Assistant Professor, Music

University of Northwestern - St. Paul; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 59,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Northwestern - St. Paul invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Music to advance undergraduate instruction in the Department of Music & Theatre. The position includes coordinating vocal studies, teaching applied voice, advising students, and supervising senior projects and degree recitals.

We seek candidates who integrate faith and learning, contribute to curriculum development, and engage in professional development. Start Fall 2027, with potential flexibility.

Qualifications

• Terminal degree in vocal performance or vocal pedagogy is required or ABD/Artist Diploma considered.
• Commitment to integrating faith with teaching and scholarship.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses and plan clearly articulated syllabi with effective LMS use.
• Coordinate vocal area, oversee auditions, juries, and music scholarships.
• Contribute to curriculum design and program assessment.
• Advise and mentor students, including internships and recital supervision.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and scholarly activity.
• Collaborate with department leadership to build partnerships for internships and employment.
• Support recruitment, retention and participation in department and university priorities.

Skills

Vocal performance

Vocal pedagogy

Teamwork

Written & Verbal Communication

Education

Terminal degree in vocal performance, vocal pedagogy, or a closely related music field

ABD and Artist Diploma will receive consideration

Job description

Title: Assistant Professor, Music
VP Area: VP for Academic Affairs
Department: School of Arts & Humanities
Position Compensation: $58,956 - $61,400
Location: University Campus - St. Paul, Minnesota

Who We Are:
Northwestern is a faith-driven community, UNWavering in our Christ-centered principles and identity as those who profess faith in Jesus. Rooted in the unshakable foundation of God’s Word and our calling to impact His world, our mission and vision flow from these core values, expressed through Christ-centered higher education at the University of Northwestern - St. Paul and through gospel outreach and faithfulness with Northwestern Media.

Position Summary:
This position provides excellence in teaching by advancing Northwestern’s mission and strategic goals through undergraduate instruction in the Department of Music & Theatre. Responsibilities include coordinating vocal studies and teaching applied voice and related coursework, student advising, and supervision of senior projects and degree recitals to promote student success and career readiness. The role also contributes to recruitment and retention efforts and curriculum design, integrates technology into instruction, participates in service activities, and maintains professional expertise through ongoing development.

Target Start: Fall 2027, with potential flexibility for an earlier start.

Key Responsibilities:

Every faculty member at University of Northwestern - St. Paul, has four governing job responsibilities: teaching with effective pedagogy, serving the university through committee work and community involvement, engaging in scholarship that demonstrates discipline-specific contributions beyond UNW, and classroom faith integration. These provide the framework for the following key responsibilities.

• Teach a range of undergraduate courses integrating faith and learning across all assigned instructional formats. Includes planning and preparing courses with clearly articulated syllabi, effective use of the learning management system, and appropriate assessment, grading, and evaluation of student learning. Courses may include private voice lessons, vocal pedagogy, diction for singers, opera workshop, musical theatre workshop, and/or other areas of expertise and departmental need.
• Provide leadership and coordination for the vocal area, including adjunct voice faculty and the Collaborative Piano Coordinator; oversee auditions, juries, and music scholarships; and collaborate with choral and theatre programs.
• Contribute to curriculum design, course development, and assessment efforts in support of continuous program improvement and alignment across department degrees.
• Advise and mentor assigned students, supporting their academic progress, career readiness, and professional development, including supervision of internships and experiential learning as appropriate.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and scholarly or practitioner activity to remain current in applied discipline and effective postsecondary teaching practices.
• Collaborate with department leadership to build and sustain relationships with off-campus partners to support internships, mentorships, and employment opportunities for students.
• Contribute to the academic community through service on department and university committees, participation in student recruitment and retention initiatives, and support of institutional events and priorities.
• Perform other duties as requested or assigned.

Because our community is a significant part of our mission and the development of our students, all employees act as ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ by actively partnering with the University to disciple students in growing intellectually and spiritually, and with Northwestern Media to lead people to Christ and nurture believers to mature in their faith.

Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in vocal performance, vocal pedagogy, or a closely related music field. ABD and Artist Diploma will receive consideration.
• Demonstrated professional activity in the community
• Desire to engage in performance and/or scholarship, including the integration of profession and Christianity
• Maintain a growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, reflect His character in all interactions, and faithfully uphold and embrace Northwestern’s mission, Doctrinal Statement and Declaration of Christian Community

Nice to Have:

• Previous teaching at the post-secondary level
• Expertise in both opera and musical theatre

Key Skills:

• Independent & Teamwork: Capable of working both independently and collaboratively, with minimal supervision.
• Confidentiality: Maintains discretion and handles sensitive information appropriately.
• Organizational Skills: Strong time management and problem-solving abilities; able to prioritize and meet deadlines with attention to detail.
• Technical Proficiency: Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office and related software.
• Written & Verbal Communication: Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
• Background Check: Must pass initial and ongoing background checks as a condition of employment.

Work Environment:
The work environment involves working for a suburban, Christian university or Christian owned and operated radio station alongside those with a demonstrated commitment and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a commitment to the mission and values of Northwestern, and an agreement to abide by all Northwestern policies.

All applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States as we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Northwestern's Benefits Overview