University of North Alabama
Assistant Professor or Lecturer of Music/Director of Orchestral Activities
University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama, United States, 35630
Salary:
Depends on Qualifications Location :
Florence, Alabama Job Type:
Faculty Division:
Academic Affairs Department:
Music Opening Date:
08/26/2025 FLSA:
Exempt
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. The posted salary and/or position title may be adjusted dependent on the successful candidate's education, experience, and unique qualifications as they relate to the position. Sponsorship is not available for any staff positions and unless otherwise indicated within the posting information, is not available for most faculty positions. Description
The University of North Alabama's Department of Music invites applications for Tenure-Track, Assistant Professor or Non-Tenure-Track, Lecturer of Music/Director of Orchestral Activities beginning in August of 2026. The rank of the position will depend on the successful candidate's qualifications. The Department of Music is a proud member of the UNA School of the Arts, alongside wonderful colleagues from the departments of Cinematic Arts and Theatre, Visual Arts & Design, and Entertainment Industry. Located in the Shoals, known for its rich musical heritage and vibrant creative community, the UNA Department of Music cultivates musicians equipped to contribute to the world stage.
This position also serves as the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Shoals Symphony Orchestra at UNA. The Shoals Symphony was founded in 1979 as a violin teaching program for students of all ages. Through the strong support of the Shoals community, the SSO developed into a thriving symphony. The SSO performs a variety of concerts each year including classical masterworks, pops concerts, special guest concerts including Michael Bolton, John Paul White, and Mac McAnally, and annual movie concerts.
The initial review of applications will begin immediately. For full consideration, applications must be received by November 1, 2025. Salary is commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. Essential Job Duties
The successful candidate will be expected to maintain excellence in conducting the Shoals Symphony Orchestra and the University Orchestra; teach applied lessons; develop and maintain an agenda of research and/or creative activities relevant in the field; perform recruiting activities for the department; attend faculty and other relevant meetings; and mentor and provide academic advising to students in the department.
This position is responsible for serving as artistic director and conductor of the Shoals Symphony at UNA and the University Orchestra. The successful candidate will be expected to teach in related areas such as: applied strings, string ensemble, literature and pedagogy, instrumental conducting, and string methods; develop and maintain an agenda of research, scholarship, and/or creative activities relevant in the field; serve on departmental and university committees; advise students; recruit string students; and work in collaboration with the Shoals Symphony Orchestra personnel and Board in the administration of the orchestra. Minimum Qualifications
Applicants for the Tenure-Track, Assistant Professor position must hold a doctorate in music or music education. ABD candidates close to completion of a doctorate or applicants who hold a master's degree in music may be considered for the position, but at the rank of Non-Tenure-Track, Lecturer. Specialization in viola, cello, and/or double bass is preferred. Evidence of successful, professional level conducting experience, success in recruitment of string players, interest and skill in a variety of appropriate orchestral repertoire, and a strong commitment to undergraduate string teaching are also required. Special Instructions to Applicants
Please be prepared to upload at the time of application, a cover letter, curriculum vitae with evidence of successful teaching in applied strings and orchestral conducting, and contact information for at least three professional/academic references. In addition, video links of rehearsal conducting and applied teaching are required as well as audio/video recording links of orchestral and recital performances. These links may be included as part of the resume/cv or uploaded as another document. Transcripts are also required.
Official transcripts for the highest degree attained are required of the successful candidate, but unofficial copies will be accepted for the application process. If any of your graduate hours in the relevant teaching discipline are taken from a degree(s) that is not your highest attained, an official transcript of that degree(s) must also be submitted. Electronic copies, if available, of unofficial transcripts may be attached under the attachment headings of Unofficial Transcript 1, Unofficial Transcript 2, etc. Electronic copies of unofficial/official transcripts may also be requested to be sent to
employment@una.edu . If electronic copies of transcripts are unavailable, hard copies must be sent to: Human Resources, One Harrison Plaza, UNA Box 5043, Florence, AL, 35632 or brought to 601 Cramer Way, Room 226. Official transcripts must be sent directly to HR from the issuing school via email or postal mail to be considered official. Transcripts with a designation of "Issued to Student", or with the student name listed as the recipient will not be considered official. Official transcripts will be required of the successful candidate prior to the start date of the appointment, but unofficial copies will be accepted for the application process. If you attended UNA, please click
here
to fill out an online, electronic transcript request form. Your transcripts will be delivered to HR and we will upload them to your application packet at no charge to you. For questions, please email
employment@una.edu
or call 256-765-4291 and select option #2. Selecting an option other than #2 will result in a delayed response.
