Executive Director of the Mariam Cannon Hayes School of Music

Request to Recruit

Position Title
Executive Director of the Mariam Cannon Hayes School of Music
Location
Boone, North Carolina
Faculty Rank
Yes
Provide Rank
Professor
Position Number
004141
Department
School Of Music - 270000

Position Summary Information

Primary Purpose

The Hayes School of Music is home to more than 400 students (undergraduate and graduate), and nearly 100 faculty and staff members. It offers undergraduate degrees in music education, music therapy, music industry studies, and music performance, with concentrations in instrumental or vocal performance, music theory/composition, jazz, and sacred music. Graduate programs are offered in music therapy and music performance, with concentrations in instrumental or vocal performance, collaborative piano, music composition, and conducting. Supported by the Hayes Endowment for Musical Excellence, the school is part of Appalachian State University, an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

Minimum Qualifications

* Earned terminal degree in a field relevant to the Hayes School of Music;
* Record of excellence in scholarly/creative activity, teaching, and service;
* Record of significant and progressively responsible academic leadership experience;
* Demonstrated capacity for donor relations and fundraising;

License/Certification Required
Preferred Qualifications

* A collaborative, consultative, and transparent leadership style across multiple stakeholder groups, with an appreciation for shared governance;
* Knowledge of the disciplines and programs that comprise the Hayes School of Music;
* Demonstrated experience with recruiting, retaining, and supporting faculty and staff;
* Commitment to the recruitment, success, and retention of students;
* Demonstrated ability to manage complex budgets and endowments;
* Evidence of successful donor relations and fundraising;
* Experience with strategic planning;
* Record of innovative initiatives and program development;
* Commitment to faculty and staff development, and support for research and creative activities;
* Knowledge of the accreditation process, particularly the National Association of Schools of Music;
* Excellent communication skills demonstrating high integrity and ethical standards;
* Experience with community engagement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

**The Executive Director** serves as the chief academic officer of the Hayes School of Music and its four undergraduate degree programs – Music Education, Music Industry Studies, Music Performance, and Music Therapy, as well as two master’s level programs – Music Therapy and Music Performance.

***The Executive Director will…***

* Provide outstanding leadership in realizing the vision and strategic direction of the Hayes School of Music, achieving artistic and academic goals leading to student success;
* Represent and advocate for the Hayes School of Music and its interests to university leadership and external constituencies;
* Lead strategic planning, institutional initiatives, and advancement of the Hayes School of Music’s mission;
* Position management for faculty and staff;
* Manage and monitor the Hayes School of Music budget and fiscal operations, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources and compliance with university policies and procedures;
* Develop and maintain relationships with alumni, donors, advisory council, and external partners and support development and fundraising activities that advance the mission and priorities of the Hayes School of Music;
* Oversee facilities and operational needs of the Hayes School of Music, collaborating with university partners to address ongoing and emerging priorities;
* Provide leadership and direction for Hayes School of Music committees, councils, meetings, and other governance activities;
* Serve as the Hayes School of Music institutional representative to the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and provide leadership in accreditation, self-study, and related institutional assessment activities;
* Foster a caring and respectful community by encouraging communication and collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and university leadership;
* Provide strategic direction for Cannon Music Camp and the Community Music School.

Type of Position
Full Time Position
Staff/Non-Faculty
Staff/Non-Faculty
VISA Sponsorship?
Appointment Type
1.0
Work Schedule/Hours
Mon - Fri, 8:00 - 5:00 p.m. - some nights
Number of Hours Per Week
40+
Number of Months Per Year
12
Mandatory Staff
No
Suggested Salary Range
Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Physical Demands of Position

Posting Details Information

Posting Date
09/25/2026
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Evaluation of Applications Begins
09/30/2026
Proposed Date of Hire
07/01/2027
Special Instructions to Applicants

**Required Materials:**

* Cover letter addressing the position description, qualifications, and experience
* CV
* Names and contact information for 5 professional references

Search Chair Name
Sue Polanka
Search Chair Email
[email protected]
Quick Link
<https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/56380>
Posting Number
201501856P