Overview:
The University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign seeks an inspiring, strategic, and collaborative leader to serve as the Director of the School of Music. The Director will bring a deep understanding of artistic excellence and academic distinction and will develop a compelling vision building on the School’s many strengths.
As part of a major, public, land‑grant, research university, the School of Music shapes the next generation of performers, creators, scholars, and educators who lead the future of music locally, nationally, and globally. The School offers distinguished programs in performance, composition, music education, jazz, musicology, music technology, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Responsibilities:
Role of the Director
The Director is the chief administrative officer, responsible for all academic, artistic, and administrative affairs of the School, including vision setting, strategic planning, curricular development, faculty hiring and mentorship, staff management, student recruitment and success, budgeting, fundraising, and facilities management.
Articulate a shared vision
The Director will consult broadly, develop a shared vision guiding the School, and align constituencies around shared purpose.
Honor the School’s history while innovating
Lead the School in adapting curricula, programs, and pedagogies to evolving contexts, championing distinctiveness and new initiatives.
Recruit, develop, and retain faculty and staff
Develop strategies to support and empower faculty and staff, ensuring recruitment of exceptional individuals, structures for development, and retention.
Assess and refine operating policies
Define and adhere to standard operating procedures, clarify roles, and enhance efficiencies.
Strengthen financial health
Deploy resources prudently, advocate for the School, identify funding opportunities, and cultivate external partnerships.
Champion the School
Advocate within the University and community, build new partnerships, and strengthen the School’s brand.
Qualifications and Characteristics
Distinguished record of achievement in music, scholarship, technology, or a related field.
Demonstrated record of administrative leadership in a complex organization.
A collaborative approach with emotional intelligence, ability to unite groups.
Understanding of academic norms, consensus building, shared governance; curiosity across disciplines.
Experience in recruitment, development, and retention of faculty, staff, and students.
Understanding of contemporary music landscape.
Commitment to expanding access and opportunity, supporting diverse traditions.
Experience with fundraising, resource development, or building strategic partnerships.
Optimistic, growth‑oriented mindset.
Credentials meriting full‑professor rank; terminal degree preferred.
Compensation and Benefits:
Total compensation commensurate with experience, target range $190,000 - $219,444, including salary ($135,000 – $155,000) and administrative stipend. The position includes competitive employee benefits: health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, tuition waivers. It is eligible for sponsorship, except new H‑1B fee.
Location:
Urbana‑Champaign campus. Full‑time, nine‑month faculty position, twelve‑month administrative stipend. Target start date August 2027.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The University of Illinois System is an equal‑opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability, veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Applications with disabilities are encouraged; accommodations available. The position is subject to required background checks, harassment disclosures, and E‑Verify.