UNA is an equal opportunity employer. We seek a wide range of applicants for our positions so that our core values will be affirmed. Faculty Benefit Summary For more details regarding each benefit listed below, please visit the HR website at or click on the links below. The benefits premiums listed below are effective March 1, 2025. UNA has a fully-insured group health insurance program with , which includes medical, prescription drug, vision, psychiatric, and substance abuse benefits for full-time university employees, and their eligible dependents. The University covers the full individual premium for eligible employees.Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Health/Vision/RX - Monthly Premiums
Tier Employee Cost UNA Cost Total Premium Employee $0.00 $649.45 $649.45 +Child(ren) $422.13 $649.45 $1,071.58 +Spouse $649.45 $649.45 $1,298.90 +Spouse & Child(ren) $746.22. $649.45 $1,395.67 UNA also provides dental coverage through The University covers the full individual premium for eligible employees.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Dental - Monthly Premiums
Tier Employee Cost UNA Cost Total Premium Employee $0.00 $27.54 $27.54 Family $36.34 $27.54 $63.88 UNA provides all eligible employees with basic life insurance at no cost to the employee. The basic life coverage level is 1.5 times the covered employee's annual base salary with a maximum benefit of $400,000. Included with your basic life coverage is Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage at 3 times the covered employee's annual salary. The provider for this coverage is As a member of the , eligible employees have life benefits available through the TRS. Also, for eligible active employees, a death benefit of the payment of accrued sick leave is paid to the employee's beneficiary by the University. This coverage provides benefits after a 90-day period of disability. The monthly benefit is 60% of the covered employee's monthly base salary not to exceed $10,000 per month. The cost for this benefit is paid in full by the University for eligible employees and the provider for this coverage is
Retirement Plans
The is a defined benefit plan in which participation is mandatory for eligible employees. Eligible employees are categorized by the TRS as Tier I or Tier II members.
Rates below are effective as of October 1, 2024 Tier I - Employee contribution rate is 7.5% for regular employees and 8.5% for law enforcement employees. Tier II - Employee contribution rate is 6.2% for regular employees and 7.0% for law enforcement employees. - this retirement plan is a voluntary, supplemental, deferred compensation plan.
- this plan is a voluntary, supplemental, deferred compensation plan offered by the Retirement Systems of Alabama. The University provide a $6.00 per month credit to eligible employees to offset the cost(s) for supplemental, voluntary benefits. All full-time regular employees are eligible for this benefit on the first day of the month following the completion of 90 days of employment. Flexible Spending Accounts - HealthEquity Cancer Insurance - Allstate Short-Term Disability Insurance - Fort Dearborn Life Life Insurance - Symetra Accident Coverage - Symetra Critical Illness Insurance - Symetra Hospital Indemnity Coverage - Symetra Vision Insurance - VSP Air Evac Lifeteam Long-Term Care Insurance - LTCi Plans
UNA provides remission of tuition to eligible employees and to their spouses and qualified dependent children.
Paid Time Off - Faculty are not eligible for annual leave. - Full-time regular employees are entitled to 96 work hours (12 workdays) of sick leave each year at the employee's regular rate of pay regardless of length of service. - Faculty are eligible for paid holidays.
Miscellaneous Benefits
01
Do you have a doctorate in music or music education?
No and I am not enrolled in a PhD program at this time. Yes in music. Yes in music education. No but I will hold such by the time of the appointment. No but I have a master's degree in music or music education.
02
Is your specialization in viola, cello, and/or double bass?
No Yes
03
If requested, can you provide evidence of successful professional level conducting?
No Yes
04
Have you successfully recruited string players?
No Yes
05
Do you have interest and skill in a variety of appropriate orchestral repertoire?
