Assistant Professor/Director of Bands (Tenure-Track)

Assistant Professor/Director of Bands (Tenure‑Track)
Central State University, an 1890 Land‑Grant Institution and historically black university (HBCU), seeks a dynamic and inspirational leader to serve as Assistant or Associate Professor of Music and Band Director. The selected candidate will lead the band program and its ensembles, including the Invincible Marching Marauders, Robeson Chamber Winds, Pep Band, and Concert Band.

Institution and Department
The Department of Fine and Performing Arts, accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), operates within the School of Communications and Visual Arts.

Job Summary
Central State University prepares students with diverse backgrounds for leadership, research, and service. The university fosters academic excellence within a nurturing environment and provides a strong liberal arts foundation for professional careers and advanced studies.

Position Description
This role requires leadership, organizational skills, and a talent for teaching. Candidates are expected to teach classes, advise students, and recruit for the Music Unit and the university.

Duties and Responsibilities

Direct the activities of the band(s), including rehearsals, performances, and trips

Supervise students during travel, performances, and events

Teach classes including, but not limited to, Band and Orchestral Literature and Arranging, Fundamentals of Conducting, and Advanced Instrumental Conducting

Use creative pedagogical methods to help students learn, including some who do not read music

Advise students on class selection, scholastic responsibility, and graduation requirements

Track student academic progress in the band program and facilitate support to ensure eligibility

Recruit new band members and music majors for the Music Unit and the university

Oversee the band program’s artistic direction, scholarship opportunities, inventory management, and fundraising activities

Cooperate and collaborate with colleagues in the Music Unit

Apply versatility in response to the evolving needs of the Music Unit

Navigate cordial and professional relationships among administrators, colleagues, alumni, students, and local, regional, and national community stakeholders

Follow the Faculty Handbook and the Collective Bargaining Agreement between faculty and administration

Bring commendation and recognition to the university’s band program

Work closely with academic and athletic programs

Update the band’s policy and procedure handbook as needed

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The selected candidate will demonstrate musical excellence, fluidity on an instrument, and robust knowledge of wind, symphonic, and marching‑band literature. The candidate must show mastery in conducting, teaching, arranging, and drill design, and demonstrate evidence of integrating new technology in teaching and research. Superior interpersonal and communication skills, along with the ability to handle requests and complaints, are required. The Band Director must serve as an exemplary role model and mentor for college students, demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence for all band students, and be devoted to organization, time management, and public relations.

Minimum Qualifications
Earned Master of Music Education or Master of Music Performance degree with a conducting emphasis from an accredited university; five (5) years of successful teaching and conducting; experience as an administrator, including financial management of a band program; experience with recruiting, fundraising, and maintaining alumni relationships.

Preferred Qualifications
Terminal degree (D.M.A. or Ph.D.) in Music Education or Music Performance with a conducting emphasis from an accredited university; five (5) years of successful college teaching and conducting; experience with public school band programs; experience as a clinician and/or adjudicator at the state, regional, and/or national level; familiarity with the culture and history of Central State University; and/or experience providing leadership at an HBCU.

Special Instructions to Applicants
All offers of employment at Central State University are contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check, including verification of education and employment history, criminal history check, driving record (if applicable), drug screening, and tax compliance review. Certain positions may require additional screenings based on job responsibilities, regulatory requirements, or funding sources. Failure to successfully complete the required background check or provide accurate and complete information may result in withdrawal of an offer or termination of employment.

Required Documents

Cover Letter

Curriculum Vitae

Unofficial Transcripts

Optional Documents

Teaching Philosophy

Performance or Rehearsal Video

Contact Email: ldrakeford@centralstate.edu

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