Director of Bands

The Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio State University School of Music invites applications for a 9-month tenure-track Director of Bands (Associate or Full Professor), starting August 15, 2027. The successful candidate will lead a comprehensive bands program, teach at the graduate level, and contribute to curriculum and recruitment efforts while shaping a national and international profile as a conductor and pedagogue.

Requirements include a DMA or equivalent experience, evidence of effective conducting pedagogy, and a

Qualifications

• Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrated ability to empower and support students from diverse identities and backgrounds.
• Evidence of highly effective conducting pedagogy and ability to recruit outstanding graduate conducting students.

Responsibilities

• Conduct the Ohio State Wind Symphony.
• Teach graduate conducting students.
• Provide comprehensive administrative guidance for the entire university band program, including marching and athletic bands.
• Participate in faculty governance and serve on university committees as appropriate.

Skills

Conducting

Teaching

Curriculum design

Student mentorship

Recruiting

Education

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) or equivalent experience

Job description

Position Overview

The School of Music at The Ohio State University seeks to hire a 9-month tenure track appointment for the Director of Bands (Associate or Full Professor) starting August 15, 2027.

The successful candidate will

• demonstrate evidence of successful teaching in higher education and a representative record of professional performance experience. demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching excellence, create an innovative curriculum for a broad range of students of varied identities and backgrounds who seek to explore a range of educational opportunities and career pathways, recruit and retain students of exceptional promise and develop and maintain a visible national and international profile as a conductor and pedagogue. demonstrate experience leading a comprehensive band program or comparable area of ensembles, including artistic, curricular, and personnel oversight across multiple ensembles and levels of student experience.

Performance Objectives

• Conduct the Ohio State University Wind Symphony Teach graduate conducting students Provide comprehensive administrative guidance for the entire university band program, including the marching and athletic bands Participate in faculty governance and serve on faculty and University committees as appropriate

Education and Experience Requirements

Required:

• Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree or equivalent professional experience. Demonstrated musical artistry. Ability to educate and inspire student musicians. Significant knowledge of repertoire relevant to the position.

• Demonstrated ability to empower, advocate for, and support students from a broad range of identities and experiences through: Teaching/pedagogy Mentoring Related activities

Evidence of highly effective conducting pedagogy. Ability to recruit outstanding graduate conducting students.

Additional Information

Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package.

Application closes 10/10/2026.

The College

With more than 80 majors and 100 minors, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university. The Arts and Sciences provides extraordinary opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, blending creativity and analysis to truly be at the forefront of thought. The breadth and depth of knowledge in the college gives students and researchers the critical thinking and adaptability essential for a lifetime of success.

Department Information

The School of Music, housed in the new Timashev Family Music Building, is home to a faculty of nationally and internationally recognized performing artists, composers, scholars, and master teachers who are specialists in their fields. The faculty serves a student body of approximately 415 undergraduate and 100 graduate music majors, as well as hundreds of non-music majors who are pursuing music minors, taking classes, or participating in one of the many performance ensembles. The School of Music values interdisciplinary creative and scholarly work, curricular innovation, and public engagement.

The University

Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

Grounded in Ohio State University’s Shared Values, our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression.

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.

The Ohio State University is committed to enhancing academic excellence. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining faculty of the highest caliber is a core component of this commitment. The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) has established central resources to focus on offering support to new and prospective faculty and their loved ones. Service offerings include dual career partner consultation, potential employer and/or employment opportunity identification, consultation and resources related to relocation, as well as identifying opportunities to engage on campus and in the surrounding community. While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are available. More information about dual career and faculty recruitment can be found here.

In addition to being responsive to dual-career opportunities, we strongly promote work-life balance to support our community members through a suite of institutionalized policies. Ohio State is a member of the Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania & West Virginia HERC.

Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and vibrant metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here. Beyondits Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, Ohio State Newark, in addition to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Wooster Campus, which houses Ohio State ATI.

Equality Statement

We have an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. Additionally, there may be further requirements specific to the college or unit, which could include drug and health screenings, as well as faculty misconduct checks depending on the rank of the position.