No Yes
06
Do you have a strong commitment to undergraduate string teaching?
No Yes
Required Question
Depends on Qualifications Location :
Florence, Alabama Job Type:
Faculty Division:
Academic Affairs Department:
Music Opening Date:
08/26/2025 FLSA:
Exempt
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. The posted salary and/or position title may be adjusted dependent on the successful candidate's education, experience, and unique qualifications as they relate to the position. Sponsorship is not available for any staff positions and unless otherwise indicated within the posting information, is not available for most faculty positions. Description
The University of North Alabama's Department of Music invites applications for Tenure-Track, Assistant Professor or Non-Tenure-Track, Lecturer of Music/Director of Orchestral Activities beginning in August of 2026. The rank of the position will depend on the successful candidate's qualifications. The Department of Music is a proud member of the UNA School of the Arts, alongside wonderful colleagues from the departments of Cinematic Arts and Theatre, Visual Arts & Design, and Entertainment Industry. Located in the Shoals, known for its rich musical heritage and vibrant creative community, the UNA Department of Music cultivates musicians equipped to contribute to the world stage.
This position also serves as the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Shoals Symphony Orchestra at UNA. The Shoals Symphony was founded in 1979 as a violin teaching program for students of all ages. Through the strong support of the Shoals community, the SSO developed into a thriving symphony. The SSO performs a variety of concerts each year including classical masterworks, pops concerts, special guest concerts including Michael Bolton, John Paul White, and Mac McAnally, and annual movie concerts.
The initial review of applications will begin immediately. For full consideration, applications must be received by November 1, 2025. Salary is commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. Essential Job Duties
The successful candidate will be expected to maintain excellence in conducting the Shoals Symphony Orchestra and the University Orchestra; teach applied lessons; develop and maintain an agenda of research and/or creative activities relevant in the field; perform recruiting activities for the department; attend faculty and other relevant meetings; and mentor and provide academic advising to students in the department.
This position is responsible for serving as artistic director and conductor of the Shoals Symphony at UNA and the University Orchestra. The successful candidate will be expected to teach in related areas such as: applied strings, string ensemble, literature and pedagogy, instrumental conducting, and string methods; develop and maintain an agenda of research, scholarship, and/or creative activities relevant in the field; serve on departmental and university committees; advise students; recruit string students; and work in collaboration with the Shoals Symphony Orchestra personnel and Board in the administration of the orchestra. Minimum Qualifications
Applicants for the Tenure-Track, Assistant Professor position must hold a doctorate in music or music education. ABD candidates close to completion of a doctorate or applicants who hold a master's degree in music may be considered for the position, but at the rank of Non-Tenure-Track, Lecturer. Specialization in viola, cello, and/or double bass is preferred. Evidence of successful, professional level conducting experience, success in recruitment of string players, interest and skill in a variety of appropriate orchestral repertoire, and a strong commitment to undergraduate string teaching are also required. Special Instructions to Applicants
Please be prepared to upload at the time of application, a cover letter, curriculum vitae with evidence of successful teaching in applied strings and orchestral conducting, and contact information for at least three professional/academic references. In addition, video links of rehearsal conducting and applied teaching are required as well as audio/video recording links of orchestral and recital performances. These links may be included as part of the resume/cv or uploaded as another document. Transcripts are also required.
Official transcripts for the highest degree attained are required of the successful candidate, but unofficial copies will be accepted for the application process. If any of your graduate hours in the relevant teaching discipline are taken from a degree(s) that is not your highest attained, an official transcript of that degree(s) must also be submitted. Electronic copies, if available, of unofficial transcripts may be attached under the attachment headings of Unofficial Transcript 1, Unofficial Transcript 2, etc. Electronic copies of unofficial/official transcripts may also be requested to be sent to
employment@una.edu . If electronic copies of transcripts are unavailable, hard copies must be sent to: Human Resources, One Harrison Plaza, UNA Box 5043, Florence, AL, 35632 or brought to 601 Cramer Way, Room 226. Official transcripts must be sent directly to HR from the issuing school via email or postal mail to be considered official. Transcripts with a designation of "Issued to Student", or with the student name listed as the recipient will not be considered official. Official transcripts will be required of the successful candidate prior to the start date of the appointment, but unofficial copies will be accepted for the application process. If you attended UNA, please click
here
to fill out an online, electronic transcript request form. Your transcripts will be delivered to HR and we will upload them to your application packet at no charge to you. For questions, please email
employment@una.edu
or call 256-765-4291 and select option #2. Selecting an option other than #2 will result in a delayed response.
