Instructor of Choral Music Education

The South Dakota State University School of Performing Arts invites applications for the Instructor of Choral Music Education. We are seeking a dynamic educator whose professional experience has prepared them to contribute to a thriving undergraduate choral and music education program. The successful candidate will work alongside exceptional colleagues in a collegial, vibrant and supportive environment with a strong history of choral excellence and the preparation of music educators. The voice and choral areas serve over 300 students in ensemble experiences each semester and with a commitment to maintaining high artistic standards while fostering student growth. Supervised by the Director of the School of Performing Arts, this opportunity is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a 9-month, full-time, non-tenure-track, benefits-eligible with an anticipated start date of August 22, 2026.

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

The School of Performing Arts is housed in the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, a stunning facility with outstanding spaces designed specifically for performance, rehearsal, and instruction in the disciplines of music, theatre, and dance. The voice unit is staffed by four full-time faculty members. Over 300 students enroll in its choirs each semester (Concert Choir, Choralia Women’s Chorus, Statesmen Men’s Chorus). South Dakota State University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music to provide curricula leading to undergraduate degrees in music.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct the SDSU Women’s Chorus, a 100-voice ensemble dedicated to high-quality performances of standard repertoire and collaborative projects within the choral program, serving majors and non-majors.
• Teach courses in choral conducting, elementary music methods, applied voice, and other areas aligned with the candidate’s expertise and program needs.
• Contribute to the recruitment and retention of undergraduate students, particularly those pursuing degrees in music education.
• Develop and sustain relationships with regional schools and music educators to support the mission of the School.
• Provide leadership in community engagement and outreach, including organizing honor choirs, festivals, and events that bring prospective students to campus.
• Maintain a visible and active presence in regional K–12 music education communities.
• Participate in faculty service, including committee work, assessment, and program support at the School and University levels.

BENEFITS:

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Choral Conducting, Music Education, or a closely related field by start date.
• Experience teaching in K–12 choral settings.
• Evidence of effective teaching and strong potential for success at the collegiate level.
• Excellence in choral conducting and rehearsal pedagogy.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Doctorate in choral conducting, music education or closely related field by start date.
• Experience conducting large treble ensembles.
• Experience with student recruitment and outreach initiatives.
• Experience teaching elementary music methods and/or applied voice.
• Active engagement with regional or state professional organizations.
• Experience with community and stakeholder engagement

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Position closes May 18, 2026.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, curriculum vitae, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references.Email applications will not be accepted.Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

For questions on the position, contact David Reynolds at Paul.Reynolds@sdstate.edu.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.