Director of Jazz Studies and Assistant Professor

Director Of Jazz Studies

The University of Maryland School of Music seeks a dynamic and dedicated musician, educator, and leader to serve as the Director of Jazz Studies starting in the 2026–2027 academic year. The candidate should have a record of national and/or international accomplishments and the broad range of skills necessary to mentor students in the creation and performance of jazz music.
The successful candidate will provide leadership to the Jazz Studies program by:
maintaining a high level of performance excellence;
integrating the program into the broader School of Music community;
collaborating with colleagues in other divisions;
developing and supervising the undergraduate and graduate degree programs and curricula;
overseeing the annual program budget; and
coordinating teaching assignments of full-time and adjunct faculty and graduate assistants.
Teaching responsibilities include: leading the UMD Jazz Ensemble(s), coaching and mentoring the Fellowship Graduate Combo, and advising undergraduate and graduate students in the Jazz program. Responsibilities may also include applied teaching, improvisation, music business, courses on the culture and/or history of jazz, jazz theory, jazz arranging and/or composition.
The Director of Jazz Studies will also serve on School of Music, College of Arts and Humanities, and University committees as assigned or elected; participate on recital and dissertation examination committees as appropriate; recruit diverse graduate and undergraduate students; maintain an active and visible performance profile at the local, national, and international level; build professional relationships with regional and national jazz institutions; promote engagement with the immediate community surrounding the University and throughout the State of Maryland, and contribute to a positive learning environment.
We seek candidates whose research, teaching, and service have prepared them to contribute to all of the pillars of the ARHU Strategic Plan: Transformative Thinking; Boundless Creativity; Expansive Empathy; and Meaningful Futures. Contributions toward those goals and values might include leadership in teaching, mentoring, research, or service towards building an equitable and inclusive scholarly environment and/or increasing access or participation of all individuals equitably and fairly.
Required Application Materials: Candidates should include (a) a cover letter (b) a CV, (c) names, phone numbers, and email addresses of 3 references. Candidates may be asked to send additional materials, including videos, at a later date.
Salary Range: $90,000 - $95,000