Arts Department Chair

Title:                            Arts Department Chair

Reports to:                  Director of Academic Affairs / Associate Head of School

Position Status:           Full Time Regular

FLSA Status:               Exempt

Effective Date:             August 1, 2025

About the School and Asheville, NC

Asheville School is an intentionally small, coed 9-12 boarding school nestled on a beautiful 300-acre campus in Asheville, North Carolina. Surrounded by woods, our historic grounds feature state-of-the-art academic, athletics, and residential facilities, along with outdoor learning spaces and hiking trails. Guided by our vision, “A global community pursuing lives of meaning and service”, and our core values – Personal Excellence, Inclusive Community, Perseverance, Lifelong Curiosity, and Spiritual Reflection – Asheville School offers an inspiring environment for students, staff, and their families.

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a vibrant city celebrated for its dynamic arts scene, award-winning local cuisine, and endless outdoor adventures. Named one the of the Top Places to Live in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report, Asheville offers a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions, making it an exceptional place to live and work.

About the Position

The arts at Asheville School are central to the school’s mission, which is: “Asheville School is a diverse and nurturing community that challenges and supports the mind, body and spirit of our students by developing their resilience, intellect, and character”. The Arts Department Chair will play a pivotal role in elevating the arts within the school community. Central to this opportunity will be a commitment to work collaboratively with the leaders of all school programs to ensure that students are afforded the opportunity to participate in a wide array of arts activities and programs. The Arts Department Chair will also need to work with and lead their department to audit and define robust course offerings and optimal scope and sequence for individual disciplines within the Arts Department.

The Arts Department Chair is responsible for the management and oversight of all the school’s performing and visual arts programs, faculty and facilities including leadership, support, and development of faculty; coordination of curriculum and programs; representation and promotion of the visual and performing arts in the school and the larger community; and teaching 4 courses (or equivalent) in the candidate’s discipline.

Leadership, Curriculum Development, and Vision

• Create an innovative and robust arts program, rooted in the school’s mission, vision, and values, while also considering external competition and market
• Develop a diverse, inclusive, and engaging arts curriculum
• Manage the sequence of courses and offerings while keeping in mind the overall academic program, needs of students, and needs of the school
• Provide visionary leadership for the arts department
• Lead the implementation of strategic goals
• Represent the department in relevant schoolwide matters
• Stay current with trends and best practices in art education and pedagogy

Faculty Development and Supervision

• Observe classes and provide feedback for growth
• Support faculty professional development
• Oversee accountability and maintain professional standards
• Serve as a direct supervisor for department members
• Evaluate and oversee afternoon arts programming, in collaboration with the Director of Athletics and Afternoon Programming
• Build and maintain morale within the department

Operational Management

• Oversee arts facilities and resources
• Manage the department’s budget and resource allocation

Other Essential Skills and Responsibilities

• Possess strong communication and leadership skills
• Teach four sections of arts offerings
• Collaborate with the Associate Head of School in hiring
• Responsible for working with various departments on campus, such as the Admissions and Philanthropy departments
• Participate in one season of afternoon activities or equivalent
• Serve as a member of the Academic Committee and collaborate with other Department Chairs
• Serve as an advisor for students
• Serve as a member of a residential team, including the possibility of living in one of our residential dormitories
• Serve as an integral part of our campus community, enthusiastically helping where needed
• Participate in professional and personal growth opportunities

How to Apply

Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to smithc@ashevilleschool.org .