Assistant Professor - Music (Director of Bands) Job at Valdosta State University

Overview

Job Title: Assistant Professor - Music (Director of Bands)

Location: Valdosta State University

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Job ID: 290521

About Us

As a comprehensive institution of the University System of Georgia, Valdosta State University (VSU) is a welcoming, aware, and vibrant community founded on and dedicated to serving our communities\' rich and diverse heritages. Through excellence in teaching, basic and applied research, and service, VSU provides rigorous programs and opportunities that enrich our students, our university, and our region. The university is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity and citizenship. As members of this community and proud Blazers we strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University, as stated in the Blazer Creed and reflected in our commitment to the University System of Georgia\'s Core Values.

Blazer Creed

Valdosta State University is a learning environment based on trust and mutual respect in which open dialogue, vigorous debate, and the free exchange of ideas are welcome. The University is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity, and citizenship. As members of this community, and proud Blazers, we will strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University.

Civility - A Blazer shows courtesy and compassion as well as respect for the dignity of every human being.

Integrity - Each Blazer is responsible for his or her own actions, and our community is stronger when we contemplate the context of our decisions and uphold the principles of trust and honesty.

Citizenship - Every Blazer has an interest in the well-being of the community, and, therefore, a duty to stay informed, to make positive contributions, and to offer support to those who need help.

As a Blazer, we pledge to uphold the core principles of Civility, Integrity, and Citizenship.

Job Summary

The Department of Music seeks applicants for a twelve-month tenure track faculty position to serve as the Director of Bands beginning July 1, 2026. We seek a dynamic and visionary individual to lead its instrumental ensembles and contribute to the university\'s mission. The selected candidate will be responsible for teaching courses in the candidate\'s areas of expertise and participating in service at the department, college, and university levels. The selected candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to community engagement, student recruitment, and artistic excellence while upholding the strong musical tradition of VSU and advancing innovative approaches to music education and performance.

The Department of Music is made up of ~25 faculty/artist teachers and over 150 music majors and minors. The department presents over 150 musical performances for the public each year. In addition, several of the major performing ensembles within the department travel throughout Georgia, the Southeast and abroad, perform for schools, civic groups, and as part of community concert series. The Department of Music recently expanded into Powell Hall, a newly renovated, historically preserved, state-of-the-art music facility; featuring new administrative offices, a stunning 200-seat recital hall, faculty studios, rehearsal studios, and practice rooms. VSU is a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music. For more information visit valdosta.edu/music.

For full consideration submit completed application by October 23, 2025. For more information contact Dr. Laurel Yu, Interim Department Head, via email lsyu@valdosta.edu or phone: 229-333-5804.

Application Materials

• A cover letter addressing qualifications and vision for the VSU Bands
• Curriculum vitae
• Short teaching philosophy with actions for community engagement and recruitment strategies
• Contact information for three professional references, one of which must be from the applicant\'s current institution
• Links to performances and rehearsal videos no longer than 30 minutes

Responsibilities

Typical Allocation of Duties:

• Teaching and scholarship - 80%
• Teaches classes and conducts/presents research in the employee\'s academic discipline.

• Service - 20%
• Participates in service at the department, college, and university levels.

• Supervisor Expectations:
• Conduct the VSU Wind Ensemble and other instrumental ensembles as assigned.
• Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in conducting and music education, and other courses as assigned up to 9 credit hours (with a course release for Director duties) per semester (Fall, Spring and Summer).
• Lead strategic recruitment initiatives to grow and diversify the VSU Bands program.
• Work directly with the Assistant Director of Bands on Marching Band initiatives, recruitment, and program growth.
• Develop and implement a long-term vision for the growth and visibility of the bands.
• Engage actively in fundraising, budgeting, procurement, and development efforts.
• Maintain strong ties with local and regional music educators and community organizations.
• Mentor and supervise undergraduate and graduate students in all degree programs.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university service, including forward facing community engagement.
• Pursue scholarly, creative, or professional activity consistent with university expectations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• DMA or PhD in Music Education or Conducting.
• Demonstrated success in conducting collegiate-level ensembles.
• Evidence of effective teaching and recruiting in university or equivalent music settings.
• Strong record of community involvement, recruitment, and engagement.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one degree in Music Education.
• Experience with practicum and student teacher placements and field observations.
• Experience working with first generation and non-traditional students.
• Familiarity with Georgia music education standards and regional band programs.
• Proven ability to collaborate across disciplines and departments, including establishing strong and lasting connections with local stakeholders in music programs.
• Record of creative activity, scholarship, or professional engagement.
• Experience with budgeting, fundraising, and procurement processes.

Proposed Salary

Commensurate with experience

USG Core Values and Policies

The University System of Georgia is comprised of 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. More details are available online. Also, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy and can be found online.

Conditions of Employment

Applicants are required to provide:

• professional references with current contact information
• documentation of academic credentials
• employment history

During the search process, VSU reserves the right to:

• view social media outlets
• remove job postings without additional notification

Employment is contingent upon:

• successful completion of a background check investigation, including a criminal background check
• reference checks

Employment may also be contingent upon job-based requirements if applicable for your position:

• satisfactory credit check
• successful completion of a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)
• pre-employment drug testing
• confirmation of credentials

After initial hiring, employees will be required to complete training:

• New employee orientation
• VSU\'s Annual Compliance Training, including USG Ethics Policy, Conflict of Interest/Outside Activities Policy, Drug Free Workplace, Sexual Misconduct and Title IX, FERPA, Motor Vehicle Policy, Workers Compensation, Georgia Open Records Act
• USG Cybersecurity Training (required twice yearly) and job-specific training such as FMLA and Worker's Compensation, Budget Manager training, Purchasing Training, Defensive Driving

Equal Employment Opportunity

Valdosta State University is an equal opportunity educational institution. It is not the intent of the institution to discriminate against any applicant for admission or any student or employee based on age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.

Accommodations

If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting the Office of Human Resources.