Employment Opportunities

Career Opportunities in the College of Fine Arts

Employment at the College of Fine Arts offers the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and artistic environment.

Join us in the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University, a premier, comprehensive, research university in Washington, D.C. If you are interested in being surrounded by people whose innovative ideas and undying commitment are shaping tomorrow’s young artist scholars, we invite you to apply for the positions listed below. 

Howard University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, marital status, religion, or disability. Inquiries regarding provisions for persons with disabilities, equal employment opportunity and Title IX should be directed to the Chief Human Resources Officer at (202) 806-1280.

Gallery of Art - Registrar

The Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts Gallery of Art seeks a Registrar to join our Team. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, highly organized, and a talented communicator. The Gallery Registrar is responsible for cultivating the University’s art collection registration management system. The role of the Registrar is central to the day-to-day gallery operation in the registering, inventorying and cataloguing of the art collection. Database management is a key responsibility of the incumbent that includes overseeing the care of the collection and all movements of artworks/objects relating to incoming and outgoing loans. In addition to managing the loans program, the incumbent administers the transport and insurance of works as well as is responsible for art condition reporting and producing conservation referrals.  Overall, the Registrar supports the Gallery of Art’s mission to preserve and provide access to the arts while implementing policies and procedures that uphold the best museum practices in collection stewardship.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITIES:     

Formally plans, assigns, directs, and coordinates the work of these functions. Typically, responsible for performing some non-supervisory duties in addition to supervisory responsibilities.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Internal contacts include administrators, faculty, staff and students both within the College and University. External contacts include government agencies, sponsor representatives, vendors, visitors, officials, donors, patrons, artists, and the general public.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:     

Performs all registration duties as assigned by the Co-Director(s) of the Gallery of Art.

Processes art objects, including assigning numbers, tagging, creating curatorial files, issuing changes of location, recording numbers, distributing receipts, and entering records into collections management database.

Oversees The Museum System (TMS) and works with photographers to improve the accuracy and completeness of object information.

Coordinates movement of artworks related to acquisitions, exhibitions, and external and intra-university loans. Arranges art transport. Supervises unpacking and packing of objects. Acts as courier as necessary. Assists with local artwork pick-ups and returns.

Supervises volunteers and interns in data entry and filing projects.

Organizes and supervises Gallery inventories. Assigns numbers to objects in storage. Conducts curatorial research which includes identifying provenance.

Serves as point of contact for potential acquisition and reports all prospective donations to directors.

Works under the direction of the Co-Directors to find permanent storage locations for objects and develop exhibition checklists. Coordinates access to off-site storage facilities.

Creates and maintains condition reports for objects.

Tracks budget for registration and loans programs to report to directorship.

Orders supplies relative to collection management, creates requisitions on Workday, obtains purchase orders, and submits invoices.

Makes appointments for and supervises outside scholars, students, and docents reviewing curatorial files and works of art.

Works with Assistant Director in responding to requests for information about the permanent collection from museums, scholars, and the public.

Assists with special projects: i.e. art appraisal, art storage rehousing projects, installation wall labels, etc.

Assists with the preparation of receptions and ceremonies in the Gallery.

Performs other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

eMuseum, providing online access to the permanent collection for constituents.

Assists with grant writing, management, and reporting.

Updates Gallery website with current, relevant information; newsletter e-mail list maintenance and distribution.

Facilitates loan agreements and works with Gallery Directorship in preparing Exhibits A with benefits to the University. Prepares term sheets and checklists, submits agreements to the Office of the General Counsel for processing, and obtains signatures for execution.

Secures Certificates of Insurance for submission to Office of Insurance and Risk Services.

Coordinates with Art Resource for image licensing as it pertains to rights and reproductions.

Assists with the 3-D, online experiences, with virtual exhibition curation and arranging 360-degree imaging.

Participates in lectures at conferences related collection research.

Performs opening and closing procedures for Gallery space.

CORE COMPETENCIES: 

Must be detail-oriented and be able to work with sensitive and confidential material.

Must be able to work under pressure and in a large organization.

Candidate must possess excellent typing and word processing (both numerical and alphabetical) data entry skills.

Must have experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and willingness to learn and use computer applications as needed to perform office tasks, in particular TMS Collections management software for museums and galleries.

Must have experience with domestic and international fine art shipping and logistics.

