Director of Music

Reports to: Master, Head of the Senior School

Wellington College is committed to providing world-class educational opportunities in the city of Tianjin. We seek to recruit and develop staff members who are fully engaged with the stated vision of the school – [to] “aspire to create a caring, international community that develops well-rounded individuals with strong values and the skills to thrive within an ever-changing global society” and who are guided in their professional and personal conduct by the core Wellington values – courage, respect, integrity, kindness and responsibility. In this way, the post holder should regard the following outline of the job description not as a checklist of things to achieve, but as a starting point for their growth in the role.

1 General Role Description:

The Director of Music has an overall responsibility for ensuring the provision of quality teaching and learning in both Junior and Senior School music courses in accordance with the policies and procedures of the school. 

The Director of Music has responsibility for the quality and consistency of the music curriculum, and is required to organize and contribute to the development of schemes of work, departmental policies and other documentation under the guidance and accountability of the Director of Studies. In addition, the Director of Music may be required to collaborate with other departments (and in some cases other schools) in order to plan and implement projects and events. The Director of Music will be expected to guide, support and equip departmental staff in their academic roles and where possible enable them to meet their professional goals and/or receive necessary professional training. 

In addition, the Director of Music may be required to carry out lesson observations and appraisal for departmental staff in line with to the school’s appraisal policy. The role also includes close liaison and cooperation with the Theatre Manager.

The Director of Music will lead all elements of the provision of production of music in the school and be responsible for all school concerts and musical performances. The Director of Music will define the quality and direction of music in this key position. The Director of Music is expected to keep abreast of developments in the teaching and performance of Music and use will be made of any opportunities for interdepartmental initiatives and cooperation. The Director of Music is responsible for managing the departmental budget in line with the school’s policies and procedures. 

The Director of Music has a responsibility for teaching innovative lessons to classes ranging from year 7 to year 13, including all the normal professional responsibilities that accompany their role as class teacher. 

The Director of Music must have a clear vision and goals for the music department that are consistent with the development plan of the whole school. The Director of Music should be able to develop and implement a plan to achieve their goals for the music department, drawing on the skills, knowledge and experience of the team. 

2 Knowledge, Experience and Profile

Required Qualifications / Skills:

a) A relevant degree and professional teaching qualification is essential  

b) A passion for music and the ability to share this with as wide a range of students as possible

c) Excellent subject knowledge and an interest in current developments in music 

d) Fluency in written and spoken English to enable effective communication with students and in working relationships

e) Knowledge of A-level/GCSE/IGCSE curricula, their delivery and assessment 

f) The desire to put the wellbeing each student at the heart of what they do and can demonstrate how they will support the development of the Wellington Aptitudes.

g) Excellent inter-personal skills

h) Honesty, integrity, compassion, flexibility and a good sense of humour  

i) Strong organizational, self-management and problem-solving skills 

Desirable Qualifications / Skills:

a) School management experience 

b) Experience teaching A-level (or equivalent) in your subject specialism

c) Experience teaching the Cambridge International Examinations IGCSE music course

d) Experience using Moodle (or a VLE) to enrich students learning

e) Be an exceptional pianist and accompanist, with a solid choral and orchestral background; a professional musician in their own right

f) Experience teaching and mentoring EAL students

Important Note:

“Aligned with the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection, we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection.”

ITFCP Statement of Commitment

Please note this position is subject to an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure. Wellington College International Tianjin is committed to equality and diversity. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.