Search 
jobs
Explore 
companies
Join talent network
Talent
My job alerts

Assistant Teaching Professor: Orchestra Conductor/Director

Syracuse University

Syracuse University

USD 68k-71k / year

Posted on Mar 26, 2026
Apply now

Posting Details

Posting Details
Job # 078716
Job Title Assistant Teaching Professor: Orchestra Conductor/Director
Location Syracuse, NY
Campus Syracuse, NY
Commitment to On-Campus Experience
Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range $68,000 - $71,000
Pay Determination
Salary offers at Syracuse University will be based on education, experience, and relevant skills, as well as the academic or professional discipline of the position in the context of the home department, school, or college. Salary offers may also be influenced by prior relevant work or industry experience, where applicable. Faculty pay ranges are for 8.5 months’ salary unless otherwise specified.
FLSA Status Exempt
Hours
NA
Job Type Full-time
Rank Assistant
Unionized Position Code Not Applicable
Job Description
The Setnor School of Music within the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University invites applications for Assistant Teaching Professor – Orchestra Conductor/Director of Orchestral Activities, to begin Fall 2026. This is a full-time, 9-month, non-tenure track appointment, with an initial three-year term and the possibility of renewal. The successful candidate will be a dynamic, innovative orchestral conductor and applied strings teacher on viola, cello, or contrabass. Candidates must demonstrate a record of sustained excellence in musicianship through orchestral performance and university-level teaching; proven success leading a university orchestral program; the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students; experience recruiting and teaching outstanding undergraduate and graduate students; and a growing regional to national profile as a conductor and pedagogue. Responsibilities include conducting the orchestra, teaching applied string lessons, undergraduate and graduate conducting and orchestral repertoire courses, as well as related duties as assigned by the Director of the School. .

About The College of Visual and Performing Arts

The College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University is committed to the education of cultural leaders who will engage and inspire audiences through performance, visual art, design, scholarship, and commentary. We provide the tools for self-discovery and risk-taking in an environment that thrives on critical thought and action. To learn more about the college, our distinguished faculty, and our program, please visit our websites at www.syr.edu, www.vpa.syr.edu.
Qualifications
  • Doctoral degree (DMA or PhD) in Orchestral Conducting or a closely related field from an accredited institution, or commensurate professional experience at the very highest level.
  • MM considered.
  • Minimum of 2 years of successful collegiate experience as a conductor and teacher of orchestral music.
  • Minimum of 2 years teaching applied string lessons
  • Minimum of 2 years’ performing experience as a string player either in chamber music, orchestra, or solo.
  • Experience in teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate conducting students.
Job Specific Qualifications
  • Current knowledge of orchestral repertoire and performance practice.
  • Effective rehearsal and conducting techniques and skills.
  • Strong communicative and interpersonal skills that contribute to a respectful work environment.
  • Ability to create imaginative/innovative concert programs.
  • Ability to develop strategies in defining and supporting the future direction of the orchestra program and the Setnor School of Music.
  • Ability to utilize and implement new pedagogies and classroom strategies to advance comprehensive learning opportunities.
  • The school is particularly interested in candidates who have communication abilities and cross-cultural competencies to maximize their effectiveness with many different groups of students, colleagues, and community members.
Responsibilities
  • Conduct the Syracuse University Symphony and String Orchestra, and mentor graduate assistants assigned to these ensembles. Teach applied string lessons on viola, cello, or contrabass.
  • Teach conducting and literature classes to undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Serve on committees in the School, College, and University. This may include program development, community outreach, student advising, mentoring of student organizations, and participating in accreditation- and assessment-related activities.
  • Provide artistic and administrative leadership for the orchestra program and collaborate closely with strings faculty and all faculty in program planning, recruitment, and outreach.
  • Maintain active expertise in the field of orchestral conducting and pedagogy.
  • Other teaching within candidate’s area of expertise as assigned by the Director.
Physical Requirements
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, for full consideration, submit the following materials online:
  • Cover Letter
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Teaching Philosophy
  • Portfolio Website URL (applicants can upload their link to video recordings of conducted performance and rehearsal, as well as recordings of playing their instrument, here)
  • Name and email address of four references. Reference letters will be requested directly from reference providers for finalists only.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
Quick Link https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/112668
Job Posting Date 03/26/2026
Application Deadline
Open Until Filled Yes
Priority Consideration 04/10/2026
Job Category Faculty
Message to Applicants

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Resume/CV
  2. Cover Letter
  3. Teaching Philosophy
  4. Portfolio Website URL
  5. Reference List
Optional Documents
  1. Other Document

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * How did you first find out about this position?
    • sujobopps.com (Syracuse University Online Employment website)
    • Syracuse University HR Recruiter
    • Virtual Career Fair (via NYS Department of Labor)
    • SUNY EOC (Equal Opportunity Center)
    • Women’s Opportunity Center
    • Jubilee Homes
    • Syracuse Northeast Community Center
    • Interfaith Works
    • JobPlus
    • Syracuse.com
    • Chronicle of Higher Education
    • HigherEdJobs.com
    • HERC (HERC Higher Ed Recruitment Consortium)
    • InsideHigherEd.com
    • Indeed.com
    • DiverseEducation.com (Diverse Issues in Higher Education website)
    • LinkedIn Job Posting
    • Facebook
    • Job Fair
    • Search Firm
    • Referred by an SU Employee
    • Other
  2. * If "other", please describe how you first found out about this position.

    (Open Ended Question)

Apply now
See more open positions at Syracuse University
Powered by Getro.com
Privacy policyCookie policy