Assistant Professor

About This Role

Kansas State University (K-State) invites applications for the position of Assistant or Associate Professor and 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 date of July 1, 2026. The Director of Bands will provide visionary leadership and management for the university’s comprehensive band program, overseeing the administration of the athletic and concert bands. 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Administer and guide all aspects of the university’s band program.
• Serve as the director for the Pride of Wildcat Land Marching Band and administrator for the athletic bands, leading and assigning responsibilities for performances at athletic events, campus activities, and other functions.
• Serves as the primary contact for the K-State Department of Athletics
• Conduct concert bands.
• Instruct graduate and undergraduate music courses.
• Supervise graduate assistants in the band program.
• Actively recruit and retain talented students for the band program.
• Work closely with leadership within the School along with music faculty and staff to coordinate ensemble schedules, curriculum, and performances. Foster a positive, inclusive learning environment that supports the musical and personal development of all students.
• Represent K-State Bands at university, alumni, and public events. Foster community outreach (e.g. band clinics, summer camps) and maintain active involvement in professional band organizations and events.

About Us

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance (SMTD) 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.

Kansas State’s band program is nationally recognized for excellence in both athletic and concert ensembles. The acclaimed “Pride of Wildcat Land” Marching Band comprises over 425 members and was awarded the prestigious Sudler Trophy in 2015 for excellence. The Director of Bands will lead this flagship program while guiding all aspects of a large Big 12 athletic band program and continuing its tradition of excellence. The Wind Ensemble, the premier wind band at K-State, has been invited to perform at The American Bandmasters Association Conference, two regional CBDNA conferences, a NAfME 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.

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

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum qualifications are required for appointment at the Assistant level. Preferred qualifications are necessary for consideration at the Associate level.

Minimum Qualifications:

• An earned doctorate (Ph.D. or D.M.A.) or equivalent terminal degree in music, such as instrumental conducting or music education. (Degree must be conferred by the start date.)
• Minimum of five years of successful full-time collegiate teaching experience
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and work 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.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain relationships with advisory boards and donors to build a support network of philanthropy.
• 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:

• Prior experience directing bands at the college/university level (e.g. as a Director or Associate Director of Bands), including oversight of a marching band and wind bands.
• Ability to teach music education courses or other areas of the music curriculum (e.g. instrumental methods, conducting pedagogy).
• Proven success (or evidence of potential) in recruiting and building a thriving band program, including successful outreach to high schools and community engagement.
• Active engagement in the band profession at the state, regional, and national level (such as leadership in band associations, guest conducting engagements, or conference presentations).
• A proven record of fundraising and arts philanthropy
• Public school teaching experience

Sponsorship eligibility:

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

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

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: October 15, 2025

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$95,000 - $110,000