Music director

Position Summary:

The Department of Music in the College of Arts and Sciences at North Central College invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track music faculty position beginning August 1, 2026. We anticipate appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor, but advanced ranks will be considered for qualified candidates. The successful candidate will serve as Director of Bands, conducting Concert Winds and the Cardinal Athletic Bands while contributing to the growth and visibility of the music program.

This is a 9.5-month appointment with a competitive salary and a 3–2 teaching load.

The duties in this role include:

+ Direct Concert Winds and the Cardinal Athletic Bands (marching and pep bands).

+ Teach additional courses in the Department of Music based on expertise and departmental needs.

+ Mentor and advise students.

+ Maintain an active record of scholarship or creative work consistent with departmental guidelines.

+ Engage in professional development to remain current in the field of band conducting.

+ Contribute to departmental service, including student recruitment and advising, admissions events, curricular development, and faculty searches.

+ Participate in college-wide service, including required meetings, events, and major service roles.

Basic Qualifications:

Basic qualifications are required at the time of application.

+ Doctorate of Musical Arts in Conducting or a related field completed by the time of appointment (advanced ABD candidates will be considered).

+ Successful experience directing both concert band and athletic band at the collegiate level.

+ Ability to connect with area band program directors.

+ Understanding of the role of band and orchestra within the field of Music Education.

+ Demonstrated excellence in conducting, teaching, and student mentorship.

+ Evidence of active scholarship or creative activity.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred qualifications are not required qualifications for the position.

+ Experience with program building and recruitment.

+ Versatility in teaching courses such as conducting, music history, or music theory, depending on expertise.

+ Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Salary Range:

The budgeted salary range for this position is:

+ Assistant Professor: $62,000 – $67,000

+ Associate Professor: $72,000 – $78,000

+ Professor: $83,000 – $88,000

About NCC :

Founded in 1861, North Central College is a selective, comprehensive liberal arts institution of about 3000 students, located 28 miles west of Chicago in Naperville. The College is in a period of growth with the addition of a $60 million Science Center (2017), and a new Health Sciences and Engineering building (2020). The college is within walking distance of the Naperville Metra station and is next to downtown Naperville. The Naperville area is home to many excellent school districts and Naperville, IL has been ranked as one of the best places to live by Money magazine.

North Central College values diversity, equity and inclusion and strongly encourages candidates who would enrich the diversity of the campus community to apply. Experience working with diverse student populations and communities is highly desirable.

Application Window:

Open date: October 13, 2025

Initial review date: November 13, 2025

Apply by initial review date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: December 14, 2025

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

For more information, please visit:

Interested candidates should complete and submit an application with all required documentation online at:

For further information, contact Dr. Susan Chou, Chairperson, Department of Music, at [email protected].