Must have knowledge of the principles of museum registration and/or collection management with the ability to perform art historical curatorial research.

Must be familiar with various mediums of artwork and working knowledge of light conservation techniques.

Must have knowledge and understanding of the function of a University Art Gallery.

Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from Gallery staff, external galleries, and potential donors for acquisitions.

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History, Art Administration, or Studio Arts. At least 5 years of museum/gallery registration and/or collections experience. 

Master’s degree preferred.

Regular workdays are Monday-Friday, however daily additional hours and weekend work may be required as needed.

Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds.

Must have valid Driver’s License.

Note: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not to be construed as a contract for employment.

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Department of Theatre Arts - Production and Operations Manager

The Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts Department of Theatre Arts seeks a Production and Operations Manager (POM) to join our Team. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, highly organized, and a talented communicator. The POM oversees all production and theater operational needs for the Department of Theatre Arts (DoTA). Reporting to the Artistic Director, this position is an integral part of the team within the DoTA. The POM works in collaboration with and maintains key relationships with the Department Chair, Technical Director, Designers, Directors, Producer, Production Stage Managers, technical staff, students and Office of the Dean.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY

Responsible for orienting and training others, assigning and reviewing their work, monitoring budgets and business affairs. Incumbents typically work with general direction and supervision received from the Artistic Director and/or Department Chairperson.

NATURE AND SCOPE

Internal contacts include administrators, faculty, students and staff of the department and the University at large. External contacts include consultants, vendors, representatives from other colleges and universities, visitors and the general public.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Duties for the POM includes collaborating with all production and artistic personnel to ensure top quality and safety for productions and operations; supervising production, front of house and box office student workers; creating a positive working environment, and is a positive role model/mentor for students; creating and maintaining production schedules; facilitating production meetings to ensure clear and accurate communication between creative teams, production staff, and administrative support; monitoring design budgets and facility management.

Specific Responsibilities (including, but not limited to):

1. DESIGN PROCESS AND ANALYSIS

Guide all director/design teams through the design process to guarantee the timely completion of all designs. With the input of appropriate technical staff, analyze all designs submitted to determine feasibility of execution within the allotted time, budget and personnel available.

2. SCHEDULE

In collaboration with the Artistic Director and Department Chair, develop production calendars for respective productions, showcases and special programming; maintain production calendars and design deadlines for each production/event. Determine load-in and tech schedules for the productions, as well as strike and restore; schedule and attend all design and production meetings.

3. FINANCES

Monitor production budgets and track production costs; keep the Artistic Director and Procurement designee apprised of the status of the production budget on a regular basis.

4. MANAGING PERSONNEL

Coordinates the assignment, scheduling, and training of students working in operational, administrative and support positions. In consultation with the Artistic Director, manages all production staff and contractors including, but not limited to: designers, technical staff, running crew, artistic consultants and any additional personnel required for specific production needs.

5. PRODUCTION LIAISON

Facilitate clear communications throughout the production process, and act as a liaison between directors, designers, stage managers, Artistic Director, Department Chair and administrative staff. Coordinate and conduct all design and production meetings. Attend read-thru, rehearsals (periodically), designer run, technical rehearsals, previews, performances and strike.

6. FRONT OF HOUSE and BOX OFFICE

The POM is responsible for training, scheduling and overseeing students serving in front of house roles (managers and ushers), as well as box office support. The POM organizes the box office system and activities; manages all front of house and box office operations; suggests and implements policies and procedures to maintain efficient processes; creates a pleasant experience for our patrons; addresses concerns of our patrons and the general public. The POM works with the stage manager and production staff to ensure that performances begin promptly and the house is cleared after curtain call, in a timely manner. The POM oversees the count and allocation of box office funds. The POM is responsible for ensuring that reports for front of house and box office are shared and archived.

7. DEPARTMENT SUPPORT

As necessary, supports special events and programming at the request of the Artistic Director, Department Chair or the Office of the Dean.

8. FACILITY OVERSIGHT

The POM is also responsible for facility oversight. Duties include (but not limited to) securing rehearsal and production spaces; serve as onsite faculty/staff supervisor for student classwork and group showing rehearsals. The POM will liaison with the Building Manager, Physical Facility Management team, and the Office of the Dean.

