Founding Director of Music Industry and Worship Studies

Abilene Christian University•Abilene, TX

About The Position

The Department of Music at Abilene Christian University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty member to serve as the Founding Director of Commercial Music and Worship Arts. This position involves an initial program-building phase, followed by ongoing leadership, teaching, and administrative responsibilities once the program is launched. The successful candidate will bring significant professional experience in the music industry and/or worship leadership and will be eager to help shape an innovative program that prepares students for careers in music while advancing ACU’s mission as a Christ-centered academic community. During the development and launch phase, the candidate will serve as Founding Director and then will transition to an ongoing leadership role (e.g., Associate Director or Division Head) as the program matures. A graduate degree is preferred; however, candidates with a bachelor’s degree and a record of distinguished professional achievement may be considered as meeting the equivalent of a terminal degree. The program is scheduled to welcome its first students in Fall 2027.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in music, music industry, worship studies, or a closely related field.
Professional experience in the music industry and/or worship leadership.
Expertise in one or more areas such as: Music production and recording, Songwriting and arranging, Live sound and performance technology, Music business/entrepreneurship, Worship leadership and ministry, Commercial performance (instrumental or vocal)
Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
Commitment to the values of Christian higher education.

Nice To Haves

Graduate degree in music, music industry, worship, or a related field.
Demonstrated success in higher education teaching.
Experience with curriculum development and program administration.
Established industry/professional networks

Responsibilities

Lead faculty and industry discussions to design and implement curriculum in commercial music and worship arts.
Oversee facilities renovations, including the design and equipping of teaching, rehearsal, and recording spaces.
Guide the purchase and integration of industry-standard equipment and technologies.
Collaborate with admissions and marketing to recruit prospective students into the new program.
Establish partnerships with industry professionals, churches, and alumni networks to support the program’s launch.
Direct the Commercial Music and Worship Arts programs, including assessment, student advising, and coordination of internships and industry experiences.
Teach courses in areas of expertise (e.g., music production, songwriting, commercial performance, music business, music ministry, worship leadership).
Maintain active professional engagement in the music industry and/or worship communities.
Collaborate with colleagues in music, film, and other disciplines to foster interdisciplinary initiatives.
Work closely with colleagues at off-campus, experiential learning sites.
Support the mission of ACU through Christ-centered teaching, service, and mentoring of students.