MS/US Music Department: Orchestra Conductor Position

Riverdale Country School, a Pre-K through Grade 12 independent all-gender school in New York City, is dedicated to inspiring students to live meaningful and purpose-driven lives. The school achieves this by fostering a culture of academic excellence, critical thinking, and curiosity, supported by a diverse and inclusive community. Riverdale emphasizes both high challenge and high support in its approach to education, encouraging students to engage deeply in interdisciplinary learning, research, and experiential education, both inside and outside the classroom and beyond our campuses. This holistic approach aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make a positive impact on the world.

At Riverdale, we strive to reflect the diversity of the New York metropolitan area in our students, faculty, and staff. We believe that a diverse and inclusive community enriches the educational experience and is integral to our mission. With a student body of approximately 1,300 students from 117 different zip codes, Riverdale is a vibrant community where 48% of our students identify as students of color. 

We seek to employ educators and leaders who bring a student-centered approach, passion for their work, a commitment to DEIB, and a desire to contribute to the growth and development of our entire school community.

The Riverdale Department of Music is committed to fostering a vibrant and inspiring musical environment where students develop their skills, artistry, and passion for music. We are seeking an experienced, dynamic, and visionary Conductor to lead our orchestral program, mentor student musicians, and cultivate a culture of excellence in performance and musical education.

The Conductor will be responsible for preparing and conducting rehearsals, studying scores, and leading a minimum of two performances per year. This role requires strong leadership, musical expertise, and the ability to foster a collaborative and engaging learning environment for students.

Key responsibilities include planning and organizing rehearsals, leading sectionals, and providing constructive feedback to support and encourage student musicians in their technical and artistic growth. The conductor will also work closely with faculty and administration to ensure the orchestra program aligns with the school's broader music curriculum.

Additional duties involve managing sheet music, including organizing and distributing it, as well as assisting in the selection of appropriate repertoire for the orchestra. The conductor will also oversee a class of over 70 students, ensuring they are prepared and ready to begin rehearsals on time while maintaining a structured and inspiring class environment.

Riverdale is an inclusive community dedicated to the principles of DEI. Our hiring practices reflect this commitment, and we seek collegial candidates eager to expand this work in the classroom, in our curricular work, and in the pedagogical principles of the department.

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Music, Conducting, or a related field.
• Enthusiasm for teaching in an orchestra setting 
• Passion for working with youth ages 13-18
• Enthusiasm for connecting to the school community as a teaching artist 
• Commitment to personal growth, self-exploration, and reflective practice 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and flexibility
• Commitment to participate in innovative and non-traditional approaches to music education and performance 
• Passion for learning and sharing concepts that are distinctive to the Riverdale Country School mission and community
• Being a collaborative team player is essential for this role. The successful candidate should  work effectively with colleagues, share responsibilities, and contribute to a supportive team environment.

• An educator with strong interpersonal abilities and proven leadership skills.
• A willingness to collaborate with the Department of Music team members and, where applicable, with other art discipline teachers, i.e., Visual Arts and Theater-Dance-Film.
• Inspires and motivates young musicians with efficient conducting and teaching that is both concise and compelling.
• Has a basic understanding of laptop computers and a competency in music technology, e.g., music notation applications, DAWs, or other music education, recording, and production tools.

To apply for this position, please click on the red “Apply for this Job” button. Please submit a resume and cover letter.  If there are pronouns we should use in potential future communications, we invite you to share that information with us.  For information about this position and all open positions, please visit the Careers page of Riverdale’s website.

Benefits of Full Time Work at Riverdale Country School

Working at Riverdale Country School is a purposeful and meaningful career choice that comes with many benefits including:  

Transportation: Shuttle service is available to/from the 242nd St / Broadway subway station. Limited stops are also available near transit hubs in Manhattan including the Metro North Harlem Station and subway lines – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, A, B, C, and D. If there is need in the community, we can also run a shuttle from the Henry Hudson Parkway / 246th St bus stop which connects to the #7, #10, and Express Buses to/from Manhattan.

Professional Development: A generous professional-development budget provides for conferences, skills training, and onsite training in areas such as mindfulness, coaching, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Grants and Stipends: All employees are eligible for Frankel Fellow grants, known as “passion grants,” which pay for enrichment activities. More than 120 grants have been made to faculty and staff since the program started in 2014. Stipends are available for coaching, affinity group facilitation, advising clubs with significant out-of-school time, and chaperoning trips (including global trips!).

Sabbatical:  Full time teaching faculty are eligible for a sabbatical after 10 years of employment.  

Health Benefits: Riverdale offers and subsidizes health, dental, and vision insurance.  In addition, the school offers a flexible spending account through which employees can use pre-tax dollars to pay for health-related expenses.  

Retirement:  Employees are eligible to join our Defined Contribution retirement plan through TIAA.  The school contributes 7% of an employee's annual salary to their retirement account.  

Vacation:  Riverdale Country School has a generous time-off policy for staff in addition to vacations afforded by the school calendar.