Chair of Electronic Production and Design

Job Description:

Berklee College of Music invites applications for the position of Chair of the Electronic Production and Design Department. Reporting to the Dean of the Professional Writing and Music Technology Division, the Chair of EPD is part of the academic leadership team with responsibilities and duties that encompass the administration and supervision of department governance, curriculum, instruction, faculty management, budget, facilities management, communication, and implementation and support of College initiatives.

The Electronic Production and Design Department comprises a chair, an assistant chair, a departmental administrative coordinator, and a faculty of 31 teachers. The department provides instruction in the Electronic Production and Design concentrate to approximately 280 students who have declared the EPD major. Students majoring in EPD master the musical and creative use of electronic music production and sound design tools and technologies. Working in professional-level, 5.1-equipped studios, classrooms and labs, and performance spaces, students study electronic music composition and production, synthesizer programming, sound design techniques for all types of visual media, interactive performance systems, digital signal processing, alternate controllers, game audio design and implementation, software design, audio art and installation design, and more. The department also provides core instruction in music technology for all Berklee students.

Additionally, the EPD department manages the Electronic Digital Instrument (EDI) program, designed for electronic musicians who create and perform music live in real-time. EDI principals develop proficiency in specific areas, depending on their choice and configuration of a performance system. There are currently 60 EDI principals at the college.

The Chair of EPD will be:

• An experienced leader with a deep and practical understanding of current industry trends in electronic music production.

• Innovative and forward-thinking, able to guide the department in the development of new curricula that reflect the ever-changing nature of electronic music production and the role of the electronic musician in the music industry. 

• A strong collaborator with excellent interpersonal communication skills demonstrated through a record of inclusive leadership in a variety of situations.

The Chair will demonstrate a deep awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion issues and a dedication to the continuous development of their own knowledge and to leading faculty and students towards the goal of making Berklee a more equitable and inclusive institution.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in the development and management of the curriculum of the Electronic Production and Design major, the Electronic Digital Instrument principal, and core music technology, particularly as they relate to the current state of the music industry and music technology.

• Provide departmental leadership of programs and initiatives that support the development of a curriculum and a campus culture that is equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist.

• Along with the assistant chair and department coordinator, advise students in the EPD major, core music technology classes, and the EDI program.

• Supervise the assistant chair and perform other administrative tasks as assigned by the Dean of the Professional Writing and Music Technology Division.

• Represent the EPD Department as an administrative leader on- and off-campus.

• Manage a diverse faculty, including classroom observations, faculty development, mentoring, consultation, and evaluation. 

• Develop departmental goals and reports.

• Oversee department concerts and other department activities.

• Serve on division, college, and institution committees as needed.

• As time permits, maintain a teaching load of one or two sections of department courses during the fall and spring semesters.

• Maintain professional music participation outside of the college.

• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications

• A combination of industry and academic experience that can sustain and nurture a curriculum rooted in sound synthesis and sound design that covers a broad range of the music technology landscape, from electronic music production and performance to interactive and immersive sound design.

• A commitment to excellence in the education of new generations of musicians and to supporting Berklee’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and access initiatives.

• A demonstrated capacity to develop and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and organizations reflecting a broad range of identities, perspectives, and experiences.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with faculty, academic leaders, and visiting artists, and to support a diverse student population.

• A thorough understanding of core and advanced sound synthesis and DSP techniques.

• Experience in composition and production in a variety of current electronic music styles, and in at least one of the following areas: sound design, electronic performance, product development, and interactive design.

• A comprehensive knowledge of and a deep respect for current electronic music genres and cultures.

• An understanding of the connections between music technology research and electronic music.

• Substantial experience in teaching and music curriculum development is preferred.

• Administrative experience in either education or the music industry.

• An advanced degree in music or equivalent professional experience.

• A commitment to continued personal growth as both an artist and an academic leader.

Start date

This is a 12-month administrative position with a renewable contract. The initial appointment is for three years. The start date is September 1, 2023, or earlier, depending on availability. 

Submission process

Electronic applications only. Candidates should submit the following materials in PDF format at berklee.edu/jobs. All materials should be addressed to the attention of Matthew Nicholl, Dean of the Professional Writing and Music Technology Division at Berklee College of Music, and uploaded to the resume/cover letter section of the application. Submissions include:

• A letter of Application that addresses the applicant’s capabilities, experiences, and interests.

• A current resume or CV (including industry credits).

• Names and contact information for at least three (3) references.

• Links to websites or online resources with representative samples of your professional work.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Review of applications will begin March 6, 2023. The position will remain open for applications until filled.

Berklee College of Music is committed to increasing the diversity of the college community and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee : 

We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance.  Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at [email protected] or call 617-747-2375.

Berklee is committed to increasing the diversity of our institution, community, and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.

*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*

Employee Type:
Chair