"Director of Choirs / Open Rank"

Job Details

Link to Apply: https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/606790

Requisition Number: FE04738

Department Name: 8X230:Keyboard, Voice, and Strings

Work Location: Lexington, KY

Type of Position: Faculty

Tenure Track Status: Tenure Track

Required Education: Doctorate in Choral Conducting required

Required Related Experience:

• Demonstrated success as a conductor of collegiate choral ensembles
• A record of excellence in teaching and mentorship at the collegiate level
• Commitment to a shared leadership model with choral faculty
• Demonstrated excellence in conducting, programming, and recruiting for TTBB ensembles
• Commitment to exploring varied repertoire and amplifying voices from across the choral landscape
• Evidence of ongoing scholarly/creative activities in the field of choral music
• Experience with ensemble touring, recordings, and conference presentations

Job Summary

The University of Kentucky School of Music invites applications for the position of Director of Choirs. We seek an exceptional, visionary choral conductor and educator to collaboratively lead a dynamic, nationally recognized choral program. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to artistic excellence, student mentorship and community engagement through a shared leadership model with choral faculty. Candidates may be eligible to be named to the Endowed Professorate in Choral Studies. We welcome applications from candidates at all faculty ranks, including Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Conduct the UK Chorale, the university's premier mixed choral ensemble, and the UK Men's Chorus, a nationally recognized TTBB choir.
• Teach courses in graduate choral conducting, choral literature, and choral methods.
• Recruit undergraduate and graduate choral students, and supervise and mentor graduate conducting students, including teaching weekly individual conducting lessons.
• Through a shared leadership model with choral faculty, guide UK Choirs artistically and administratively, in ensemble programming, recruitment, touring, budgeting, and strategic planning.
• Collaborate regularly with voice faculty and other performance areas.
• Engage in national/international scholarly and creative activities, maintaining a high profile of excellence in the field.
• Serve on school, college, and university committees, and participate in professional organizations.
• Promote outreach and partnerships with area schools, community organizations, and regional music educators.

About the School of Music:

The University of Kentucky School of Music has played an important part in the development of musical life in Kentucky and beyond since 1918.

The School offers degree programs within five areas of study as well as minors in music performance and music theory & history. Our performance areas are brass, keyboard, percussion, strings, voice, and winds; each boasting world-class faculty. Additionally, we have research programs for scholars and professional training for teachers.

The University of Kentucky is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Application Materials Required:

• Cover letter addressing qualifications and interest in the position
• Curriculum Vitae
• Specific Request 1 - Vision statement for shared leadership, teaching philosophy, and artistic/scholarly excellence
• Contact information for at least three professional references

Include the names and contact information for three references when prompted in the application. This information may be used to solicit reference letters immediately within the employment system. Review of applications will begin immediately, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applications received by December 15, 2025 will be assured full consideration.

Employment at UK is subject to availability of funds and comes with comprehensive rewards, focusing on your total well-being and career development, with leadership striving to provide a strong work-life integration. The university generously contributes to employees' retirement plans, medical coverage, and life insurance. In addition, UK offers optional benefits such as dental and vision insurance, additional retirement plans and much more. To learn more about these benefits, please visit: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/our-benefits.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?: No

Open Until Filled: Yes