Assistant Professor and Associate Director of Bands

About This Role

Kansas State University invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor and Associate Director of Bands in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. This is a full-time, tenure-track, 12-month faculty appointment with an anticipated start of June 7, 2026. The Associate Director of Bands will assist in the management and administration of the university’s comprehensive concert and athletic band program. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to excellence in conducting, teaching, student mentorship, community engagement, fundraising, recruiting, and contributing to the academic mission of our R1, public land-grant institution.

Kansas State's band program is nationally recognized. The Wind Ensemble, the premier concert ensemble at K-State, has been invited to perform at The American Bandmasters Association Conference, two regional CBDNA conferences, a NAME national conference, as well as performances in Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, and various national and international tours. The band program also remains active in commissioning new works for wind band. The acclaimed "Pride of Wildcat Land" Marching Band comprises over 425 members and was awarded the prestigious Sudler Trophy in 2015 for excellence. The Associate Director of Bands will assist in leading this flagship program while guiding all aspects of a large Big 12 athletic band program and continuing its tradition of excellence. The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is one of the largest and fastest growing units at K-State, and boasts 514 graduate and undergraduate music majors and minors. The Associate Director of Bands will assist in elevating all aspects of the band program as they relate to both performing and instrumental music education offerings supporting the undergraduate and graduate curricula.

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Direct MUSIC 114: Cat Band and MUSIC 117: Wind Symphony.
• Serve as lead director for the K-State Summer Music Camp, and assist with the Leadership and Auxiliary Camp.
• Assist with the administration and direction of the Pride of Wildcat Land Marching Band and the university's comprehensive band program as assigned by the Director of Bands.
• Teach select graduate and undergraduate instrumental music education courses based on the candidate's experience and strengths.
• Actively recruit and retain students for the band program through engagement with prospective students, families, and educators.
• Represent K-State Bands at university functions, alumni and donor events, and public performances; foster community outreach (e.g., band clinics, summer camps); and maintain active involvement in professional band organizations.

About Us

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at Kansas State University is one of the largest and fastest-growing academic units on campus, serving more than 700 student majors, secondary majors, minors, and graduate students, along with over 7,000 individual student enrollments annually. The Division of Bands is housed in the state-of-the-art Tracz Family Band Hall, completed in 2022 and located adjacent to the university's Memorial Stadium.

Each year, the School presents more than 300 concerts, plays, recitals, and dance productions, supported by a dedicated community of 71 faculty and staff. The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is recognized as an All-Steinway School and holds accreditation from NAST, NASM, and NADA. Established in 2012 through the merger of long-standing music, theatre, and dance departments, the School continues a legacy of more than a century of excellence in the performing arts.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Earned doctorate (Ph.D. or D.M.A.) or equivalent terminal degree in music (e.g., instrumental conducting or music education). Degree must be conferred by the start date.
• Full-time teaching experience in collegiate or public-school settings.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to collaborate with colleagues and work effectively with students of all backgrounds and majors.
• Demonstrated ability to write drill and arrange music.
• Demonstrated ability to promote a positive learning environment and work effectively with individuals of all backgrounds.

The degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience directing bands at the college/university level and in public-school settings.
• Ability to teach music education courses or other areas of the music curriculum (e.g., conducting, marching band techniques, wind band arranging).
• Demonstrated success or clear evidence of potential in recruiting and building a thriving band program, including outreach to public schools and community engagement.
• Active engagement in the band profession at the state, regional, or national level (e.g., leadership in professional organizations, guest conducting, or conference presentations).

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Applicants should submit the following materials:

1. A cover letter addressing qualifications and vision for the K-State band program
2. A curriculum vitae
3. Contact information for at least three professional references

Additional materials such as video links of recent rehearsals or performances, arrangements, and drill writing may be requested at a later stage of the search.

Application Window

Applications close on: March 01, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$65,000-$75,000 annually