closely with the Director of Performing Arts to develop high-quality theatrical programming, support student participation and development, fulfill Theatre Arts Program grant requirements, and expand recruitment and outreach efforts.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

Musical and Artistic Leadership

• Provide oversight and leadership for all musical elements of the Theatre Arts Program.
• Serve as musical director, conductor, and/or piano accompanist for up to three full theatrical productions each semester, as well as ancillary events presented by the Theatre Arts Program.
• Prepare, organize, and distribute all musical materials required for seasonal productions, rehearsals, auditions, and performances.
• Coordinate music rehearsal schedules for all productions and events involving music.
• Assist with the artistic leadership and implementation of Theatre Arts Program productions and programming.
• Maintain and grow a comprehensive library of music, scores, recordings, and related materials that is organized and accessible to students.

Student Support and Program Administration

• Be available daily to assist, advise, and support students participating in the Theatre Arts Program.
• Oversee and encourage student involvement in productions, performances, rehearsals, and other program activities.
• Serve as a liaison for Theatre Arts Program students and support students in understanding and fulfilling their TAP grant obligations.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and supportive environment that promotes student engagement, artistic growth, accountability, and a strong sense of community.
• Assist the Director of Theatre with the creation and implementation of new programs and student activities, including student-led productions and performances.

Recruitment and Retention

• Participate fully in the recruitment of prospective Theatre Arts Program students.
• Interview and audition incoming and prospective students seeking Theatre Arts Program grants and participation in the program.
• Represent the Theatre Arts Program at recruitment events, auditions, open houses, and other University programs.
• Develop and maintain relationships with high school theatre programs, educators, students, and community partners to increase awareness of the University’s Theatre Arts Program.
• Support outreach and recruitment initiatives designed to attract talented and engaged students to the program.
• Work with the Director of Theatre to focus on retention of Theatre Arts students through individual meetings and workshops

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree in music, musical theatre, theatre arts, performing arts, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in musical direction, conducting, and piano accompaniment.
• Experience working with theatrical productions, rehearsals, auditions, and performances.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to coordinate multiple productions, rehearsal schedules, and deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively with college students and provide appropriate guidance, mentorship, and support.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Experience with student recruitment, audition processes, or high school theatre outreach preferred.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as required by rehearsals, performances, auditions, and special events.

Unusual Working Conditions

Varied schedule, including nights and weekends.

This position reports to the Director of Theatre Arts and collaborates closely with Theatre Arts Program staff, production personnel, students, University departments, and external partners.

Pre-Employment Requirements

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check.

Compensation & Benefits:

The annual salary range for this position is $50,000-$70,000.

Sacred Heart University offers eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, paid time off, and other employee benefits. Specific benefits and eligibility requirements may vary based on the position and applicable plan provisions.

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.

Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.