Director of Athletic Bands​/Lecturer

Position: Director of Athletic Bands / Lecturer
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music

Director of Athletic Bands

Lecturer of Conducting

The Northwestern University Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music and Northwestern University Department of Athletics invite applications for a faculty appointment as Director of Athletic Bands at the rank of Lecturer, beginning July 1, 2026. This position combines leadership of high-profile athletic band programs-including marching band and pep bands-within a premier Big Ten university athletics program with teaching responsibilities in conducting, music education, or related areas at a top-ranked conservatory-style school of music.

Responsibilities:

In coordination with the Department of Athletics and the Bienen School of Music, the Director of Athletic Bands will:

* Lead and manage all aspects of the university's athletic band programs.

* Collaborate with Athletics, Student Affairs, and other campus units to support school spirit and community and alumni engagement.

* Recruit students, lead rehearsals, and conduct performances at athletic events and other university functions.

* Lead the Bienen School of Music Concert Band.

* Work with the Director of Bands and Conducting & Ensembles Program to advance the Northwestern Bands program.

* Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in music education, conducting, or related fields.

* Mentor students and participate in service, outreach, and committee work within the Bienen School of Music.

Required Qualifications:

* Master's degree in music or related field required; doctorate preferred

* Demonstrated success in directing marching and athletic bands at the collegiate level; record of artistic leadership within an athletic bands program

* Established national reputation as a wind conductor

* Working knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Big Ten conference and NCAA

* Effective communication and organizational skills

* A commitment to and proven record of successful recruitment and teaching

Preferred Qualifications:

Ideal candidates will possess a proven record of successful teaching in a school or department of music within a university, a commitment to collaborative collegial engagement, and a doctoral degree.

The expected base pay range for this position is $95,000-$110,000. This base pay range is for a nine-month academic appointment and is inclusive of any athletic band responsibilities that occur outside of the standard academic year, including summer marching band camp.

Northwestern University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including years since terminal degree, training, and field or discipline; departmental budget availability;

internal comparators; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. Visit us at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). to learn more.

Application:
Screening begins Monday, November 24, 2025, and continues until position is filled. Candidates must submit:
1) a letter of application;
2) a curriculum vitae;
3) links to video recordings of recent rehearsals and performances in both marching and concert band settings (approx. 20 minutes for each);
4) a statement of teaching and artistic philosophies that prepare students for success; and
5) names and contact information of three references. Questions should be directed to Professor Robert Taylor, Search Committee Chair, it  for information regarding the Bienen School of Music.

Please read ALL instructions and make preparations before proceeding to the application page:

* Applications will only be accepted via online submission (see link below).

* Please prepare all documents in advance as Adobe PDF files, and please be sure all information is entered correctly and accurately (especially names and email addresses), as there will be no opportunity for online revision after your application…