Academy seeks Corps Director

[scheherazadesghost]

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Edited September 1, 2022 by scheherazadesghost

[AzEuph]

Love this move for them. Mark is a pure class act.  I’m a huge fan of his and think he’s the most underrated corps director / executive.  Only wish Academy had better on-field success to match his class.

[DrumCorpsRelic]

5 hours ago, Orwellian Wiress said:

Crap. I'm not qualified. I think I got Academy's style down pat though, it's very similar to my own aesthetics

Orwellian Wiress: You may not qualify for Corps Director, but I'd bet you'd make an Awesome, World Class ACADEMY Corps Mom, and Cherished Corps Volunteer! You certainly have good taste in aesthetics to go along with it. I guess you could be referred to you as "The Complete Package." LOL.  I've always liked your DCP comments. Thanks and  ENJOY! 

[LoveKathyG]

Dangit.  I can't lift 40 pounds.  So close.

Edited August 22, 2022 by LoveKathyG

[keystone3ply]

10 hours ago, LoveKathyG said:

Dangit.  I can't lift 40 pounds.  So close.

I lift about 250+ every morning when I get up.  Carry it all day; does that count?  I’ll send them an email w/Q.  😂✅

[rkuske]

On 8/20/2022 at 9:51 AM, scheherazadesghost said:

Is there an official job posting somewhere? I'm disinclined to provide all the requested info without at least that when I apply for positions in my field.

Sorry about the lousy 1st post here ... my first ever with DCP!

Please allow me to try again ...

Job Description

Corps Director, The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps

The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps is the flagship performing ensemble of the Arizona

Academy of the Performing Arts, Inc. As an expansion to the administration team in 2023, the

organization is seeking highly qualified individual to serve as Corps Director for this prestigious

program. As director of the program, this individual will serve as the primary leader for all

aspects of the corps operations, and tasked with creating a world-class environment for all of its

participants, including members, staff, and volunteers.

The Academy is committed to further developing a diverse work environment and an equal

opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,

gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any

other statuses, protected by law or not. We encourage qualified individuals of all backgrounds to

apply.

A hiring committee has been established for this position. Applicants should submit contact information, expression of interest, and resume with references to Executive Director Mark Richardson at mark@arizonaacademy.org.

POSITION DETAILS:

The Corps Director reports to the Executive Director of AAPA.

The primary role of the Corps Director is to oversee the daily operations of the program,

ensuring that all aspects of the program are functioning effectively, including auditions,

training camps, summer rehearsals, and tour.

The Corps Director will work with the designers, educational staff, and

operations/administrative team to set goals and objectives for the program, monitoring

progress and providing leadership and guidance for the teams.

Both paid and volunteer staff of The Academy Drum and Bugle corps will report to the

Corps Director.

Work involves a non-traditional work schedule, with potential to be full or part time.

Flexible work hours are required with remote working options that include the ability to

attend evening and weekend meetings and events.

The Corps Director will need to be with the program almost entirely through the duration

of the summer training and tour (late May to mid August).

It is preferred that The Corps Director reside in the greater Phoenix area.

Will be required to travel from time to time throughout the year.

The candidate must be able to successfully pass a comprehensive background check.

Compensation commensurate with experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Administrative

The Academy Corps Director will:

Represent The Academy and maintain positive relationships with constituent groups such

as corporate partners, donors, Drum Corps International and its participating

organizations, local agencies and other pertinent organizations and partners;

Establish annual goals for recruitment, performance, educational, and operational

objectives for the program and regularly evaluate progress;

Collaborate and lead the Operations & Tour Administration team to secure rehearsal

facilities and transportation needs for the winter & summer training and tour;

Coordinate member recruiting efforts with instructional staff and others;

Determine season calendar for auditions, rehearsal camps, performances, and summer

Collaborate with the Executive Director and Finance Committee to develop and maintain

the program’s annual budget;

Maintain clear and frequent communication with members and parents;

Collaborate with Business Manager and Member Manager to maintain members’ financial

and personal records;

Develop and maintain staff, volunteer, and member policy and procedure handbooks;

Provide reports to the Board of Directors and attend Board/Committee meetings as

necessary;

Maintain and evolve website, media, and recruitment platforms;

Collaborate with the Executive Director to explore new or expanded initiatives with

potential for additional revenue, increased community engagement, or enhanced

programmatic value;

Maintain & grow relationships in the marching arts/pageantry community, within the

state of Arizona and beyond;

Maintain accurate inventories of performance equipment and establish systems for care

and maintenance of such items for re-sale post season.

