Job description

Join Our Mission at Augustana College

At Augustana College, we don’t just educate students – we empower them. As a nationally recognized college of the liberal arts and sciences, we invest in engaged learning, maximizing student potential, and building strong community partnerships-the driving forces of our Bold & Boundless Strategic Plan (2024-29).

For our 2,500 students, Augustana offers a collaborative and student-focused environment, in which faculty and staff play an active role in shaping futures through hands-on learning, mentorship and leadership development. Located on a scenic, wooded campus in Rock Island, Illinois, Augustana is part of the vibrant Quad-Cities metropolitan area (pop. 470,000), about a 3-hour drive from Chicago.

We seek mission-driven professionals who are passionate about student success, innovation and making an impact. If you thrive in an environment that values curiosity, collaboration and the power of transformative education, we invite you to bring your talents to Augustana.

Employees at Augustana enjoy an excellent benefit package including medical, retirement, generous paid time off, tuition benefits for employees and their family members, and much more.

Job Description

The Department of Music at Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Bands beginning in August of the 2027-2028 academic year. This is an exciting opportunity to conduct the esteemed Augustana Symphonic Band in its 153rd year and beyond, 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:

• Conduct Augustana Symphonic Band
• Teach in at least one other area depending on skills and interests (applied music, courses for music majors, general education courses)
• Oversee all activities related to bands at Augustana
• Carry a teaching load of 24 credits per 10-month academic year (standard courses are 2 or 4 credits)

What We’re Looking For

• High level of musicianship in the area of band conducting.
• Potential for excellence in teaching and mentoring undergraduate students through bands and in at least one other area (applied music, courses for music majors, general education courses).
• 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 band program for music majors and non-majors, including national and international tours and meaningful community engagement.
• A completed DMA or equivalent in Band Conducting or a related field. ABD candidates will be considered.

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.

Position Requirements

• A doctorate or ABD in band conducting
• Ability to lead a multi-ensemble band program and conducting the Augustana Symphonic Band
• Ability to teach courses in at least one other area

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 9, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

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.

Augustana College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is Augustana College’s policy to provide equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability and any other category protected by federal, state or local law.

How to apply

A complete application will include:

• Cover letter
• CV
• A document with links to 2-3 videos of the candidate conducting a wind ensemble, including at least one rehearsal and at least one performance.
• Copy of graduate transcripts
• Contact information for three references