Founded in 1893 as a Land Grant University, Montana State University (MSU) is composed of eight academic colleges and a graduate school and boasts a friendly, supportive faculty and campus environment. Currently, the University hosts an enrollment of over 14,000 students, including approximately 1,900 graduate students. MSU is classified as one of 108 U.S. Research Universities (very high research activity) by the Carnegie Foundation.

MSU is located in Bozeman, Montana, an extended community of about 70,000 nestled in the Rocky Mountains in southwest Montana. In addition to providing access to an extraordinary ecosystem for teaching and research programs, Bozeman is renowned for year-round recreational and cultural opportunities to include access to world class ski areas, multiple blue ribbon trout streams and the Gallatin National Forest. The local airport is served by seven national airlines with over twenty flights a day to nine cities.

Named an All American City, Bozeman boasts high-quality medical facilities, a very low crime rate, many fine restaurants, acclaimed public and private schools, a symphony orchestra and choir, an annual opera, and nationally known events such as the Sweet Pea Festival of the Arts held in early August of each year. Powder Magazine identified Bozeman, with "three distinctly different" major ski resorts within an hour's drive, as the number one place to live and ski in its November 2010 Magazine. Bizjournals.com ranked Bozeman #2 on the list of American Dreamtowns - small towns that offer the best quality of life without metropolitan hassles. The K-12 educational system, growing reputation of Montana State University, and pristine natural environment of the area combine to make Bozeman one of America's most desirable university towns. Bozeman is located in the beautiful Gallatin Valley, 90 miles north of Yellowstone National Park.

Montana State University’s College of Arts and Architecture seeks an experienced, motivated, and energetic Director to lead the School of Music. The School of Music is one of four Schools that make up the College of Arts and Architecture and shares with the Schools of Art, Film & Photography and Architecture a commitment to intellectual and aesthetic development of students, professional preparation, community engagement and outreach.

The School of Music offers dynamic programs in music, music technology, and music education, preparing students for various professions in music, music education and life-long musical enhancement. The School of Music offers three degree programs: Bachelor of Music Education (BME), Bachelor of Arts in Music (BA), and the Bachelor of Arts in Music Technology. A Music Minor is available to non-music majors.

Inspired by the belief that music is central to human ways of life, the School affirms the University's mission to serve the people and communities of Montana by providing a artistically and culturally enriched environment. The School is committed to contributing to the musical world through performance, scholarship, composition, leadership, and nurturing the musical expression, understanding, discovery, and creativity of its faculty and students. Our performing ensembles have toured nationally and internationally. Our faculty and students are actively involved in the Bozeman Symphony, Opera, Ballet, Jazz Montana, regional orchestras and other arts organizations. The School of Music also supports the MSU Spirit of the West Marching Band which involves students from across the University.

The Director will serve as a key member of the Dean’s leadership team – a highly collaborative, consultative and dynamic group of directors who work closely to advance their Schools’ and College’s missions. Additionally, the Director will:

• shape an innovative and forward-thinking vision for the School in consultation with faculty and the dean’s leadership team and consistent with the mission and strategic priorities of the College and University;
• come with demonstrated strengths in Music Education, Music Technology or applied music;
• support and promote the scholarly work and artistic endeavors of the faculty as well as their progress towards tenure and promotion;
• enhance the School’s community outreach programs, performing ensembles and work collaboratively with the colleagues to extend and expand the presence of the arts in Montana;
• support and facilitate an environment of continuous improvement for the faculty, academic programs, and ensembles;
• identify and implement ways to enhance student excellence, build enrollment and improve retention in a manner consistent with the College and University strategic priorities;
• be responsible for effectively managing department resources and facilities;
• foster a professional and collegial environment for faculty staff and students;
• cultivate strong ties with music educators, professional artists and professionals in the music industry throughout the region and nationally;
• develop and utilize an external advisory council, program heads advisory council and student advisory council;
• develop a School of Music fundraising plan in close consultation with the Dean;
• participate in teaching and continue to work productively as a scholar or creative artist.

1. Doctorate (e.g. DMA, DMus, PhD) in a relevant field.
2. Evidence of administrative experience that demonstrates a commitment to transparent leadership and collaboration across Schools and Colleges.
3. Evidence of successful personnel and budget management.
4. A record of relevant research/creative activity in music disciplines that would lead to tenure within the School of Music.
5. Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching at the college level that would lead to tenure in the School of Music.

1. Demonstrated ability to secure extramural funding.
2. Experience in music curriculum development.
3. Demonstrated experience in higher education leadership/administration.
4. A record of service to local community arts endeavors through: outreach programs, arts organization boards, cultivating strong ties with public school music programs, involvement with professional music education organizations, etc.

In addition to the required and preferred qualifications, the successful candidate will:

• bring an inspirational and innovative approach to the position;
• demonstrate a commitment to the University, College and School mission, vision and strategic plans;
• possess excellent written, oral and public communication skills;
• possess excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate and engage successfully with colleagues, faculty, staff, students and external constituencies;
• effectively relate to and establish rapport with a college student population;
• demonstrate the ability to build innovative teaching, research and outreach programs;
• have the ability to work effectively with diverse populations;
• possess leadership experience and capabilities;
• display an aptitude for problem solving and facilitating the success of others;
• demonstrate a track record of sound fiscal management of resources;
• demonstrate a commitment to collaboration and appropriate levels of transparency and confidentiality as part of a leadership team;
• model the School standards of excellence in teaching, scholarship and artistic endeavor in her/his own work.

In accordance with MSU policy, hiring will be conditional upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

This position requires travel and some evening and weekend work and regular contact with donors, internal and external stakeholders.

• (1) a letter of application addressing all of the above required and preferred qualifications, and
• (2) a current curriculum vita, and
• (3) the names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of five (5) current professional references who will not be contacted without notification to the candidate.

  Semi-finalists may be asked to submit examples of scholarly and/or artistic work.

  An application packet addressing all the above requirements and qualification as listed is highly encouraged. Missing materials and information may not be requested and may result in your application not being considered for the position.

  Electronic submissions are preferred and must have the applicant's signature on the letter of application, Please submit the materials electronically in MS Word or PDF format to: Musicsearch@montana.edu

  For electronic submittals, please indicate "Applicant - Search #13112-2" in the subject line of the email.

  • Non-electronic submissions may be sent to:
  • Music Director Search Chair
  • c/o Mary Byron
  • Assistant to the Dean
  • College of Arts and Architecture
  • Montana State University
  • PO Box 173700
  • Bozeman MT 59717-3700
  • (406)994-4405

    In order to receive Veterans Preference during the application review process, it is highly recommended that the required forms are included at the time you submit your application materials. Click here for the forms and information regarding Veterans Preference. Important note: Your preference form is submitted to a different location than your application materials. A DD214 is not a required document.