Pep Band Director

The mission of The University of Bridgeport is to promote academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.

Position Description Summary/Purpose

The University of Bridgeport seeks an energetic and entrepreneurial Pep Band Director to establish and lead a new university pep band supporting athletic events and enhancing school spirit. This part-time role requires a dynamic musician-educator who is equally passionate about musical leadership and student recruitment.

The Director will build the ensemble from the ground up, develop a spirited and engaging repertoire, and coordinate performances at select athletic events and university functions.

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities

• Lead a comprehensive recruitment effort to build the pep band including writing policies and procedures.
• Conduct outreach to local High Schools, current University of Bridgeport students, potential transfer students
• Ensemble leadership and program development.
• Establish and direct the University Pep Band, including rehearsals and performances.
• Select and arrange repertoire appropriate for athletic events (fight songs, pop arrangements, spirit music).
• Conduct rehearsals and performances with a focus on high energy and audience engagement.
• Maintain musical standards while encouraging participation from students of varying ability levels.
• Participation in key University events such as Accepted Students Day, Welcome Week, Knights Fest, Commencement, etc.
• Coordinate performances at select athletic events (primarily basketball; others as determined).
• Conducts all work in a safe manner and all work safety practices are followed.

Other Functions

• Participate in campus spirit initiatives and university events when appropriate.
• Collaborate with admissions, athletics, orientation programs, and student life to promote participation in game-day experience
• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
• Assists other department staff as needed to promote a team effort.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

• Ability to recruit, develop, and retain student musicians
• Develop strategies to ensure sustainable enrollment growth in the ensemble.
• Schedule rehearsals and manage ensemble logistics.
• Maintain music library and coordinate arrangements.
• Work within an assigned program budget.
• Coordinate student leadership within the band.
• Demonstrated ability to build a cohesive, spirited pep band program that enhances the game-day experience and supports institutional pride.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage students, staff, and athletics personnel
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as required for games and events
• Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and build an environment in which all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity.

Qualifications

Minimum Required Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in music, music education, or a related field.
• 1-3 years of experience directing or assisting with band ensembles (pep band, marching band or similar).
• Demonstrated ability to recruit and motivate student musicians.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated experience conducting live performances, preferably in athletic or high-energy event settings
• Experience working with student musicians in an educational environment (high school or collegiate level)
• Experience with music selection, arrangement, and adaptation for diverse instrumentation
• Experience coordinating rehearsals, performances, and event logistics
• Knowledge of copyright and licensing requirements for public musical performance

Preferred

• Master’s degree in music or music education.
• Experience building or growing a music ensemble program.