Tenure Track Assistant Professor- Choral Activities

OVERVIEW

The Department of Music, Film, and Creative Enterprise seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor to serve as the Director of Choral Activities beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year. The successful candidate will be responsible for the artistic and administrative leadership of all aspects of the University of St. Thomas undergraduate choral program.  Student-centered and collaborative teaching responsibilities for this position include Chamber Singers and Concert Choir (mixed choirs) with attendant performances including the annual Christmas Concert, and undergraduate choral conducting. To facilitate such an environment, teaching experience at both the university and secondary school level is preferred. Additional teaching responsibilities are at the discretion of the chair in communication with the faculty member.

Administrative responsibilities include providing leadership for the directors of Liturgical Choir, Donne Unite, accompanists, student staff, budget management, recruiting, community outreach through performance, ensemble and scholarship auditions, and vocal juries. 

In addition to teaching and student advising, the faculty member is expected to demonstrate an effective research program and perform service to the department, university, and/or greater community. Active professional engagement beyond teaching at St. Thomas is expected such as: national and international conducting/presentations, national organization leadership, engagement with local choral community, and active research in contemporary areas relevant to choral singing. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate clear instances of actions, choices, and/or aspirations that show a commitment to matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Department, College, and University

The Department of Music, Film, and Creative Enterprise is housed in the College of Arts and Sciences at St. Thomas. Music degree options include BA in Music Business and Music, BM in Music Education and Music Performance, and a Master of Arts in Music Teaching. Learn more about the Music programs and curricula here: https://cas.stthomas.edu/departments/areas-of-study/music-film-creative-enterprise/index.html.

The University of St. Thomas is a dynamic, mission-driven, urban university. Located in a residential neighborhood with easy access to two downtown metropolitan centers with thriving music scenes, we are Minnesota’s largest private university with eight schools and colleges, 150+ undergraduate majors/minors, and 55 graduate programs.

The University of St. Thomas embraces diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity, and personal attention call us to embody and champion a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic. We are committed to building a skilled team that represents a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. This commitment is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good. A successful candidate will have a commitment to the ideals of this mission. To learn more about life as a faculty member at St. Thomas, please visit Life as a Faculty member: Joining the Faculty of St. Thomas | University of St. Thomas - Minnesota (stthomas.edu)

Salary & Benefits

The University of St. Thomas offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits program, which includes:

• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees and dependents upon eligibility
• Up to 50% tuition remission for spouses upon eligibility
• A generous employer retirement contribution of 9.4% of annual salary upon eligibility
• Medical, dental, and vision options Employer-paid disability, life, and AD&D benefits

QUALIFICATIONS

A doctorate, U.S. or foreign equivalent, in music is required. Alternatively, ABD candidates nearing completion of the PhD will be considered. The successful candidate will demonstrate a fluency with effective vocal and choral pedagogical techniques in a large ensemble, a musical vocal and artistic model, and an approach to repertoire selection that embodies inclusive and relevant excellence. The successful candidate will also have a demonstrated history of successful student recruitment to choral ensembles, and an active national and international scholarly agenda.

How to Apply

Applications are due by September 30, and review will begin October 1.

Applicants must apply online at https://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/, providing the following:

• Letter of application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Written statement discussing a choral music education philosophy that includes:
  • A rationale for repertoire selection and description of considerations for vocal pedagogy within a choral ensemble
  •  Choral ensemble administrative experience and recruitment
  •  Research interests
  • A description of scholarly agenda for the next five years
• A reflection on demonstrated and/or aspirational commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• List of 3 references

No references will be contacted without first getting the permission of the candidate. Candidates who advance in the search will be asked to submit:

Three letters of recommendation Three rehearsal/performance videos via private YouTube links.

Any questions regarding the position should be sent to the search committee chair Dr. Karen Howard at karen.howard@stthomas.edu.

Official job posting is available at www.stthomas.edu/jobs.