Assistant Professor of Music, Director of Choirs

Fort Hays State University•Hays, KS

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) in Hays, Kansas, is seeking an engaging, full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choirs to begin in August 2027. The role involves directing and administering the university's choir ensembles, including the Concert Choir and Fort Hays Singers. The successful candidate will collaborate with faculty in Music and Theatre to support university and program priorities, curriculum development, and student experiences, with a particular emphasis on fostering an inclusive environment that enhances the choral program and engages all students. The position requires a strong focus on pedagogy and student development, including teaching choral methods, choral conducting, and choral literature, as well as mentoring music education students. The Director of Choirs will also be expected to build and maintain connections with high school programs, donors, the FHSU Foundation, FHSU administration, and audiences, cultivating the ambassadorial role of the Fort Hays Singers and developing new opportunities for choral experiences. A key aspect of this role is leadership in rural music education development and advocacy, including recruiting students and networking with music education professionals in regional high schools and community colleges. FHSU Music and Theatre values community-engaged work and expects a strong record of teaching, scholarship, and service for tenure consideration.

Requirements

Doctorate in Music, or a Masters in Music with equivalent professional experience, commensurate with advanced graduate studies in Music.
3+ years of experience directing choir at the middle school and/or high school level.

Nice To Haves

Experience performing repertoire from a diverse range of cultural, artistic, and aesthetic selections.
Clear potential for a distinguished career as a conductor at regional and national levels.
Evidence of success in recruiting/retaining students in a choral program.
Experience directing choral music at the university level.
Experience working as a musical director in music theatre productions.
Piano skills sufficient for choir/musical rehearsals.

Responsibilities

Direct and oversee the program’s choir ensembles, including Concert Choir and Fort Hays Singers.
Administrate the choral program.
Work collaboratively with faculty in Music and Theatre to support university and program priorities, curriculum development, and student experiences.
Teach choral methods and choral conducting and literature.
Mentor music education students.
Foster a positive, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment and culture that promotes teamwork, personal growth, and professional development for music education students.
Forge productive connections with high school programs, donors, the FHSU Foundation, FHSU administration, and audiences.
Cultivate the ambassadorial role of the Fort Hays Singers while developing new opportunities for broad choral experiences.
Be a leader in the community and region to recruit students, advocate for the performing arts and music education, and successfully network with music education professionals in regional high schools and community colleges.
Engage in community-engaged work in teaching, scholarship, and/or service.