Merion Mercy Academy, an independent Catholic college preparatory school for girls in grades 9-12 outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, seeks a Chair of its Performing Arts Department who will also teach music classes beginning August 2026. This is a full time position during the academic year.

The Chair of the Performing Arts Department is a senior leadership role responsible for the artistic, academic, and spiritual vitality of the school’s music and performing arts program. The ideal candidate is an organized, compassionate, and principled educator who embodies Catholic values, leads collaboratively, and inspires young women through musical excellence and service.

Reporting directly to the Principal, the Chair of the Performing Arts Department has the following responsibilities:

Department Leadership & Administration

• Lead the Performing Arts Department with integrity, professionalism, and a strong commitment to Catholic values
• Serve as liaison between performing arts faculty, theatre production teams, and the Principal
• Member of Academic Board 
• Participate in school calendar planning
• Oversee departmental operations, including grading and shared instructional spaces
• Manage and coordinate the private instrumental and vocal lesson program, including: creating lesson schedules; documenting instruction; submitting pay requests
• Maintain music facilities, instruments, library holdings, and instructional materials
• Coordinate logistics for performances and travel (transportation, permissions, fundraising)
• Collaborate with Admissions and Development Offices to promote the program by: speaking at events; organizing and administering music scholarship auditions,  selecting music scholarship recipients; preparing student ensembles for admissions, alumnae, and development events
• Oversee and support the Director of MMMT (Merion Mercy Musical Theater) program which typically performs a drama in the fall and a musical in late winter

Teaching

Teach music courses including:  Renaissance Revels / Introductory General Music (integrating music, history, theatre, dance, and visual arts); Honors Music I & II (theory, history, composition); AP Music (Concurrent with Honors Music II) for qualified students working independently.

Ensembles

• Direct one major ensemble: Chorale (approx. 60 students; rehearses before school), or Orchestra (approx. 20 students; rehearses after school)
• Prepare ensembles for performances while fostering discipline, collaboration, and joy in music-making

Clubs & Co-Curricular Activities

• Supervise and support music-related clubs and ensembles, including: A Cappella Advanced Choir – Sirens of Baggot Street, and Handbells Club
• Lead and oversee:  Ukulele Club; Gospel Choir; Chamber Ensembles (meet during designated school-day club time)

Liturgical Music 

• Serve as Liturgical Music Director and Accompanist
• Prepare and rehearse musicians for school liturgies and accompany liturgies and major school events, including graduation
• Collaborate with Campus Ministry to support the spiritual life of the school

Founded in 1884 by the Sisters of Mercy and located on a beautiful 12-acre campus on Philadelphia’s Main Line, Merion Mercy currently enrolls over 400 students from diverse geographic areas and socioeconomic groups. Merion Mercy’s academic program consistently challenges each student to prepare for college and a lifetime of service, thus developing competent and compassionate women for the future. Merion Mercy’s faculty and staff are committed to providing a holistic education that not only stresses academic and personal excellence but also encourages all students to “Live Mercy and Seek Justice,” an educational philosophy that builds a true sense of sisterhood that extends beyond the classroom. 

Merion Mercy Academy embraces diversity and inclusion through its mission, Mercy identity and student body.  Merion Mercy Academy is committed to providing an educational and working environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Members of the community, applicants for employment or admissions, guests and visitors have the right to be free from harassment or discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, national origin, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Merion Mercy Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its hiring practices.

Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter, and statement of educational philosophy along with contact Information for three professional references to Anne Gregg, Executive Assistant to the President at agregg@merion-mercy.com.

More information about working at Merion Mercy Academy can be found at: www.merion-mercy.com/careers.

Qualifications

• Commitment to Catholic education and the formation of young women
• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Experience teaching AP Music
• Experience in music education, ensemble direction, and piano accompaniment
• Ability to manage complex programs, schedules, and shared resources
• Passion for artistic excellence, faith-centered service, and student mentorship

About Merion Mercy Academy

Merion Mercy Academy (MMA), founded in 1884, is an independent Catholic college preparatory school for girls grades 9-12. It is a sponsored ministry of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and is a member of Mercy Education. Our foundress, Catherine McAuley, was a visionary who empowered those around her to do their part in making the world a better place. For 140 years, we’ve honored Catherine’s legacy through a faith-focused curriculum that stresses Mercy spirituality, global awareness, and social responsibility. We are a dedicated community of educators, administrators and staff who are committed to our school’s mission.

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