Title: Assistant Professor/Director of UMass Minuteman Marching Band - Tenure Track

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Humanities & Fine Arts

Department: Music & Dance

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The University of Massachusetts Amherst College of Humanities and Fine Arts, and the Department of Music and Dance invite applications for the tenure track position of the Director of the “Power and Class” UMass Minuteman Marching Band at the rank of Assistant Professor. The anticipated start date of this position is September 1, 2027.

Essential Functions

Direct the Minuteman Marching Band, including teaching visual aspects of the ensemble

Oversee all athletic bands

Direct the Concert Band

Teach the marching band techniques class

Supervise the Associate and Assistant Director

Oversee band personnel

Develop and maintain an excellent relationship with both University and community supporters including parents and alumni

Function as an integral part of the Department of Music and Dance

Work closely with UMass Athletics, University Relations, and other campus partners to coordinate activities during home game days, travel events, and other university events, and off-campus performances

Contribute to departmental and university service, and develop and implement strategies for recruitment and retention of marching and athletic band participants

Serve as instructor of record for academic classes as assigned

Other Functions

Additional responsibilities as assigned by the Chair of Music and Dance or the Associate Vice Chancellor for University Relations.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (ABD considered) in music education (EdD or PhD), or conducting (DM, DMA); commensurate experience considered. Degree must be hand by start date.

Record of success in the marching band field.

Preferred Qualifications

Three years’ experience at the collegiate level.

Performance experience in a wide variety of settings, including collegiate marching band .

Experience as an adjudicator, clinician, and/or recruiter with school bands and festivals.

Three or more years of collegiate level teaching experience .

Proficiency in designing and implementing marching band drill and/or music arranging and music production software.

Additional Details

This position does require summer duties beyond the nine-month academic year for which additional compensation will be provided in accordance with collective bargaining agreements.

For more information on living, working, and learning in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts please visit:

https://www.umass.edu/faculty-development/prospective-faculty

If you have questions about this position, please contact the Chairs of the Search Committee Greg Spiridopoulos (gspiro@music.umass.edu) and Nancy Buffone (buffone@umass.edu) via email.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in indoor and/or outdoor athletic facilities and venues. May require travel to competitions, lifting and transporting equipment, prolonged standing, and walking during practices, games, and recruiting activities.

Salary Information

The University expects to pay within an approximate range between $79,350 and $110,409 for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience. This position is a 9-month academic year appointment at 100% full-time equivalency with full benefits.

Please note: The low end of this range is based on 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 at 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 relevant certifications, when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.

Special Instructions for Applicants

To apply for this position, please submit 1) a cover letter (details below); 2) curriculum vitae; 3) a document containing links to high quality video recordings of conducting and marching rehearsals demonstrating teaching and assessing marching techniques totaling 20–30 minutes from within the past 5 years (please include dates of performances); 4) full contact information including email address for three references willing to provide references in the future.

Address your cover letter to the Director of Minuteman Marching Band search committee discussing your interest in the position, artistic aims, ability to contribute meaningfully to the present and future activities of the Department of Music and Dance, and how your work as artist, teacher, academic citizen and public servant would further the university’s values and goals as outlined in the university’s strategic plan. You can find these values and goals in our strategic plan here: https://www.umass.edu/strategicplan/strategic-plan.

Additional supporting materials, including three letters of recommendation, may be requested from finalists. Application materials will not be returned.

Review of applications will begin on December 7, 2026. Applications received after this date may not be reviewed.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.