Staffing – Paid and Volunteer
     As the primary leader of the program staff, the Corps Director will:

• Lead and schedule corps staff meetings;

• Maintain clear and frequent communication with volunteer and paid staff;

• Direct/collaborate with Operations and Admin team to coordinate all tour administrative

Represent The Academy and maintain positive relationships with constituent groups such

as corporate partners, donors, Drum Corps International and its participating

organizations, local agencies and other pertinent organizations and partners;

Establish annual goals for recruitment, performance, educational, and operational

objectives for the program and regularly evaluate progress;

Collaborate and lead the Operations & Tour Administration team to secure rehearsal

facilities and transportation needs for the winter & summer training and tour;

Coordinate member recruiting efforts with instructional staff and others;

Determine season calendar for auditions, rehearsal camps, performances, and summer

Collaborate with the Executive Director and Finance Committee to develop and maintain

the program’s annual budget;

Maintain clear and frequent communication with members and parents;

Collaborate with Business Manager and Member Manager to maintain members’ financial

and personal records;

Develop and maintain staff, volunteer, and member policy and procedure handbooks;

Provide reports to the Board of Directors and attend Board/Committee meetings as

necessary;

Maintain and evolve website, media, and recruitment platforms;

Collaborate with the Executive Director to explore new or expanded initiatives with

potential for additional revenue, increased community engagement, or enhanced

programmatic value;

Maintain & grow relationships in the marching arts/pageantry community, within the

state of Arizona and beyond;

Maintain accurate inventories of performance equipment and establish systems for care

and maintenance of such items for re-sale post season;

Work with the Executive Director to establish educational objectives and standards for

participant experience;

Recruit candidates for staff positions, paid and volunteer;

Seek diversity within the hiring of staff throughout the program;

Appoint lead design and instructional staff positions;

Supervise all program staff, providing leadership, and resolving conflicts as necessary;

Collaborate with program designers to facilitate creative design meetings and work with

lead designers to set a production schedule;

staff and volunteers.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

A passion for the drum and bugle corps activity and for The Academy;

Bachelor's Degree;

Strong self-starter, with the desire to take initiative and drive the program;

Must have a strong command of communication, time management, interpersonal and

organizational skills;

Experience within drum corps program administration is preferred;

Experience of leadership within a professional work environment of at least 3 years;

Prior experience as a drum corps participant, both as a performer and as a staff member

is preferred;

Having strong connections within the pageantry arts community is preferred;

Highly organized with great communication skills;

Computer literacy including email, social media platforms, Excel, Quick books, Shopify et

al. with the ability to learn new applications as needed;

Ability to operate a computer keyboard, mouse and to handle other office equipment

Ability to lift 40 lbs.

[Orwellian Wiress]

On 8/21/2022 at 5:04 PM, DrumCorpsRelic said:

Orwellian Wiress: You may not qualify for Corps Director, but I'd bet you'd make an Awesome, World Class ACADEMY Corps Mom, and Cherished Corps Volunteer! You certainly have good taste in aesthetics to go along with it. I guess you could be referred to you as "The Complete Package." LOL.  I've always liked your DCP comments. Thanks and  ENJOY! 

Haha, I'm never planning on being a mom but volunteering at a corps would be cool! Also thank you, that's so sweet!

[rkuske]

Why is the Academy seeking a corps director?

First, this opening is in no way related to the crises we encountered in 2022.  The Academy purchased a $450,000 brand new food truck, which was supposed to be the best in all of DCI.  Upon leaving for tour, the refrigeration compartment could not keep food at the guaranteed temperature, and we lost over $7000 in food right away.  The freezer compartment barely reached 35 degrees, far from the guaranteed zero degrees.  These challenges forced our wonderful food crew to scramble all season long for fresh food and drink supplies, and they did an amazing job except for one or two exceptions when some students near the end of the line settled for food different from those in front of them.  We took care of them.

