Director of athletic / lecturer

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY  

Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music  

Director of Athletic Bands

Lecturer of Conducting

The Northwestern University Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music and Northwestern University Department of Athletics invite applications for a faculty appointment as Director of Athletic Bands at the rank of Lecturer, beginning July 1, 2026. This position combines leadership of high-profile athletic band programs—including marching band and pep bands—within a premier Big Ten university athletics program with teaching responsibilities in conducting, music education, or related areas at a top-ranked conservatory-style school of music.

Responsibilities

In coordination with the Department of Athletics and the Bienen School of Music, the Director of Athletic Bands will:

• Lead and manage all aspects of the university’s athletic band programs.
• Collaborate with Athletics, Student Affairs, and other campus units to support school spirit and community and alumni engagement.
• Recruit students, lead rehearsals, and conduct performances at athletic events and other university functions.
• Lead the Bienen School of Music Concert Band.
• Work with the Director of Bands and Conducting & Ensembles Program to advance the Northwestern Bands program.
• Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in music education, conducting, or related fields.
• Mentor students and participate in service, outreach, and committee work within the Bienen School of Music.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in music or related field required; doctorate preferred
• Demonstrated success in directing marching and athletic bands at the collegiate level; record of artistic leadership within an athletic bands program
• Established national reputation as a wind conductor
• Workingknowledge of the rules and regulations of the Big Ten conference and NCAA
• Effective communication and organizational skills
• A commitment to and proven record of successful recruitment and teaching
  
  

Preferred Qualifications :  

Ideal candidates will possess a proven record of successful teaching in a school or department of music within a university, a commitment to collaborative collegial engagement, and a doctoral degree.

The expected base pay range for this position is $95,000-$110,000. This base pay range is for a nine-month academic appointment and is inclusive of any athletic band responsibilities that occur outside of the standard academic year, including summer marching band camp.

Northwestern University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including years since terminal degree, training, and field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal comparators; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. Visit us at to learn more.

Application : Screening begins Monday, November 24, 2025, and continues until position is filled. Candidates must submit: 1) a letter of application; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) links to video recordings of recent rehearsals and performances in both marching and concert band settings (approx. 20 minutes for each); 4) a  statement of equitable teaching and inclusive artistic philosophies that prepare students for success ; and 5 ) names and contact information of three references . Questions should be directed to Professor Robert Taylor, Search Committee Chair, at [email protected] . Visit for information regarding the Bienen School of Music.

Please read ALL instructions and make preparations before proceeding to the application page:

• Applications will only be accepted via online submission (see link below).
• Please prepare all documents in advance as Adobe PDF files, and please be sure all information is entered correctly and accurately (especially names and email addresses), as there will be no opportunity for online revision after your application has been submitted.
• Please also prepare a list of names and email addresses for your external academic references; your references will be contacted directly by the online system and invited to upload their letters on your behalf.
• All required fields in the application form are marked with an asterisk and must be filled before clicking the “Submit” button.
• Be aware that incomplete applications cannot be saved.
  
  

Applications accepted here: Apply for Job

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non-discrimination statement . Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process .