Assistant Professor – Director of Bands

College: College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and The Arts – 321 College
Dept/School: Music – 32111
Vacancy Number: 16F-759
Position Number: 5514
Location of Workplace: Main UNCW Campus

The Department of Music at the University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for a nine-month tenure-track position as Assistant Professor – Director of Bands, starting August 2026. The Department seeks an inspiring and collaborative music educator to direct the UNCW Symphonic Band and teach conducting, along with other courses aligned with the candidate’s expertise and departmental needs. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to student mentorship, leadership in the music education community, and artistic excellence, motivating students to reach their full creative potential.

• Direct the UNCW Symphonic Band and Pep Band
• Teach undergraduate courses in conducting and instrumental techniques
• Contribute to the curriculum based on individual qualifications and departmental goals
• Engage in student mentoring and serve on departmental committees
• Lead recruitment initiatives for wind and percussion areas

• Teaching applied lessons
• Beginning band pedagogy
• Instrumental methods
• Performing with a faculty chamber ensemble
• Developing and directing a chamber winds ensemble
• Leading the OLLI New Horizons Band

• Master of Music degree (MM) at time of application
• Demonstrated success in working with diverse populations as a wind band conductor and educator
• Previous teaching experience and leadership of a wind band program as a Teaching Assistant, at the community college and/or high school level
• Proven effectiveness as a program builder and student recruiter
• Ability to teach and mentor undergraduate students

• Doctoral degree (DMA) in wind band conducting or (PhD) music education
• Previous teaching experience and leadership of a wind band program at the university level
• Leadership of an athletic band
• Leadership of a community wind band
• Leadership in the music education community
• Experience in teaching conducting
• Experience in teaching instrumental techniques, beginning band pedagogy and/or instrumental methods courses
• Ability to contribute as an applied teacher or in another secondary area that complements the department

N/A

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Applications will be accepted until 11:59PM EST on the posting closing date.
To apply, please complete the online application below and attach the following materials as Adobe PDF documents including:

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application that includes a 1-2 page statement describing qualifications and teaching experience and interests addressed to Search Committee Chair
• Portfolio/Work Sample: 2 samples of teaching in conducting and instrumental music education courses. Examples may include course syllabi, assignments, or teaching video(s)
• Demo Reel: 2 videos of wind band conducting. Examples should include one live performance and one rehearsal
• List of 3 Professional references with contact information
• If needed, applicants may upload additional materials under the Other category.

Please note that a minimum of three references are required for all applications. References may be requested during the screening process.

Letters of application without the requested components will not meet the application requirements.

For questions about the position or online application process, contact department admin Sydney Stone at [email protected] .

Position Type: Permanent
Job Close Date: 1/5/2026