Specialist – Orchestra and Mariachi

Specialist – Orchestra & MariachiReports to: Director - Visual & Performing ArtsPC#: 17511Pay Grade: 204Duty Days: 207Salary Range: $69,738 - $84,021FLSA Status: ExemptPosition PurposeProvides districtwide leadership, support, and expertise to secondary orchestra and mariachi programs. This role supports teachers, campuses, and district initiatives through instructional coaching, curriculum alignment, professional learning, and event coordination. The position is designed to increase student achievement through high-quality instruction, aligned practices, and job-embedded professional learning.Essential Job FunctionsInstructional Leadership & CoachingProvide ongoing instructional coaching and school-based support to secondary orchestra and mariachi educatorsObserve, support, and assist teachers with curriculum alignment, best practices, and student performance outcomesModel effective rehearsal techniques, pedagogy, and instructional strategiesDiagnose instructional needs and provide targeted, actionable feedbackPromote and support implementation of aligned curriculum and instructional resourcesServe as a mentor by modeling high-quality instruction and supporting teacher growthCurriculum & Program DevelopmentSupport the development, alignment, and implementation of orchestra and mariachi curriculumAssist in selecting and developing appropriate instructional materials and literatureFacilitate horizontal and vertical alignment across campuses and programsIntegrate current trends in music pedagogy, performance practice, and technologyProfessional Learning & Staff SupportDesign, plan, and deliver targeted professional development for orchestra and mariachi educatorsSupport Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and collaborative planning structuresEngage clinicians, consultants, and music educators to provide specialized trainingAssist in recruiting and supporting highly qualified instrumental music educatorsEvent Coordination & Program ManagementPlan and coordinate districtwide orchestra and mariachi events, including concerts, festivals, contests, and community performancesOversee participation and preparation for UIL, TMEA, TAME, and other local, state, and national eventsEnsure compliance with Contest Requirements for all eventsCoordinate logistics, timelines, communication, and documentation for all performances and competitionsSupport equitable access to performance opportunities and program resourcesSchool & Organizational SupportCollaborate with campus leadership to support program implementation and continuous improvementAssist with monitoring compliance related to safety, policies, and program requirementsSupport resource allocation, inventory, and equipment needs for orchestra and mariachi programsAnalyze student performance data to inform instructional decisions and program growthCommunication & Community RelationsServe as liaison between the Visual & Performing Arts department and community organizationsProvide clear, timely communication with teachers, administrators, parents, and stakeholdersSupport high-quality student performances that reflect district and community standardsPersonal Work RelationshipsAll Fort Worth ISD employees must maintain a commitment to the District's mission, vision, and strategic goals.Exhibits high professionalism, standards of conduct and work ethic.Demonstrates high quality customer service; builds rapport/relationship with the consumer.Demonstrates cultural competence in interactions with others; is respectful of co-workers; communicates and acts as a team player; promotes teamwork; responds and acts appropriately in confrontational situations.Other Duties As AssignedPerforms all job related duties as assigned and in accordance to the Board rules, policies and regulations. All employees are expected to comply with lawful directives in rare situations driven by need where a team effort is required.Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesStrong content expertise in orchestra and mariachi pedagogy and performance practicesKnowledge of UIL, TMEA, TAME, and applicable performance and adjudication standardsKnowledge of curriculum design, assessment, and instructional best practicesAbility to coach teachers and model effective rehearsal and instructional strategiesStrong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple prioritiesExcellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skillsAbility to analyze student performance data and support continuous improvementProficiency in technology platforms including Microsoft Office 365, Google Suite, CutTime, and instructional toolsAbility to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and lead district initiativesKnowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education, as well as District policies and proceduresKnowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, including differentiated instructionKnowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, leadership technique, and coordination of people and resourcesKnowledge of data information systems, data analysis, and the formulation of action plansKnowledge of organizing instrumental music events and ability to support performancesSkill in working with initiatives that require collaboration with District and outside agencies and organizationsSkill in organizational development, communications, and interpersonal relationsSkill in coordinating, planning, organizing, and facilitating staff developmentSkill in professional learning, technical assistance, and consultationAbility to learn new software applications or web-based tools and develop materials to deliver knowledge transferAbility to facilitate and conduct group meetings with campus-based staff, students, parents, and communityAbility to exercise judgment and creativity in decision-makingAbility to aggregate and analyze student outcome data and communicate insights to instructional leadershipAbility to prepare oral and written communications including presentations, reports, memoranda, and curriculum documentsAbility to organize and coordinate work under pressure, meet deadlines, and proactively resolve issuesAbility to engage in self-evaluation regarding performance and professional growthAbility to establish and maintain cooperative working relationshipsTravel RequirementsTravels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.Physical & Mental Demands, Work HazardsTools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment such as Promethean Board; musical instruments and related equipment.Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.Motion: Frequent walking; frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).Exerting: Occasional 20-50 pounds of force; frequent 10-25 pounds of force, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.Environment: Works in an office setting; occasional work outside to travel between buildings or in the preparation/completion of meetings (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate; exposure to dust; may require occasional irregular and/or prolonged hours.Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position; may require occasional irregular and/or prolonged hours.Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions; may require occasional irregular and/or prolonged hours.Minimum Required QualificationsEducation: Bachelor's degree from accredited college or university in Instrumental Music Education or related field required; Master's degree from accredited college or university preferred.Certification/License: Valid Texas Teaching Certification with endorsement in the area of Music requiredExperience: Minimum of 10 years of successful teaching experience in instrumental music (orchestra and/or mariachi)Demonstrated experience in instructional leadership, coaching, or clinician work preferredEvidence of professional involvement and/or leadership at the regional, state, or national level preferredExperience designing and delivering professional development preferredThis document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.