Careers

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Description

The Department of Music and Dance at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a faculty position in Vocal Jazz. This is a full-time nine-month position at the Lecturer level to begin September 1, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate vocal jazz music majors and minors, plus non-music majors as applicable, including Applied lessons, Vocal Jazz Techniques, Arranging/Composition, and the Vocal Jazz Ensemble.
• Perform with jazz faculty and with student ensembles as guest artist.
• Participate in auditions and recruitment activities, to include visits to secondary schools, offering workshops, adjudicating and actively participating in the on-campus performance series.
• Maintain regional and national visibility as a performing artist and educator as part of professional development.
• Additional teaching responsibilities depend on candidate’s areas of expertise and department’s needs.
• Candidate must be willing and available to address responsibilities during the regular work week and on weekends, as needed.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in jazz preferred; a Master’s Degree (required) in a related field will be considered
• Substantive experience teaching Music/Vocals, performance, or musical direction, with a history of high-profile performances.
• Potential for, or an already established, national reputation as a jazz artist.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor BMUS and BA Vocal Jazz majors toward a significant level of creative and academic mastery
• Demonstrated record of successful collaboration and community engagement.

Preferred qualifications

• Ability to accompany on piano
•  Demonstrated expertise teaching Vocal Jazz and African American Music at multiple levels.
• Experience in teaching and/or developing courses; expertise in recording technology, and career preparation.
• Experience with recording technology and equipment

Salary Information

The University of Massachusetts Amherst expects to pay within an approximate range between $65,550 and $77,473 for this position. Please note: 

• The low-end of the pay range in al faculty searches at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is the minimum salary for the rank included in the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Massachusetts Society of Professors, UMass Amherst/MTA/NEA. 
• The high-end of the pay range reflects an increase above the median salaries of this rank within the department for faculty who may have multiple years of faculty experience. 
• The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on consideration of all relevant factors, including faculty rank and required or relevant certifications, when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment. 

Application Instructions

Applications should consist of a cover letter, curriculum vitae, three current letters of recommendation with reference contact information and a document containing links to high quality audio and/or video recordings of performances totaling 20-30 minutes from within the past 5 years (please include dates of performances). These videos should demonstrate performing/teaching/directing/production abilities. Additional supporting materials may be requested from finalists.

Review of applications will begin January 2, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.