Director of Choral Activities, Assistant Professor

OVERVIEW

The Department of Music, Film, and Creative Enterprise in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN) seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor to serve as the Director of Choral Activities beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year. The successful candidate will be responsible for the artistic and administrative leadership of all aspects of the University of St. Thomas undergraduate choral program. Student-centered and collaborative teaching responsibilities for this position include Chamber Singers and Concert Choir (mixed choirs) with attendant performances including the annual Christmas Concert, and undergraduate choral conducting. To facilitate such an environment, the successful candidate will have teaching experience at both the university and secondary school level. Additional teaching responsibilities are at the discretion of the chair in communication with the faculty member. Administrative responsibilities include providing leadership for the directors of Liturgical Choir, Donne Unite, accompanists, student staff, budget management, recruiting, community outreach through performance, ensemble and scholarship auditions, and vocal juries.

In addition to teaching and student advising, the faculty member is expected to demonstrate an effective research program and perform service to the department, university, and/or greater community. Active professional engagement beyond teaching at St. Thomas is expected such as: national and international conducting/presentations, national organization leadership, engagement with local choral community, and active research in contemporary areas relevant to choral singing. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate clear instances of actions, choices, and/or aspirations that show commitment to an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive learning environment.

About the Department of Music, Film, and Creative Enterprise

The Department of Music, Film, and Creative Enterprise is housed in the College of Arts and Sciences at St. Thomas. Music degree options include BA in Music Business and Music, BM in Music Education and Music Performance, and a Master of Arts in Music Teaching. Learn more about the Music programs and curricula at the following link: College of Arts and Sciences.

About the University of St. Thomas

The University of St. Thomas is a dynamic, mission-driven, urban university. Located in a residential neighborhood with easy access to two downtown metropolitan centers with thriving music scenes, we are Minnesota’s largest private university with eight schools and colleges, 150+ undergraduate majors/minors, and 55 graduate programs.

The University of St. Thomas embraces diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity, and personal attention call us to embody and champion a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic. We are committed to building a skilled team that represents a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. This commitment is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good. A successful candidate will have a commitment to the ideals of this mission. To learn more about life as a faculty member at St. Thomas, please visit the following link: Life as a Faculty Member.

Salary and Benefits

The University of St. Thomas offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits program, which includes:

• Tuition remission benefits for emploees, spouses, and dependents upon eligbility
• A genrous employer retirement contribution upon eligibility
• Medical, dental, and vision options
• Employer-paid disability, life, and AD&D benefits 

Salary Range: $65,000-$73,000.

The University of St. Thomas has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The specific salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.

Applicants must have a doctorate, (U.S. or foreign equivalent), in music or other closely related field, or alternatively, ABD candidates nearing completion of their degree will be considered. The successful candidate will demonstrate a fluency with effective vocal and choral pedagogical techniques in a large ensemble, a musical vocal and artistic model, and an approach to repertoire selection that embodies inclusive and relevant excellence. The successful candidate will also have a demonstrated history of successful student recruitment to choral ensembles, and an active national and international scholarly agenda.

How to Apply

Applicants must apply online at www.stthomas.edu/jobs, providing the following:

• Letter of application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Written statement discussing a choral music education philosophy that includes:
  • a rationale for repertoire selection and description of considerations for vocal pedagogy within a choral ensemble,
  • choral ensemble administrative experience and recruitment,
  • research interests, and a description of scholarly agenda for the next five years
  • a reflection on demonstrated and/or aspirational commitment to the university’s mission and convictions. Information on the St. Thomas mission and convictions can be found at the following link: UST Mission, Convictions, and Heritage.
•  List of 3 references

No references will be contacted without first getting the permission of the candidate. Candidates who advance in the search will be asked to submit:

• three letters of recommendation
• three rehearsal/performance videos via private YouTube links.

Applications are due by September 30, and review will begin October 1.

Any questions regarding the position should be sent to the search committee chair Dr. Doug Orzolek at dcorzolek@stthomas.edu.

Official job posting is available at https://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/.