Career Center

Riverdale is a Pre-K through 12th-grade independent school in New York City committed to empowering lifelong learners by developing minds, building character, and creating community in order to change our world for the good. Riverdale seeks to reflect the diversity of the New York metropolitan area in its students, faculty, and staff. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) is the foundational core of the anti-racist, anti-bias, and transformational work that Riverdale is doing to help students, faculty/staff, families, and alumni feel seen, heard, and valued. The school enrolls about 1,200 students who collectively reside in 104 different zip codes. Approximately 43% of our student body are students of color. 

We seek to employ people who engage in all aspects of work with a student-centered approach, an open mind, passion, and a willingness to support the greater community. At Riverdale, we recognize that the work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is iterative and requires a consistent commitment. Ideal candidates display that commitment in their work and their approach to teaching and learning. 

As the world faces the immense challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, Riverdale Country School continues to prioritize its community members' health, safety, and well-being. Individuals are required to be vaccinated, wear masks indoors at all times except when eating, and our strict adherence to physical distancing guidelines means that we limit the number of students in our classrooms. We currently provide free ongoing COVID-19 testing for all employees and students regularly. We are fortunate to have a sprawling campus with ample outdoor space and have upgraded the air filtration systems in our buildings. These elements have allowed us to maintain a rich learning experience for students during this difficult time.

The Department of Music seeks an enthusiastic and creative choral teacher and program director to enable Middle and Upper School students to appreciate the art of music, develop technique and musical understanding, and select repertoire that reflects the diversity of identities within our school community. This full-time faculty position will involve teaching four or five sections of grade-level ensembles, instructing students in choral music, and creating an engaging learning environment that cultivates belonging and supports the whole student.

Candidates with experience with choral conducting or vocal performance with intermediate to proficient piano skills are strongly encouraged to apply. In addition, having a comprehensive familiarity with vocal music repertoire and adapting arrangements contributes to the overall growth of the program. A successful candidate will join the Department of Music team with solid leadership and listening skills and learn about research and new technology in music education. The hiring committee may request candidates in the final round for this position to perform an in-person audition of an excerpt of a piece of their choice. 

All candidates for Riverdale teaching positions should demonstrate an interest in engaging students in an environment that is supportive and rigorous and will participate in community activities, including advisor groups, service learning opportunities, or other co-curricular programs. A Bachelor's degree is required. Applicants with prior teaching experience will receive additional consideration.  

Essential Responsibilities:

• Coaches and demonstrates techniques to students; will select repertoire appropriate for the student's ages and skill level and is mindful of representation. 
• Develops clear and concise instructional lesson plans in coordination with the Head of the Department of Music and organizes class time to provide a balanced program of preparation, instruction, and rehearsal time.
• Evaluates vocal students' performance and growth; will prepare qualitative feedback in the form of narrative reports. 
• Collaborates with the full-time choral program piano accompanist.
• Plans rehearsals and directs choral students in end-of-semester and end-of-year performances and culminating experiences for the school and community. 
• Collaborates with the Department of Music team members and, where applicable, with other art discipline teachers.
• Maintains an accurate digital inventory of the choral library
• Maintains an organized and workable inventory of all music and equipment related to the choral program. 
• Understands and can use laptop computers and a base competency of music technology, e.g., music notation applications, DAWs, or other music education, recording, and production tools. 

Benefits: 

• Transportation: Shuttles are offered from Manhattan and from the 242nd St/Broadway subway station, making stops near transit hubs including the MetroNorth – Harlem Station, subway lines – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, A, B, C, and D, and the Henry Hudson Parkway at the 246th St bus stop, connecting to #7 and #10 bus and Express Buses from Manhattan.
• Professional Development: A generous professional-development budget provides for conferences, skills training, and onsite training in areas such as mindfulness, coaching, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Grants and Stipends: All employees are eligible for Frankel Fellow grants, known as “passion grants,” which pay for enrichment activities. More than 120 grants have been made to faculty and staff since the program started in 2014. Stipends are available for coaching, advising clubs with significant out-of-school time, and chaperoning trips (including global trips!).
• Benefits: Health, dental, vision and retirement savings are just a few of the Riverdale benefits.

Riverdale is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all federal, state, and local laws which prohibit discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national and ethnic origin, alienage or citizenship status, marital or partnership status, caregiver status, predisposing genetic characteristics, disability, active military or veteran status, actual or perceived status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other basis protected by applicable law.  

To apply, please submit an interest letter, resume, and upload a vocal performance video or audio recording by using the Job Openings tab under Careers on our website.