Assistant Professor/Director of Bands (Tenure-Track)

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number 0801835 Classification Title Assistant Professor/Director of Bands (Tenure-Track) Working Title Department Communications and Visual Arts Department Contact Email ldrakeford@centralstate.edu Job Summary/Basic Function

Central State University is a Historically Black University (HBCU) that prepares students with diverse backgrounds and experiences for leadership, research, and service. The University fosters academic excellence within a nurturing environment and provides a strong liberal arts foundation leading to professional careers and advanced studies. Central's Department of Fine and Performing Arts, which is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), is committed to providing pre-professional training for students seeking careers in music education, music performance, and jazz studies. The department strives to create and sustain a nurturing academic, intellectual, and artistic environment.

Position Description:

Central State University, an 1890 Land-Grant Institution, 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. This position 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.

The selected candidate will fulfill the following 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 students that do not read music
• Advise students on class selection, scholastic responsibility, and graduation requirements
• Track student's academic progress in the band program and facilitate support to ensure their academic 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, as well as 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 a robust knowledge of wind-, symphonic-, and marching-band literature. He or she must show mastery in conducting, teaching, arranging, and drill design; and demonstrate evidence of integrating new technology in teaching and research. The successful candidate will possess superior interpersonal and communication skills and be capable of handling requests and complaints. Also, the new Band Director must be an exemplary role model and mentor for college students, demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence for all students in the band program, and be devoted to organization, time management, and public relations.

Minimum Qualifications

Required qualifications are an earned Master of Music Education or Master of Music Performance degree with a conducting emphasis from an accredited university; 5 years of successful teaching and conducting; experience as an administrator, including the financial management of a band program; and experience with recruiting, fund raising, and maintaining alumni relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include the experience above, plus a terminal degree (D.M.A. or Ph.D.) in Music Education or Music Performance with a conducting emphasis from an accredited university; 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.

Posting Date 06/30/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

All offers of employment at Central State University are contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check. This may include, but is not limited to, 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.

Position Category Faculty - Tenure Track Appointment Budgeted Annual Salary Commensurate with experience

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Do you have a Master's Degree or higher in a music related area?

• Yes

• No

• Do you have successful college-level teaching experience?

• YES

• NO

Required Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Unofficial Transcripts

Optional Documents

• Teaching Philosophy
• Performance or Rehearsal Video