Director of Choral Activities (Instructor) - Music, Theatre & Dance - AY 25/26

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Commonwealth University of PA – Mansfield is pleased to invite applications for full-time, non-tenure track (full-time, temporary) position of Director of Choral Activities in the Department of Music, Theatre & Dance beginning August 2025.

Successful candidates will have primary duties of conducting the Concert Choir (auditioned ensemble), the Festival Chorus (non-auditioned student-community ensemble), and Chamber Singers (auditioned 12- to 16-voice ensemble), teaching advanced conducting and rehearsal techniques coursework, teaching choral teaching methods, and coordinating with other associated faculty in matters related to choral ensemble budgeting, recruitment, program development, and administrative responsibilities. Secondary duties may include work in one or more of the following areas pending the successful candidate’s expertise and departmental needs: music theory, applied music instruction, vocal techniques for instrumental track music education majors, student teacher supervision, music composition, music technology, or music survey coursework in the general education curriculum.

Successful candidates will develop a presence for recruiting and professional excellence throughout the state and region through guest conducting opportunities, clinic work, performance travel with department ensembles under their direction, and by offering professional presentations at local, regional, and national conferences and meetings. In addition to sustaining highly effective teaching, the selected candidate will be expected to maintain an active role in the professional community, pursue scholarly productivity appropriate to the candidate’s position, and demonstrate service to the department, the university, the community, and the profession.

Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated success in engaging college students in the classroom, studio, rehearsal space, and community. The candidate should demonstrate a commitment to mentoring students and should possess significant experience with trends in public school music settings.

The home campus for this position is Mansfield .

About the Department: The Department of Music, Theatre & Dance (MTD) at Commonwealth University of PA, on campuses in Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield, has a rich tradition of nurturing talented and skilled artists and teachers. The CU-Mansfield music unit provides an environment that promotes academic, musical, and personal growth as well as intellectual, ethical, and aesthetic values. The NASM-accredited music unit offers the following degree programs at the Mansfield campus: the Bachelor of Music (BM) degree with concentrations in music education, music performance, music business, and music technology, and the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree with a major in music.

Located in the beautiful mountains of rural, north-central Pennsylvania, CU-Mansfield currently enrolls approximately 1,000 students. Founded in 1857 as the Mansfield Classical Seminary, Mansfield is proud of its long tradition of preparing excellent teachers. Mansfield was the first Pennsylvania state institution to grant a certificate to teach music and has had a long, rich tradition of music excellence since its founding in 1857. Students at Mansfield study with distinguished faculty who are eager to help them achieve their performance and educational goals. The department features numerous large and small performing ensembles, including orchestra, bands, choirs, and chamber ensembles. Graduates are regularly accepted into the finest graduate programs in music, are active as performers throughout the United States, and include some of the finest music educators in the northeast. The Mansfield music unit offers everything an aspiring musician needs to succeed. The music unit at Mansfield has 20 faculty members and a student body of about 80 majors. The department is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The campus is located within Tioga County, which is home to five state and federal parks, seven lakes, the Pine Creek Rail Trail, and the 50-mile long gorge of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. The campus is an hour south of the Finger Lakes wine region of upstate New York.

About the College: The College of Arts, Humanities, Education, & Social Sciences (CAHESS) serves as a vibrant hub of interdisciplinary exploration, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and empathy. With a diverse range of programs spanning from literature to sociology, education to psychology, students are empowered to understand the complexities of human experiences and drive positive change in their communities. Guided by renowned faculty and fueled by a passion for discovery, students are actively shaping a more inclusive and enlightened future.

Primary Duties

Other duties

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

A complete application includes a cover letter, CV, unofficial transcripts, 2 letters of recommendation and links to videos of recent rehearsal and performance work.

Applicants should apply by April 15, 2025, for full consideration. Position will remain open until filled. Questions may be directed to Search & Screen Committee Chair: Dr. Alissa Rose (arose@commonwealthu.edu).

Finalist(s) for this position must communicate well and successfully complete an interview process, teaching demonstration and ensemble rehearsal demonstration. Recommendation for hiring is needed from a majority of the regular, full-time department faculty. Completing this search is contingent upon student enrollment and available funding.

The University prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, race, color, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital or family status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability in any decision regarding admissions, employment, or participation in a University program or activity in accordance with the letter and spirit of federal, state, and local non-discrimination and equal opportunity laws, such as Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendments Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.

The University also complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crimes Statistics Act, as amended by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Title IX prohibits retaliation for asserting or otherwise participating in claims of sex discrimination. VAWA imposes additional duties on universities and colleges to investigate and respond to reports of sexual assault, stalking, and dating or domestic violence, and to publish policies and procedures related to the way these reports are handled. The University has designated the Title IX Coordinator (Jennifer Raup, Elwell Hall, ORL, 570-389-4808, jraup@commonwealthu.edu or titleixcoord@commonwealthu.edu), to coordinate the University’s compliance with Title IX and VAWA and to respond to reports of violations. The University has directed the Police Department to coordinate the University’s compliance with the VAWA-related Clery reporting requirements. For information on the University’s crime statistics, which is available in a publication called “Annual Security Report”, please contact Commonwealth University – Bloomsburg Police at 570-389-2211, Commonwealth University – Mansfield Police at 570-662-4900, or Commonwealth University – Lock Haven Police at 570-484-2278 or by accessing the following website: https://www.commonwealthu.edu/offices-directory/university-police/annual-security-report. Additionally, inquiries concerning Title IX and its implementing regulation can be made to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, Region III, The Wanamaker Building, 100 Penn Square East – Suite 505, Philadelphia, PA 19107; Phone: (215) 656-6010; Fax: (215) 656-6020.