Director, School of Music

Director, School of Music

Company:
The University of Arizona

Job Location:
Tucson, 85724

Category:
Music

Type:
Full-Time

Posting Number: req25511

Department: School of Music

Location: Tucson Campus

Address: Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The University of Arizona's School of Music is entering a pivotal moment of transformation. For those who see music not only as a discipline but as a force shaping culture, education, and community life, this is an opportunity to lead a school poised to expand its impact and reimagine how a land-grant research university prepares students for an evolving professional landscape.

The School is grounded in excellence, with award-winning faculty, distinguished scholars, and exceptional musicians. Students pursue meaningful careers across performance, education, arts leadership, and community engagement. As part of Arizona Arts, it connects the College of Fine Arts' programs in Music, Dance, Art, and Theatre, Film & Television with leading institutions and communities. Deeply embedded in Tucson's cultural fabric, the School serves as a cornerstone of Arizona's arts community through partnerships with K-12 schools, community organizations, and regional arts institutions.

The global music profession is rapidly changing, and today's musicians build portfolio careers spanning academia and industry. The Director will lead a collective re-envisioning of the School's culture, curriculum, and partnerships to balance established strengths with forward-looking approaches to versatility, evolving career pathways, and interdisciplinary collaboration, while upholding shared governance. The School offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs in performance, music education, composition, conducting, musicology, music theory, and arts leadership. Its growing Bachelor of Arts program reflects demand for flexible, interdisciplinary study. Faculty mentorship, ensemble experiences, and real-world engagement are central to student success.

The University seeks a collaborative, imaginative academic leader with pedagogical expertise and a record of research or creative distinction to build on the School's history while advancing its relevance, visibility, and impact. The Director will strengthen academic programs, support faculty and staff, champion student success, enhance research and creative activity, and advance partnerships, development, and transparent operations.

The University of Arizona is a leading AAU and R1 Institution with over $1 billion in annual research expenditures. Tucson offers a rich environment shaped by various traditions and a vibrant arts community.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Academic Vision and Excellence
- Lead the continued evolution of a rigorous, forward-looking curriculum grounded in musical excellence, creative inquiry, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• Leverage the School's traditions and strengths while advancing innovation in teaching, research, and performance.

Faculty, Staff, and Culture
- Foster a culture of respect, transparency, collaboration, and shared purpose.
• Support the professional growth of faculty and staff and foster a positive and creative academic environment.

Student Experience and Success
- Strengthen recruitment and retention through programs that connect learning with performance, professional practice, and community engagement.
• Champion pathways that prepare students for meaningful and sustainable musical careers.

Research and Creative Practice
- Support faculty and student research, performances, publications, and creative work across disciplines.
• Enhance the School's visibility and impact within the University's R1 and AAU research context.

Partnerships and Advancement
- Collaborate with the College and Arizona Arts development teams to strengthen relationships with alumni, donors, and community partners.
• Serve as an ambassador for the School locally, nationally, and internationally.

Operational Leadership
- Manage budgets, personnel, facilities, and resources with transparency and care.
• Ensure that facilities and equipment support the evolving needs of 21st century music education and performance.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to commitment to faculty, staff, and student development.
• Interest and ability to build strong external partnerships and advancing development initiatives.
• Outstanding communication skills.
• Ability to secure support from a wide range of Faculty, Staff, and Culture
• Demonstrated ability to inspire, unify, and lead a multifaceted academic community.

Minimum Qualifications

• A terminal degree in a relevant field.
• A record of professional achievement sufficient for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor.

Preferred Qualifications

• Academic administrative experience aligned with the demands of the position.
• An established record of research, performance, creative practice, or leadership consistent with the School's mission.
• Experience with financial and organizational models in complex research institutions.

Rank: Professor

Tenure Information
Tenured (T)

FLSA: Exempt

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1.0

Work Calendar: Fiscal

Job Category: Academic Administration

Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay: $180,000 - $195,000

Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Type of criminal background check required: Fingerprint criminal background check (security sensitive due to title or department)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Contact Information for Candidates

For questions contact the Search Committee Chair
Dr. Amelia (Amy) Kraehe
akraehe@arizona.edu

Open Until Filled: Yes

Documents Needed to Apply:

Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and One Additional Document

Special Instructions to Applicant

To apply, please submit:

• A curriculum vitae
• A letter of interest describing your qualifications for the position and how your experience and vision align with the University of Arizona Purpose and Values and the School of Music's Mission.
• Contact information for three to five references (can be listed on one separate document).

Applicants advancing to the second round of review may be asked to provide additional materials.

Review of Applications begins April 20, 2026, and will remain open until filled. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool.

Apply Now