Human Resources

Summary

The Department of Visual and Performing Arts at Michigan Technological University seeks a dynamic musician-educator to fill the position of instructional-track assistant teaching professor of music (Bands) starting August 2025. Michigan Tech has a growing and innovative band program with a 200-member pep band, an auditioned wind symphony, a non-auditioned concert band, two large jazz ensembles, and a New Orleans-style brass band. This position entails overseeing and advising the Pep Band, directing the R&D Jazz Band, coaching jazz combos, and may include conducting the Campus Concert Band. Other activities will include teaching courses in music (Jazz History, Music Appreciation, other courses depending on expertise), directing/coaching chamber ensembles, advising student organizations, and participating in regional tours.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a high level of musicianship, experience in playing and directing jazz, knowledge of band repertoire, and a strong commitment to music education.

Michigan Tech attracts world-class faculty and staff who enrich the educational experience of smart, motivated, and adventurous students. Applicants who are committed to promoting a sense of belonging and contributing to an equitable and inclusive learning environment for all are strongly encouraged to apply. Please see Engagement and Belonging.

Responsibilities 

Oversee and advise the Huskies Pep Band.
Direct R&D Jazz Band.
Teach History of Jazz, Music Appreciation, and other music courses as needed.
Coach Jazz Combos or other small ensembles or chamber groups.
Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work.
Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

MM (or MA) in music completed by August 2025

Required Experience

Evidence of excellence in directing ensembles and teaching at the university level.
Minimum one year teaching at the university level.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

DMA (or PhD) in Music.
Advanced skills on a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

Ability to play and teach jazz.
Professional performing and/or directing experience.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

Experience with band repertoire.
Ability to demonstrate jazz techniques on multiple instruments.
Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons from diverse backgrounds, creating a sense of belonging, and fostering a fair, objective, welcoming place to work for persons with a wide variety of personal characteristics and viewpoints.

Language, Mathematics and/or Reasoning Skills

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.

Required University Training:

• Employee Safety Overview

• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training

• Annual Data Security Training 

• Annual Title IX Training

Background Check:

Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Other Conditions of Employment:

The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States on or before the effective date of the appointment. This is not an E-Verified Position.

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

9 months

Shift

Pay Rate/Salary

Title of Position Supervisor

Department Chair

Posting Type

Dependent on Funding

Special Instructions to Applicants (if applicable)

Applicants will apply online at: http://www.employment.mtu.edu/cw/en-us/job/493724. Candidates will submit the following:

1) Cover letter
2) Curriculum vitae
3) YouTube link (preferred) or other video and/or audio of you playing jazz.
4) YouTube link (preferred) or other video of you rehearsing an ensemble.

Questions may be addressed to Search Committee Chair, Adam Meckler, at abmeckle@mtu.edu.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. You must submit all materials requested for full consideration.

Additional Information

Michigan Technological University established in 1885, is a nationally recognized research university and a leader in science and engineering education. Michigan Tech ranks in the top tier of national universities, according to U.S. News & World Report’s latest edition of America’s Best Colleges.

Michigan Tech is located in Michigan’s scenic Upper Peninsula on the south shore of Lake Superior. Houghton and the surrounding Keweenaw Peninsula are well known for natural beauty and abundant outdoor activities in all seasons. Houghton was ranked in “The 100 Best Small Towns in America.” Houghton provides a unique setting where natural beauty, culture, education and the diversity of residents from around the world come together to provide a superb living experience.

Michigan Tech is an ADVANCE institution, one of a limited number of universities in receipt of NSF funds in support of our commitment to increasing diversity and the participation and advancement of women in STEM.

Michigan Tech recognizes the importance of supporting faculty members’ partners; candidates selected for on-campus interviews will be invited to bring a guest.