UNA is an equal opportunity employer. We seek a wide range of applicants for our positions so that our core values will be affirmed. Faculty Benefit Summary For more details regarding each benefit listed below, please visit the HR website at or click on the links below. The benefits premiums listed below are effective March 1, 2025. UNA has a fully-insured group health insurance program with , which includes medical, prescription drug, vision, psychiatric, and substance abuse benefits for full-time university employees, and their eligible dependents. The University covers the full individual premium for eligible employees.Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Health/Vision/RX - Monthly Premiums
Tier Employee Cost UNA Cost Total Premium Employee $0.00 $649.45 $649.45 +Child(ren) $422.13 $649.45 $1,071.58 +Spouse $649.45 $649.45 $1,298.90 +Spouse & Child(ren) $746.22. $649.45 $1,395.67 UNA also provides dental coverage through The University covers the full individual premium for eligible employees.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Dental - Monthly Premiums
Tier Employee Cost UNA Cost Total Premium Employee $0.00 $27.54 $27.54 Family $36.34 $27.54 $63.88 UNA provides all eligible employees with basic life insurance at no cost to the employee. The basic life coverage level is 1.5 times the covered employee's annual base salary with a maximum benefit of $400,000. Included with your basic life coverage is Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage at 3 times the covered employee's annual salary. The provider for this coverage is As a member of the , eligible employees have life benefits available through the TRS. Also, for eligible active employees, a death benefit of the payment of accrued sick leave is paid to the employee's beneficiary by the University. This coverage provides benefits after a 90-day period of disability. The monthly benefit is 60% of the covered employee's monthly base salary not to exceed $10,000 per month. The cost for this benefit is paid in full by the University for eligible employees and the provider for this coverage is
Retirement Plans
The is a defined benefit plan in which participation is mandatory for eligible employees. Eligible employees are categorized by the TRS as Tier I or Tier II members.
Rates below are effective as of October 1, 2024 Tier I - Employee contribution rate is 7.5% for regular employees and 8.5% for law enforcement employees. Tier II - Employee contribution rate is 6.2% for regular employees and 7.0% for law enforcement employees. - this retirement plan is a voluntary, supplemental, deferred compensation plan.
- this plan is a voluntary, supplemental, deferred compensation plan offered by the Retirement Systems of Alabama. The University provide a $6.00 per month credit to eligible employees to offset the cost(s) for supplemental, voluntary benefits. All full-time regular employees are eligible for this benefit on the first day of the month following the completion of 90 days of employment. Flexible Spending Accounts - HealthEquity Cancer Insurance - Allstate Short-Term Disability Insurance - Fort Dearborn Life Life Insurance - Symetra Accident Coverage - Symetra Critical Illness Insurance - Symetra Hospital Indemnity Coverage - Symetra Vision Insurance - VSP Air Evac Lifeteam Long-Term Care Insurance - LTCi Plans
UNA provides remission of tuition to eligible employees and to their spouses and qualified dependent children.
Paid Time Off - Faculty are not eligible for annual leave. - Full-time regular employees are entitled to 96 work hours (12 workdays) of sick leave each year at the employee's regular rate of pay regardless of length of service. - Faculty are eligible for paid holidays.
Miscellaneous Benefits
01
Do you have a doctorate in music or music education?
No and I am not enrolled in a PhD program at this time. Yes in music. Yes in music education. No but I will hold such by the time of the appointment. No but I have a master's degree in music or music education.
02
Is your specialization in viola, cello, and/or double bass?
No Yes
03
If requested, can you provide evidence of successful professional level conducting?
No Yes
04
Have you successfully recruited string players?
No Yes
05
Do you have interest and skill in a variety of appropriate orchestral repertoire?
No Yes
06
Do you have a strong commitment to undergraduate string teaching?
No Yes
Required Question