9. SAFETY COMPLIANCE

The POM is responsible for overseeing the maintenance of a safe workplace in compliance with TITLE X, OSHA, ADA and Building Fire Codes. During this current climate, the POM will enforce policies and procedures per the University regarding COVID. The POM addresses any safety hazards or safety infractions and follows up on any hazard reports. The POM is also responsible for ensuring that the full production team is familiar with Safety and Emergency procedures.

Perform other related duties as assigned. These duties and responsibilities are not exhaustive and are subject to review and shift according to future changes/developments.
 

CORE COMPETENCIES

Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply policies and procedures. Excellent organizational and time-management skills. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a diverse population. Advanced knowledge of office and administrative practices and principles. Skill in the operation of computers, related software applications (Microsoft Office Suite) Strong leadership skills to lead a team. Models accountability and encourages others to succeed. Ability to evaluate teams and set performance goals and objectives. Strong commitment to current best Health and Safety practices. Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities. Must be available to work extended work hours at times, including nights and weekends. The ability to establish and maintain effective harmonious work relations with faculty, staff, students and the general public.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree and/or five (5) years of related experience including at least 5 years of managing a staff. Broad background in theater and management; knowledge of all areas; preference for experience managing a production, theater or other performing arts projects.

Note: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not to be construed as a contract for employment.

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Office of Choirs and Bands - Director of Bands

BASIC FUNCTION:       

The Director of Bands is responsible for the orchestration and coordination of all facets of the band program that supports student growth and learning, athletics, and university representation. With specific responsibility for the SHOWTIME Marching Band, Wind Symphony and Pep Band, the Director of Bands has an active interface with the Department of Music faculty and is expected to be in service to the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts and to the University. The Director of Bands will maintain a regional, national, and international profile through scholarship and creative activities in the wind band field, will demonstrate a commitment to performing repertoire that is diverse, and will stretch the cultural, artistic, and aesthetic range of performance experiences to which students are exposed.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:

Supervising band members, undergraduate and graduate assistants and administrative staff.

NATURE AND SCOPE: 

Internal contacts may include senior administrators, faculty, students and staff. External contacts may include vendors, consultants and the general public.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:  

In ensuring the coordination, quality, and symmetry of the university band program the Director among others, has the following specific duties:

Leads a robust and dynamic band program to represent Howard University.

Provides artistic leadership, curricular and development of band skills for band members to enhance overall performance.

Ability to schedule and execute all phases of performance preparation that attends to the needs of students and the ultimate performance product.

Prepares and executes all phases of a marching band of observable excellence in both sight and sound.

Provides overall leadership of the bands full and part-time staff and their responsibilities including band arranging, field show design, and program development.

Develops strategies that effectively use scholarships and fundraising to achieve enrollment goals.

Fosters structures, behaviors, and discipline that enhance student perseverance to achieve a quality band program.

Executes a recruitment strategy that delivers an appropriately sized and quality marching band.

Manages band program participation in on-campus events and programs, large-scale traditions, and off-campus events.

Plans and implements a summer band campus experience, regular rehearsal/practice schedule, and performance schedule.

Collaborates with Campus Partners including Athletics, Admissions, Student Affairs, and others to contribute to the student life experience.

Provides administrative leadership for the band program by serving as a good steward of university assets and managing the band budget, instruments, equipment, uniforms, practice facility, etc.

Approximately 60 percent of time is spent as Music Director and 40 percent of time is administrative.

Models professional and personal behaviors that further the interest of the band program and the University.

Recruit prospective students to Howard University and into the band program through high school recruitment visits, participation in recruitment events, and consistent outreach to students and band directors regionally, nationally and internationally.

Host on-campus high school band competitions and summer camps.

Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Successful experience serving in a leadership role for a Marching Band on the college level.

Experience with fund raising and recruitment, and the ability to collaborate with others in the ongoing development of the music curriculum.

Effective pedagogical skills.

Excellent written and spoken communication skills.

High energy and enthusiasm to work with students and propel them toward success.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Flexible hours, including weekends and evenings, are required to execute the position’s responsibility.

Frequent travel to/from off-campus events, athletic games, and recruitment activities.

Occasional travel to/from campus for the facilitation of trainings, meetings and other university functions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:  

At least five to ten years of demonstrated success as a head band director and a master’s degree.

Experience performing in ensembles and in building a concert band program and music administration is preferred.

Skill in arranging music.

Capacity to use technology (software) to arrange and plan performances.

Note: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not to be construed as a contract for employment.

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