Description

About Augustana College: 

Augustana College is a private, selective, residential liberal arts and sciences college with an enrollment of approximately 2,500 students. Our scenic 115-acre campus is located in Rock Island, Illinois, part of the Quad Cities metropolitan area along the Mississippi River, about 165 miles west of Chicago. The Quad Cities region has a population of approximately 450,000.

Augustana offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in nearly 100 majors and related academic programs, as well as a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. Our student body includes 25% first-generation college students, 24% Pell Grant recipients, 24% students of color, and 20% international students. Strengthening our inclusive and welcoming community is central to the college’s mission and strategic plan. 

We seek candidates who are committed to fostering academically challenging, inclusive, and high-impact learning environments that support and engage a diverse student body.

The Position:

The Department of Music at Augustana College invites applications for a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor and Director of Choral Activities to begin in August 2026. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the esteemed Augustana Choir and to join a dynamic and committed department of teachers, performers, composers, and scholars, including sixteen full-time faculty members. We are passionately committed to mentoring and supporting undergraduate musicians of all skill levels, backgrounds, and academic majors. Augustana College is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Responsibilities:

• Oversee Augustana’s five choirs and conduct our flagship ensemble, the Augustana Choir, and other choirs based on interest.
• Teach undergraduate courses in conducting and in our general education curriculum.
• Carry a teaching load of 24 credits per 10-month academic year (standard courses are 2 or 4 credits).
• Work with colleagues and community partners to nurture and cultivate choral singing in the Quad Cities community.
• Actively contribute to the inclusive and innovative teaching practices that define Augustana's learning environment.

Requirements

What We're Looking For:

• High level of musicianship in the area of choral conducting.
• Potential for excellence in teaching and mentoring undergraduate students through choral ensembles, courses for music majors, and courses in our general education curriculum.
• Potential to develop an outstanding program of professional expression in music (e.g. as a performer, guest conductor, recording artist, clinician, etc.)
• Potential to oversee and develop a long-term vision for a vibrant, multiple-ensemble choral program, including national and international tours and meaningful community engagement.

Why Augustana?

At Augustana, you'll find a supportive and collegial environment where faculty thrive professionally and personally. Our small class sizes foster deep connections between faculty and students. You'll have access to resources and opportunities to pursue innovative research and impactful teaching.

Additional Information
Augustana College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

Additional Information

The budgeted compensation for this position ranges from $60,000 to $63,000 per year based upon minimum and preferred qualifications, education, experience, skills, and abilities. Actual placement within the range will depend upon experience, education, research, and other relevant factors.

Augustana College offers a competitive and comprehensive benefit package to its employees to ensure our team is well cared for. Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Retirement plan including eligibility to receive up to 7% contribution from the College.
• Company sponsored short-term and long-term disability benefits as use of college facilities including a wellness center, gym and recreation center.
• Tuition benefits for employees and their family members

You can learn more about our benefits program at our Benefits Website.

Application Instructions

A complete application will include:

• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position and understanding of teaching in a liberal arts context
• Your curriculum vitae
• Videorecordings of yourself leading choral performances and rehearsals 
• A copy of your graduate transcript (unofficial is acceptable at this stage)
• A statement of your teaching philosophy
• Contact information for three references

Questions about the position may be directed to search chair Jacob Bancks at [email protected].

To guarantee full consideration, please submit all application materials by October 10. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.