The Director of Fine and Performing Arts provides visible, professional leadership for the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of district-wide Fine and Performing Arts programs. This role requires a highly visible, strategic leader who models professionalism and advances high-quality, inclusive arts instruction across all grade levels. The Director leads instructional supervision, program development, professional learning, resource allocation, and community engagement in support of robust Music and Art programs. Central to this role is fostering a cohesive instructional vision aligned with the Northport–East Northport Portrait of a Graduate, ensuring students develop essential competencies including Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Perseverance, and Citizenship. Through innovative instructional leadership and a commitment to the district’s comprehensive academic and social-emotional goals, the Director prepares students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Leads the design, implementation, alignment, and evaluation of a comprehensive Fine and Performing Arts program and curricula, including Music and Art, across all grade levels (K–12).
- Provides leadership and vision for district-wide Fine and Performing Arts initiatives, ensuring cohesive, high-quality instructional practices
- Promotes interdisciplinary learning by fostering connections between music, art, and core academic subjects, emphasizing creative thinking, artistic expression, and performance-based learning
- Collaborates with teachers and instructional staff to strengthen arts-based skills, including visual literacy, musical literacy, critique, performance, composition, and creative processes.
- Ensures Fine and Performing Arts curricula reflect diverse artistic traditions, promote cultural responsiveness, and support multiple forms of creative expression
- Oversees and supports the implementation of new and existing Fine and Performing Arts programs, including those designed to foster student engagement and community involvement
- Ensures all Fine and Performing Arts curricula are aligned with New York State learning standards and relevant national arts frameworks
- Supports district and building-level instructional priorities aligned with each school’s School Improvement Plan
- Creates, maintains, and updates Fine and Performing Arts instructional resources, pacing guides, and curricular materials.
- Gathers feedback from district and building leadership to inform instructional planning, policy, and programming
- Provides leaders with programmatic, instructional, and student performance data to support informed decision-making
- Prepares reports, presentations, and supporting materials related to Fine and Performing Arts programs for district and school leaders
- Collaborates with cross-functional teams to integrate Fine and Performing Arts practices into broader instructional initiatives where appropriate
- Develops and maintains systems for analyzing student performance in the arts, and collaborates with teachers and administrators to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for program growth.
- Supports the effective use of arts-specific instructional technology, including digital music, visual arts tools, and performance platforms
- Implements action plans to achieve departmental and district Fine and Performing Arts goals
- Creates opportunities for stakeholder input through surveys, meetings, and program reviews to identify student and program needs
- Develops tools and systems to monitor program implementation and to regularly review, evaluate, and refine Fine and Performing Arts offerings
- Provides ongoing, job-embedded professional development for Fine and Performing Arts educators
- Coordinates meetings to support vertical and horizontal articulation across grade levels and disciplines within the arts
- Fosters collaboration and communication among Fine and Performing Arts educators, families, and community partners.
- Identifies funding needs, seeks grants, and allocates resources to support Fine and Performing Arts initiatives.
- Works with district administration to develop fiscally responsible staffing projections and recommendations for Fine and Performing Arts programs.
- Supervises, supports, and evaluates Fine and Performing Arts departmental personnel.
- Conducts classroom observations and walk-throughs to build relationships and provide constructive feedback, instructional support, and guidance to arts educators
Additional Roles and Responsibilities:
- Builds and maintains partnerships with local arts organizations, cultural institutions, higher education partners, and regional Fine and Performing Arts networks
- Engages families and community stakeholders through performances, exhibitions, showcases, and outreach efforts highlighting the value of Fine and Performing Arts education
- Provides leadership in the planning and coordination of district Fine and Performing Arts performances, festivals, workshops, and professional learning opportunities.
- Develops and manages a comprehensive Fine and Performing Arts strategy and prepares an annual Fine and Performing Arts report for the Board of Education, Superintendent, and community.
- Collaborates with elementary, secondary, and central office administrators in alignment with the district's mission, vision, and core beliefs.
- Acts with integrity, professionalism, and respect in all interactions
Minimum Training and Experience:
- Evidence of educational leadership, including leading teams, initiatives, or programs with proven effectiveness
- Evidence of successful classroom teaching experience
- Commitment to providing equitable educational opportunities and outcomes for all students
- Extensive knowledge of New York State learning standards and best instructional practices
- Experience analyzing academic data to inform decision-making.
- Knowledge of and experience supporting Students with Disabilities and English Language Learners.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Valid New York State School District Leader (SDL) or School District Administrator (SDA) certification
- Master’s degree required; doctorate preferred
- Prior administrative experience preferred
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills
- Demonstrated ability to build and sustain productive relationships across varied roles and constituencies.
- Embraces innovation
- Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
- Experience supervising and evaluating staff effectively
- Proficiency with instructional technology and data systems
- Ability to develop, implement, and monitor strategic plans
- Experience leading instructional initiatives and supporting high-quality teaching practices.
- Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills
Reports To:
The Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching
Supervises:
K-12 Instruction in Related Content and Support Areas
Length of Year:
Full-time (12 months)
Salary:
Commensurate with the Northport Association of School Administrators (NASA) contract