Interim BC bOp! Jazz Ensemble Conductor

Boston College Introduction

Founded in 1863, Boston College is a Jesuit, Catholic university located six miles from downtown Boston with an enrollment of 9,654 full-time undergraduates and 5,072 graduate and professional students. Ranked 37 among national universities, Boston College has 923 full-time and 1,336 FTE faculty, 2,822 non-faculty employees, an operating budget of $1.4 billion, and an endowment in excess of $3.9 billion.

Job Title: Interim BC bOp! Jazz Ensemble Conductor

Position Type
:
Interim/Temporary | Nonexempt | Part-Time

Appointment Period
:
August 31, 2026 - May 31, 2027

Location
:
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

Compensation: $30-35/hour, commensurate with experience and education.

Boston College seeks an experienced jazz musician and educator to serve as Interim BC bOp! Jazz Ensemble Conductor for the 2026–2027 academic year (September - May).

Founded in 1987, BC bOp! is Boston College's instrumental and vocal jazz ensemble. The ensemble performs a diverse repertoire ranging from traditional to contemporary and Latin jazz, and provides students with opportunities to develop their musicianship, ensemble skills, and confidence in a supportive, collaborative environment.

Reporting to the Director of the Robsham Theater Arts Center, the Conductor will provide musical and educational leadership for the ensemble, oversee rehearsals and performances, and support the development of its student musicians and vocalists. The Conductor will work closely with the BC bOp! Vocal Director, Boston College Bands staff, and student leaders.

• Conduct and direct regular rehearsals and performances for the instrumental and vocal ensembles.
• Select and prepare repertoire and provide instruction in jazz performance, ensemble technique, improvisation, interpretation, and musicianship.
• Prepare the ensemble for performances and schedule additional rehearsals as needed.
• Provide musical guidance and oversight for weekly sectionals, including vocal, rhythm, trumpet, trombone, and saxophone sections.
• Collaborate with the BC bOp! Vocal Director to support the development of the vocal ensemble.
• Foster a collaborative and engaging environment that supports student learning and development.
• Support student leadership and involvement in the artistic and operational aspects of the ensemble.
• Manage basic ensemble administration, including rosters, parts, rehearsal schedules, and communication with students.
• Coordinate with Boston College staff regarding facilities, scheduling, performances, and other operational needs.
• Support recruitment and retention of student musicians and vocalists.
• Participate in repertoire research, score preparation, planning meetings, and other activities necessary for the successful operation of the ensemble.

The position requires regular availability for rehearsals, sectionals, preparation, and performances.

Instrumentalists:
Tuesday and Thursday, 4:30–6:30 p.m.

• Weekly one-hour sectionals for Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, and Rhythm sections, scheduled based on student and staff availability.
• Approximately five hours per week for rehearsal preparation, repertoire research, score preparation, and related work.
• Attendance at scheduled performances and additional rehearsals as needed.

The annual performance schedule typically includes performances in October, December, February, and April, including the Holiday Concert, a major Robsham Theater concert, and Arts Fest performances.

• Current résumé or curriculum vitae;
• Brief cover letter describing their interest in the position and relevant experience;
• Examples of relevant teaching and/or professional performance experience; and
• Contact information for…