Director of Opera with a Tenure Line Assistant or Associate Professor Appointment in the School of Music

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Classical Music, Coaching, Code of Federal Regulations, College Level Faculty, Communication Skills, Disability Accommodations, Higher Education, Mentoring, Music, Organizational Skills, Philosophy, Public Safety, Team Player, Training/Teaching, Video Production
LOCATION
Salt Lake City, UT
POSTED
10 days ago

Posting Details

The University of Utah, an AA/EO employer, encourages applications from all qualified individuals, and provides reasonable accommodation to the known disabilities of applicants and employees. The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students, staff, faculty and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education, employment opportunities, and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented groups.

Position Information

Proposed Faculty Rank Assistant/Associate Professor Department 00078 - School of Music City Salt Lake City, UT Track Tenure Track New Position to Begin July 01, 2027 Details

DUTIES: (1) Teach Opera Workshop class for undergraduate and graduate performance students. (2) Assist with role preparation and stagecraft for opera productions, and provide individualized coaching to singers on interpretation, diction, dramatic expression, and stage presence. (3) Direct staged opera scenes and/or full productions in collaboration with the opera program's principal coach, conductor, and production team. (4) Mentor students on all aspects of professional preparation, including repertoire selection, audition technique, career strategy, and industry networking. (5) Collaborate with faculty colleagues in voice, collaborative piano, conducting, and other areas to integrate performance training with the department's curricular goals. (6) Maintain an active profile as a performer, director, or other industry professional, contributing to the visibility and prestige of the program. (7) Participate in departmental, college, and university service, including recruitment, auditions, and outreach activities.

QUALIFICATIONS: (1) Master's degree in vocal performance, opera, or a closely related field (doctoral degree preferred). (2) Significant professional experience as an opera singer, opera director, or vocal coach at the national or international level. (3) Demonstrated success in teaching opera performance, acting for singers, or related subjects at the collegiate or conservatory level. (4) Proven ability to mentor emerging artists in artistic, technical, and career development. (5) Excellent communication and collaborative skills.

ADDITIONAL PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience producing or directing full-scale operatic productions. Established professional network within the opera and classical music industry. Ability to teach additional courses such as acting, movement, or vocal literature.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Information

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number, can be located at https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/.

Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu.

Notice

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/

This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

Special Instructions for Candidates

PROCEDURE: The letter of application, curriculum vitae (including the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of 3 to 5 persons who can provide a reference), succinct teaching/directing philosophy statement, (unofficial) copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and links to a rehearsal video AND a production performance video (university level) demonstrating a variety of musical styles must be submitted electronically. The review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position has been filled. Review of candidate submissions will begin September 1, 2026 and candidates should submit by that date to ensure full consideration. Candidates who proceed to the second stage will need to submit 3 confidential letters of recommendation, and those who advance to the final level will be required to participate in a routine FBI background check. For more information, or to suggest nominations for this position, contact: Kirstin Chávez (k.chavez@utah.edu) or Julie Wright-Costa (julie.wrightcosta@utah.edu)

Open Date 07/01/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Requisition Number PRN01538CF Type Faculty

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

  • Cover Letter
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Teaching Statement
  • Transcripts
  • List of References

Optional Documents

About the Company

U

University of Utah

The state’s oldest and largest institution of higher education, the University of Utah is the flagship university of the state. The University offers more than 100 undergraduate and 90 graduate degree programs to more than 31,000 students (23,500 undergraduate and 7,500 graduate). The University is noted for its high research profile, its diversity of ideas and people, its stunningly beautiful setting and the warmth, friendliness, and collegiality of its faculty staff, and students. Imagine yourself working in a collaborative, creative, respectful environment where everyone’s contribution is needed and appreciated – University of Utah!

COMPANY SIZE
1,500 to 1,999 employees
INDUSTRY
Education
FOUNDED
1850
WEBSITE
http://www.utah.edu/