"Music and Theatre Arts: Assistant Professor as Orchestra Director"

Job Details

POSITION: Probationary tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor beginning August 17, 2026. The Department of Music and Theatre Arts seeks a dynamic candidate committed to recruiting, maintaining, and directing a strong and active orchestra program.

QUALIFICATIONS: Earned doctorate required, with a specialty in orchestral conducting. ABD applicants considered, but terminal degree must be finished by March 21, 2027. Demonstrated success as an orchestral conductor. Experience recruiting and teaching at the collegiate level is desired. Background as a string player strongly preferred. Commitment to equity and inclusiveness and/or ability to bring diverse perspectives and experiences to campus is desired. Minimum of three years of experience teaching in public schools considered an asset.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Conduct the University Symphony Orchestra. Teach conducting course for majors, applied conducting and score study. Conduct the orchestra in the musical/opera and department events such as the Holiday Concert and Viennese Ball. Other courses and responsibilities such as music appreciation, orchestral literature, string pedagogy, and string techniques, may be possible according to candidate interest/experience and departmental need. Coordinate and oversee orchestra tours, clinics, and festivals. Participate in orchestra recruiting and events.

DEPARTMENT: The Department of Music and Theatre Arts serves approximately 420 majors and minors supported by 31 full-time and 10 part-time faculty. The department and its musical programs are highly regarded in the state and region and enrich the Eau Claire community while providing outstanding academic opportunities. Our faculty are well known for the quality of their performances and for their innovative teaching. Academic programs include the BM degree in performance and composition, the BME degree in instrumental and choral music education, and the BA and BS degrees in music and musical theatre. All degree programs are fully accredited by NASM. Applicants are encouraged to peruse the Music and Theatre Arts website.

UNIVERSITY & EAU CLAIRE COMMUNITY: UW-Eau Claire, an institution of approximately 9000 students and 1200 faculty and staff, is consistently recognized as a top comprehensive university in the Midwest, and is widely known as a leader in faculty-undergraduate research and study abroad. We strive for excellence in liberal undergraduate education and select graduate and professional programs through commitment to teaching and learning and dedication to our core values of diversity, sustainability, leadership, and innovation. The City of Eau Claire, situated at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers, is at the center of a metropolitan area of approximately 100,000 people located 90 miles east of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The area features beautiful parks and trails, strong public schools, a vibrant arts scene and local food culture, and abundant recreational opportunities. Our department has a close partnership with the Pablo Center at the Confluence, where our student ensembles have opportunities to perform. In addition, many students and faculty perform with the Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra. Applicants are encouraged to consider applying for their vacant Music Director position.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Applications are submitted electronically. Please follow instructions found on the following Web site: https://wisconsin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UW_Comprehensives. Please be sure you have included the following in PDF format: Letter of application addressing position qualifications and teaching philosophy, Curriculum vita, Video recording of 3 recently conducted orchestral selections (including both performances and rehearsals), Unofficial undergraduate and graduate school transcript(s), Three current letters of recommendations. Please direct requests for additional information to: Nicholas Phillips, Department Chair; phillins@uwec.edu. To ensure consideration, completed applications must be received by October 24, 2025. However, screening may continue until position is filled. The university reserves the right to contact additional references with notice given to the candidates at an appropriate time in the process. Employment will require a background check. Employment will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding past conduct related to sexual violence and sexual harassment. The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7). The UW-Eau Claire Police Department is dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure environment for learning and working. Although crime at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is limited, the University Police want students, faculty and staff to be aware of crime on campus and the area surrounding the campus. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is a federal law that requires colleges and universities to disclose annual information about campus crime.

UW-Eau Claire is an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disability employer