Professor, Director of Choral Activities

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hugh Hodgson School of Music at The University of Georgia seeks a dynamic senior faculty member to contribute to teaching and creative activities in choral music, and leadership of the Choral Activities area as Director. The anticipated start date is January 1, 2027.

Responsibilities include directing Hodgson Singers and Repertory Singers, shaping graduate programs, recruiting and mentoring students, and collaborating across departments to advance choral education on a national level.

Qualifications

• Terminal degree in Choral Conducting required.
• Demonstrated leadership of choral ensembles and programs.
• Experience building graduate MM and DMA conducting programs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Artistic Director and primary conductor of Hodgson singers and graduate choir.
• Provide leadership for the choral area within the Hodgson School of Music.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and graduate assistants to strengthen choral traditions.
• Lead and develop MM and DMA programs in conducting through teaching and repertoire.

Skills

Choral conducting

Leadership

Graduate program development

Recruitment & mentorship

Outreach & collaboration

Education

Terminal degree in Choral Conducting

Job description

Posting Number

F2789P

Working Title

Professor, Director of Choral Activities

Department

Franklin-School of Music

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full‑time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

The choral area (https://music.uga.edu/choirs) is home to seven ensembles serving the university and Athens community and a robust and competitive graduate choral conducting program (MM and DMA). Singers, graduate conducting students, and faculty benefit from a supportive creative environment, interaction with noteworthy guest artists and ensembles, excellent facilities, and regular opportunities to collaborate with instrumentalists. The Hugh Hodgson School of Music (www.music.uga.edu) is among the leading schools of music in the region and nationally. Home to approximately six hundred students and a faculty of sixty‑five, the Hodgson School includes comprehensive programs, with degrees at the undergraduate level through the master’s and doctorate. Our celebrated faculty, outstanding facilities, and talented students build a supportive and rich environment for artistic and scholarly growth. Each year the School hosts nearly 350 public performances. Graduates from our programs have been internationally successful in their chosen fields. The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of UGA’s learning environment, advancing knowledge, research, and creative activity across more than 40 departments, schools, and institutes. With a vision for high‑impact research and education, Franklin College prepares students for leadership and global engagement in a sustainable future. The College has a strong commitment to multidisciplinary research, collaboration and academic innovation.

College/Unit/Department website

https://music.uga.edu/choirs

Posting Type

External

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Anticipated Start Date

01/01/2027

Job Posting Date

09/04/2026

Open until filled

Yes

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Classification Title

Professor

Faculty Rank

Professor

Contract Type

Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status

Tenured

Minimum Qualifications

Terminal degree in Choral Conducting.

Position Summary

The Hugh Hodgson School of Music at the University of Georgia (UGA) seeks a dynamic senior faculty member to contribute to teaching and creative activities in choral music, and leadership of the Choral Activities area as Director. The anticipated start date is January 1, 2027.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Artistic Director and primary conductor of the UGA Hodgson Singers, the School’s flagship choral ensemble, as well as the UGA Repertory Singers, the graduate recital choir, which functions both as a performance ensemble and as a master‑class environment for graduate conducting students.
• Provide leadership for the choral area at the University of Georgia’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music, which currently includes seven ensembles.
• Work closely with other faculty, staff, and graduate student assistants in building upon one of the strongest choral traditions in the country.
• Lead and develop the graduate MM and DMA programs in choral conducting through the instruction of conducting, literature, pedagogy, and/or related fields.
• Recruit, advise, and mentor graduate conducting students.
• Supervise graduate research and performances including capstone projects and research papers.
• Engage with appropriate third parties in fulfillment of the university’s outreach mission, including:
  • Interaction with educators and students in the state and region through educational outreach and recruitment activities such as on‑campus student festivals and events, school visits, and conference presentations and performances.
  • Foster and engage in collaborations across the Hugh Hodgson School of Music, Franklin College, the University, and the broader professional and artistic community.
• Maintain and develop an active national/international reputation as a conductor, clinician, and pedagogue.
• Join colleagues in advancing and refining the Hodgson School’s vision for inclusive and comprehensive music education in the 21st century.
• Other duties and committee work as assigned.

Additional Requirements

Candidates considered for the Professor rank must have qualifications and academic credentials that are commensurate with the promotion and tenure guidelines at the University of Georgia (https://provost.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/ptu-criteria-music-hugh-hodgson.pdf). Candidates must be approved for tenure upon appointment before hire.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Evidence of an established national or international reputation in college‑level or professional choral conducting
• Ability to lead and motivate collegiate singers at all levels of ability through recruitment, the establishment of a supportive, positive, and productive rehearsal culture, and the planning and execution of dynamic, educational, and entertaining concert experiences and outreach initiatives
• Evidence of innovative programming including repertoire of diverse style periods, traditions, and representing marginalized composers, as well as major choral orchestral works and/or opera
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to a dynamic, holistic music program that prepares students for music careers in the 21st century, including initiating and leading innovative community engagement projects in a region known for its music and arts culture
• Demonstrated ability to lead multi‑ensemble choral programs at a prestigious, large, public university.

Is this a Position of Trust?

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

No

Does this position require a P-Card? :

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications):

No

Credit and P-Card policy:

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy:

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre‑employment drug test for positions with high‑risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.