Job Details

Director of Orchestral Activities (Open Rank)

Position Number: 9926509
Location: Bowling Green, United States
Position Type: Fine and Applied Arts - Music

Director of Orchestral Activities (Open Rank)

Bowling Green State University

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Job Type: Full-Time Faculty
Division: Musical Arts Dean
Opening Date: 10/28/2026
Location: Main Campus (BG), OH
Job Number: BGSU02072
Department: Musical Arts Dean
Closing:

Summary

The Department of Music Performance Studies at Bowling Green State University's College of Musical Arts invites applications for Director of Orchestral Activities, open rank depending upon qualifications and experience of successful candidate. Tenure-track, 9-month appointment, beginning August 2027.

Information about Program and College

Bowling Green State University's College of Musical Arts has earned a reputation as one of the country's outstanding collegiate music programs. The College enrolls approximately 475 students under the guidance of 55 full-time and 30 part-time faculty. Our comprehensive music curriculum features specialties in music education and contemporary music, including the distinctive DMA in Contemporary Music. The College is home to the MidAmerican Center for Contemporary Music, producing an annual New Music Festival and a nationally syndicated radio program. The College's musical calendar features more than 300 performances and presentations annually by faculty, world renown guest artists, and 30+ student ensembles. Additional information is found at the College of Musical Arts website.

The Director of Orchestral Studies conducts the BG Philharmonia and serves as Music Director for BGSU Opera Theatre productions. Other duties include teaching undergraduate and graduate conducting courses, mentoring orchestral conducting graduate students at the master's and doctoral levels, and participation in college-level recruitment activities. Work collaboratively with the Director of Bands, Choral Activities, Jazz Activities, and Coordinator of Opera in facilitating the artistic vision and administrative operations of the large ensembles of the College.

A full-sized symphonic orchestra, the BG Philharmonia performs three concerts per semester, one fully staged opera per year, and presents occasional special events and concerts on campus and throughout the region. Celebrating its centenary in 2018-2019, the BG Philharmonia maintains a storied history and legacy and will continue to honor traditions while embracing innovation into the next century.

As a Public University for the Public Good, Bowling Green State University is a comprehensive, high research university located in northwestern Ohio committed to driving economic and cultural vitality in the region and beyond. Through innovative teaching, research and creative activities, BGSU fosters a collaborative and inclusive learning community where inspired ideas, knowledge and achievements support the region, state and nation. More than 760 talented and passionate faculty members teach across more than 200 undergraduate majors and programs, 17 doctoral programs, and 57 master's programs. A focus on promoting research, scholarship, and creative activities has resulted in a significant increase in extramural funding over the past several years.

Guided by Forward, BGSU's strategic plan, the University is focused on redefining student success. For the fifth year in a row, The Wall Street Journal ranks BGSU as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest that students would choose again. BGSU also holds the Wall Street Journal distinction of being the No. 1 public university in Ohio for the student experience.

Essential Functions

Serve as Director of Orchestral Activities, guiding all aspects of the orchestral program at BGSU, and work collaboratively with the Director of Bands, Choral Activities, Jazz Activities, and Coordinator of Opera in facilitating the artistic vision and administrative operations of the large ensembles of the College.
Teaching responsibilities include director of the BG Philharmonia, undergraduate and graduate conducting and literature courses, advising of graduate research and conducting projects, and other duties as assigned.
Develop and maintain successful associations with local, regional, and national orchestral communities and schools, through visits, workshops, and guest conducting appearances.
Actively participate in regional and national recruitment of highly qualified undergraduate and graduate students.
Establish and maintain a national artistic profile in orchestral conducting, research, and creative activity within the profession.
Contribute to institutional and professional service and the artistic and intellectual life of the College and University.

Minimum Qualifications

Master of Music (MM) required
Minimum 3 years conducting orchestral ensembles at the collegiate level as instructor of record or professional orchestral conducting experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) or Doctor of Philosophy in Conducting (PhD)
5 years of collegiate teaching experience.

Additional Information

Application Materials Required

Cover letter indicating interest in and qualifications for the position
Curriculum vitae
Unofficial transcript of the highest degree attained
Three to five references including names and complete contact information
List of online or YouTube links to audio/video recordings of recent conducting performances (within the last three years)

Unofficial transcripts of highest degree earned are required for candidates invited for in-person interviews.

Finalist will be required to submit official transcripts.

BGSU policy requires finalist to authorize and pass a background check prior to receiving an offer of employment.

Application Deadline

The search committee will review applications until the position is filled; however, for best consideration, applications should be provided by November 30, 2026.

Salary & Benefits

Competitive and commensurate with peer institution levels for rank and position in keeping with

candidate's experience and credentials. Full benefits package available.

Further Information:

Questions concerning the search may be directed to Dr. Brian Snow, Director of Orchestral Activities search committee chair ( besnow@bgsu.edu ) You may also visit the college website at www.bgsu.edu/music.

Bowling Green State University is an equal opportunity employer. The University is committed to maintaining an employment and educational environment that is free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of protected class: age (40 years of age or older), ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity and expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, marital status, military status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

EEOC Know Your Rights

OCRC Know Your Rights

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Bowling Green State University, please call 419-372-8421 or email ohr@bgsu.edu.

BGSU is an E-Verify employer. If hired into this position, you will be required to provide satisfactory proof of employment eligibility by providing acceptable, original forms of identification for employment verification via the Federal I-9 employment verification process. A list of acceptable documents can be seen here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/bgsu/jobs/5532351/director-of-orchestral-activities-open-rank

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