"Paul E. and Doris J. Moriarty Endowed Associate or Full Professor of Choral Activities"

Posting Details

Institution

South Dakota State University

Working Title

Paul E. and Doris J. Moriarty Endowed Associate or Full Professor of Choral Activities

Posting Number

F01756P

Department

SDSU-School of Performing Arts

Physical Location of Position (City)

Brookings

Posting Text

The South Dakota State University School of Performing Arts invites applications for the Paul E. and Doris J. Moriarty Endowed faculty of Choral Activities at the rank of Associate or Full Professor. We are seeking a dynamic and accomplished choral scholar whose experience and passion have prepared them to lead a premier undergraduate choral program. The successful candidate will direct the SDSU Concert Choir, uphold the program’s rich choral traditions, and continue to build its national reputation for excellence. This endowed position provides additional funding to support program development, travel, guest artists, and creative projects—offering the opportunity to further enrich the artistic life of the university and community. The selected candidate will join a collegial and supportive faculty dedicated to student success and the continued legacy of choral excellence and music educator training at South Dakota State University. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track, benefits-eligible position with an anticipated start date of August 22, 2026.

The School of Performing Arts is housed in the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, a stunning facility with outstanding spaces designed specifically for performance, rehearsal, and instruction in the disciplines of music, theatre, and dance. The voice unit is staffed by four full-time faculty members. Over 300 students enroll in its choirs each semester (Concert Choir, Choralia Women’s Chorus, Statesmen Men’s Chorus). South Dakota State University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music to provide curricula leading to undergraduate degrees in music.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide artistic and administrative leadership for the SDSU choral program, including conducting the premier choral ensemble and coordinating all choral activities.
• Teach courses, conduct additional ensembles, and/or coach voice students based on expertise and program needs.
• Provide leadership in the recruitment and retention of talented undergraduate choral students.
• Develop and sustain relationships with professional organizations, University leaders, and regional high schools to support the mission of the School.
• Lead efforts in community engagement and public performance, maintaining a visible and vibrant choral presence within the region.
• Engage in scholarly/creative activities consistent with the expectations of an endowed professor at a land-grant university.
• Support undergraduate research and creative activity by preparing students to enter competitions, attend summer symposia, and involve themselves in related scholarly activity.
• Participate actively in faculty governance, curriculum development, assessment, and service at the school, college, and university levels.

BENEFITS:

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Doctorate in Choral Conducting or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated success as a choral conductor, particularly with collegiate-level or similarly advanced ensembles.
• A record of effective university-level teaching and research, scholarship, and creative activity to warrant appointment at the Associate or Full Professor level.
• Evidence of leadership and cultivating growth in undergraduate music education.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated success in recruiting and retaining undergraduate music students.
• Experience conducting a variety of choral ensemble types.
• Public school teaching experience or significant engagement with K–12 music educators and students.
• Demonstrated success in community engagement.
• Active involvement in regional or national professional organizations.
• Experience with national or international ensemble touring.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, Curriculum Vitae, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

Posting Date

12/10/2025

Closing Date

01/07/2026

Open Until Filled

Advertised Salary

The salary and rank for this position are commensurate with experience, starting at $78,000 for Associate Professor. In addition to this base salary, the endowment includes a salary supplemental that will be paid as a stipend.

Duration of the Term

9 months

Appointment Percent

100

Tenure Status

Tenure Track

Proposed Rank

Multiple Rank

Appointment Type

Regular

For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Jacob Wallace at Jacob.Wallace@sdstate.edu.