UCO Jazz Lab - Director

Position Classification:

Regular, full-time, salaried, exempt and benefit-eligible staff position. For more benefit information visit Why Work at UCO

General Schedule:

Position typically works 40 hours per week, varies to include days, evenings and weekends.

Position Overview:

Provide operational, technical, and administrative leadership for the Jazz Lab facility by overseeing live sound and recording studio systems, venue operations, event scheduling, personnel, budgets, and strategic initiatives. Manage and maintain the technical integrity of hardware and software systems, audio equipment, inventory, and media supplies. Supervise Jazz Lab professional and student staff. Reports to the Dean of the College of Fine Arts & Design.

Department Specific Essential Job Functions:

• Direct and facilitate all Jazz Lab events, including ticketed performances, rentals, recording sessions, recitals, fundraisers, and other special events. Collaborate with the Director of Jazz Studies and School of Music faculty to schedule Jazz Lab use in support of academic programs and shared facility needs.
• Manage approved operational resources, including budgets, personnel, equipment, and facilities, within parameters established by the Dean's Office. Supervise Jazz Lab professional and student staff, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, work planning, coaching, performance management, and personnel actions. Develop and implement individual performance plans for full-time staff.
• Develop and implement annual strategic plans, operational goals, policies, procedures, and performance metrics to support continuous improvement and assess program effectiveness. Present recommendations and operational updates to the Dean as needed.
• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and lifecycle planning of live sound, recording studio, and related technical systems to ensure safe, reliable, and professional performance environments.
• Prepare, coordinate, and administer performer contracts in accordance with university policies. Coordinate with Hideaway Pizza to ensure food and beverage service for scheduled events.
• Collaborate with the College of Fine Arts & Design on marketing and promotional initiatives. Oversee the Jazz Lab website and maintain the public performance calendar and social media platforms to promote Jazz Lab events and activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Experience Required:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university and at least three years of professional experience demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of professional music performance, music venue management, live sound reinforcement, recording studio technology, and the ability to collaborate with academic programs in a shared-use facility. Demonstrated ability to apply professional expertise, exercise sound judgment, and achieve positive organizational outcomes. Appropriate professional accomplishments and credentials required.

Qualifications/Experience Preferred:

Master's degree in Jazz Studies, Music, Arts Administration, Audio Engineering, or a related field. Experience with program development, institutional assessment, strategic planning, and employment within a collegiate environment.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Strong leadership skills, including systems thinking, strategic planning, operational execution, negotiation, change management, resilience, and the ability to recruit, develop, and lead high-performing teams. Knowledge of professional live sound reinforcement, recording studio operations, stage and studio preparation, audio systems, ticketing and box office technology, and event production. Excellent oral and written communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated attention to detail and the ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.

Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.