And then came 15-20 cases of COVID ... including our E.D.

We have one of the best executive directors in DCI.  Mark Richardson was chosen "Director of the Year" in 2016.  But drum corps is big business carrying an annual budget over $1 million.  It really takes two strong leaders to take care of all tasks from the business side to recruitment to staff building to show creation to facilitating a positive growth experience for the students.

Mark is not leaving, Thank God!  We need a corps director to supplement Mark.  If you know competent leaders who would fit our culture, please encourage them to apply.  It will be very, very rewarding!

[DrumCorpsRelic]

On 8/22/2022 at 5:45 PM, rkuske said:

Why is the Academy seeking a corps director?

First, this opening is in no way related to the crises we encountered in 2022.  The Academy purchased a $450,000 brand new food truck, which was supposed to be the best in all of DCI.  Upon leaving for tour, the refrigeration compartment could not keep food at the guaranteed temperature, and we lost over $7000 in food right away.  The freezer compartment barely reached 35 degrees, far from the guaranteed zero degrees.  These challenges forced our wonderful food crew to scramble all season long for fresh food and drink supplies, and they did an amazing job except for one or two exceptions when some students near the end of the line settled for food different from those in front of them.  We took care of them.

And then came 15-20 cases of COVID ... including our E.D.

We have one of the best executive directors in DCI.  Mark Richardson was chosen "Director of the Year" in 2016.  But drum corps is big business carrying an annual budget over $1 million.  It really takes two strong leaders to take care of all tasks from the business side to recruitment to staff building to show creation to facilitating a positive growth experience for the students.

Mark is not leaving, Thank God!  We need a corps director to supplement Mark.  If you know competent leaders who would fit our culture, please encourage them to apply.  It will be very, very rewarding!

RKUSKE: $450.000 for the new Academy Food trailer!?😱 I Contributed to the original $150.000 trailer fund raiser, which was followed by a second $50,000. Fund raiser To equip the interior appliances, ovens, warmers, sinks etc but had no idea of its total cost.

Hope the heck trailer ironically named "Hell's Kitchen" was adequately covered by Warranty and Insurance for all the food $7,000.+ in food spoilage and the shipped out for necessary Refrigeration/Freezer repairs, and Old Trailer put back in servixe for how long.

Did New trailer travel throughout the summer tour lacking proper cooling? What the "Hell's Kitchen" did the Academy get for its $450,000? A fifty Four foot "Lemon in Wheels" 🤬😥 So Sad and frustrating. Bravo to the touring Food Crews, and the MM incredible test of character and Endurance, but that's exactly how Mark Richardson and staff prepares it Corps. 

[fighterkit]

On 9/1/2022 at 11:58 PM, DrumCorpsRelic said:

RKUSKE: $450.000 for the new Academy Food trailer!?😱 I Contributed to the original $150.000 trailer fund raiser, which was followed by a second $50,000. Fund raiser To equip the interior appliances, ovens, warmers, sinks etc but had no idea of its total cost.

Hope the heck trailer ironically named "Hell's Kitchen" was adequately covered by Warranty and Insurance for all the food $7,000.+ in food spoilage and the shipped out for necessary Refrigeration/Freezer repairs, and Old Trailer put back in servixe for how long.

Did New trailer travel throughout the summer tour lacking proper cooling? What the "Hell's Kitchen" did the Academy get for its $450,000? A fifty Four foot "Lemon in Wheels" 🤬😥 So Sad and frustrating. Bravo to the touring Food Crews, and the MM incredible test of character and Endurance, but that's exactly how Mark Richardson and staff prepares it Corps. 

The last sentence to me reads that you are knocking Mark and staff.

Mark honestly is one of my favorite people I've met in this activity and I cannot speak more highly of him. Food truck issues are hard to deal with and are hard to predict. Bad luck is just bad luck and not indicitave, imo, of poor leadership from Mark.