"Assistant/Associate Professor Orchestral Conducting (TT)"

Job Description

Assistant/Associate Professor Orchestral Conducting (TT)

Primary Purpose and Essential Functions:
The Conservatory of Music at the University of the Pacific invites applications for a tenure-track position as Assistant/Associate Professor Orchestral Conducting, to commence Fall 2026. The successful candidate will be an emerging or established educator and conductor, one with significant podium and pedagogical skills suitable for building and sustaining a collegiate orchestral program comprised of undergraduate and master's level music majors. The candidate will be willing and able to collaborate with colleagues in an innovative and forward-looking ensemble program. Pacific's ensembles serve students through a pool-based approach to personnel and concerts. The approach prepares students for healthy work at a professional pace and provides significant flexibility for imaginative programming.

Duties include:

• Principal conductor for Pacific's orchestral ensembles and concert cycles.
• In collaboration with Pacific's applied faculty, recruit, retain, sustain and develop collegiate/pre-professional-level ensemble of orchestral instrumental music majors, especially orchestral string students.
• Build a career of first regional and, over time, national, distinction as a musician, conductor, and pedagogue, one perceived as a clear advocate for and mentor to HS and MS orchestra students, and their teachers.
• Establish preparation, rehearsal, and performance cultures that emulate norms in professional orchestral settings.
• Sustain a modern vision for Pacific's orchestral programming, one that aligns with Pacific's missions and values.
• Sustain orchestral ensemble collaborations within and beyond Pacific's campus.
• Collaborate with faculty and students to develop healthy, efficient, and innovative orchestral ensemble program.
• Teach undergraduate conducting and mentor student conductors in rehearsal and performance settings.
• Recruit and mentor master's level conducting majors (MM, conducting degree anticipated to launch Fall 2027).
• In collaboration with relevant faculty and staff, guide operations of the orchestral ensembles.

University of the Pacific recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is foundational to the success of our valued students and employees. We prioritize policy and decision-making that demonstrates awareness of, and responsiveness to, the ways socio-cultural forces related to race, gender, ability, sexuality, socio-economic status, etc. impede or propel students, faculty, and staff.

Minimum Qualifications:

• MM in instrumental conducting or equivalent professional experience.
• An unflagging commitment to inclusion in concert programming and pedagogy.
• Emerging career as a conductor in higher education and/or professional settings.
• The ability to prepare undergraduates for careers as performers, music educators, and in an array of music careers consonant with the Conservatory's degree offerings.
• Ability to collaborate with multiple organizations on campus and in Pacific communities.
• Willingness and ability to program, conduct, and teach works for smaller sized orchestral ensembles.
• Willingness and ability to work as part of a team of ensemble leaders who share conducting duties collaboratively within Pacific's ensembles and pride themselves as mutually supportive colleagues.
• Willingness and ability to collaborate with applied faculty to develop healthy and appropriate preparation, rehearsal, and performance cultures for students in, performing with, or composing for, orchestral ensembles.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference is for conductors with experience playing in orchestral settings at collegiate and/or professional levels. Candidates who are string players are encouraged to apply.
• DMA in conducting, or the equivalent professional experience.
• Strong pedagogical abilities in all orchestral instruments, especially with orchestral string pedagogies.
• Ability to teach in a related area.
• Achievement as a collaborator with people of diverse backgrounds and in a wide array of cultures.
• Success in college level settings.
• A record of effective recruitment and program building strategies for collegiate orchestral programs.
• Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting.
• Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative but not definitive of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Frequent sitting and computer use. Occasional walking, standing, bending, kneeling, and use of phone. Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs.

Work is primarily performed in a standard musical environment with the use of computer and phones. Work performed during standard business hours between 8 AM and 5 PM. Occasional overtime is required to meet critical business deadlines. It will require some nights and weekends.

Special Instructions:

• Cover letter.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Links to three videos of work as a conductor in contrasting styles - selections of performance and, especially, rehearsal footage are encouraged, as is the inclusion of a recent work and/or a work from voices under-represented in concert music settings.
• Names and contact information of three references.
• Letters of Recommendation are to be available upon request.
• Note: This appointment is not eligible for visa sponsorship.