Assistant Professor (Conducting)Music

Prerequisites

RequiredQualifications: 

• Doctorate in conducting or music education; we will consider candidates who have achieved ABD status and who will complete their degree by September 30, 2026
• Ability to teach wind ensemble and instrumental conducting

PreferredQualifications: 

• Evidence of excellence in teaching through articulation of pedagogy
• Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate students in a liberal arts community
• Demonstrated commitment to research, scholarship, and/or creative engagement
• Demonstrated commitment to constructive collaboration and recruitment in an active music department
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds and identities

Things you will do:

Gustavus faculty teach, advise, conduct research, and serve the college and department.

• Teach 6-course equivalents each academic year. In their first year, the successful candidate will receive a reduced teaching assignment of five courses, plus one fully-compensated course release. Courses may be different sections of the same course within a semester. Primary teaching responsibilities will include conducting the Gustavus Wind Orchestra (the flagship wind ensemble, which undertakes an annual tour) and the Gustavus Wind Symphony, as well as teaching conducting courses. There is the possibility of teaching an upper-level course in the candidate’s area of specialization on rotation in the music department, or teaching various music education or general education courses based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
• Help cultivate a welcoming community where everyone feels a sense of belonging. We strive to foster an environment where people can be themselves, build community, learn, and grow. 
• Improve your teaching by joining a teaching circle, participating in workshops, applying for an internal teaching development grant, and engaging in conversations about teaching with colleagues across campus.
• Advance your scholarship by working with undergraduate research assistants, joining a writing retreat, applying for an internal grant, receiving travel funds to present at conferences, receiving help applying for external grants, and making use of our research facilities.
• Develop professional skills by participating in faculty meetings and committees, attending faculty development days, and taking advantage of the College’s membership to the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD).

How to apply: 

Visit https://gustavus.edu/jobs/ and complete the online application. The documents that must be uploaded include the following:

• Letter of application that addresses the required and preferred position qualifications
• Curriculum vitae
• A brief (one page) statement of teaching philosophy
• A brief (one page) statement in which you describe how your activities in primary areas of responsibility (e.g., teaching, scholarship, service, and advising) help cultivate a welcoming community where every student feels a sense of belonging
• Link(s) to unlisted YouTube video(s) in which you rehearse a wind ensemble (10-15 minutes) and conduct a wind ensemble in performance (10-15 minutes)
• Transcripts (scanned copies acceptable)
• The names and contact information for three professional references (at least one must be able to address teaching experience and teaching effectiveness; please indicate the teaching reference in your letter of application). Please do not ask references to submit letters of recommendation; the committee will conduct reference checks by phone.

For full consideration, applications must be received by October 6, 2025. While applications may be accepted after this date, it is not guaranteed that they will be considered. At this time, please only upload the required documents listed above; finalists may be asked to submit additional items as needed. Incomplete applications will not be considered by the search committee.

Things you’ll like:

Based on data from AAUP (American Association of University Professors) and CUPA (College and University Professional Association), we offer a competitive starting salary range of $62,000 to $68,000. Actual pay will be adjusted based on job-related factors permitted by law, such as experience, training, certifications/licensure, market factors, departmental budgets, and responsibility. In addition, Gustavus provides comprehensive benefits designed to support your personal and financial well-being, including:

• Medical insurance (which includes access to Nice Healthcare) as well as dental, vision, and life insurance
• Workplace accommodations for physical or mental health concerns
• Access to mental health apps
• Onsite health services
• Free parking, exercise classes, use of library and athletic facilities
• Paid parental leave (after one year of employment)
• Employer contribution to retirement savings plan (after one year of employment)
• Tuition scholarships for dependents
• Tuition benefit plan for employees and spouse

Institution Information: Gustavus Adolphus College is one of the nation’s leading private liberal arts colleges serving 2,000 students, where faculty help equip students to lead purposeful lives and to act on the great challenges of our time. The College aspires to be a community of persons from diverse backgrounds who respect and affirm the dignity of all people. Gustavus is located on a scenic 340-acre hill in St. Peter, Minnesota, and within a short drive to the Minneapolis/Saint Paul and Mankato metro areas. Learn more at https://gustavus.edu/provost/newfaculty/. 

Gustavus Adolphus College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, or veteran status in its education or employment programs or activities.

Department Information: Gustavus Adolphus College's Department of Music offers a liberal arts-based music education. Over a third of Gustavus students engage with music through diverse courses and performance opportunities. Music majors can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Music or Music Education. The department hosts numerous annual events, including the large-scale Christmas in Christ Chapel, and its touring ensembles (Gustavus Choir, Wind Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Choir of Christ Chapel) perform globally. The campus also features the Gustavus Artist Series and Colloquium Series, bringing in guest performers, alongside over 240 annual concerts and recitals by faculty and students. More information is available at https://gustavus.edu/music/.

Posted 07/15/2025