The Department of Music at Carleton College invites applications for the Eugene S. Bailey Director of the Carleton Orchestra, a full time (1.0 FTE) position at the rank of Assistant Professor (tenure-track), beginning September 1, 2027. Candidates must have a doctoral degree in instrumental conducting by September 1, 2027; in exceptional cases ABD candidates will be considered.
We seek a dynamic teacher and performer with an understanding of and commitment to music performance in an undergraduate liberal arts setting. Candidates should possess excellent communication and organizational skills and a vision for the future of instrumental ensembles at Carleton. The majority of the position comprises the direction of the orchestra; other duties will be determined based on departmental needs and the successful candidate’s interests and expertise. These may include applied instruction, classes or lessons in orchestration, composition, and/or performance practice, and/or secondary ensemble activities, such as a contemporary music ensemble or chamber music.
Each term at Carleton around 30% of the total student body enrolls in lessons, ensembles, and classes in music, the majority being skilled and dedicated non-majors. Carleton offers a major in music (B.A.), and minors in general music and music performance. For more information about our Music Department, including specific classes, ensembles, and performance activities, please visit our website: https://www.carleton.edu/music/
To apply, please visit the Carleton College website at careers.carleton.edu; review of candidates will begin on November 1st, 2026. Please include a letter of application, your C.V., contact information for three letters of reference (whom we will contact to solicit letters after an initial round of reviewing applications), a teaching statement that includes comments on working with a student body with different backgrounds and perspectives in a liberal arts setting, and a link to approximately 45 minutes of video of representative rehearsals and performances directing an orchestral ensemble.
Carleton is a highly selective liberal arts college with a curious and enthusiastic student body of approximately 2,000 undergraduates. We are committed to cultivating a welcoming, supportive, and diverse community, including meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students, with 58% of students receiving need-based grants and scholarships. Of our domestic students, 32% identify as people of color; an additional 11% of students come from outside the United States. Located in the thriving two-college town of Northfield, Minnesota, Carleton College is forty-five miles from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, within easy reach of a vibrant metropolitan area that is home to three million people and rich cultural resources. For additional information about the College and the area, please consult the Information for Faculty Candidates page (https://www.carleton.edu/faculty-candidates/).
Carleton College is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. We are committed to developing our faculty to better reflect the diversity of our student body and American society. Carleton College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, veteran status, actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, status with regard to public assistance, disability, or age in providing employment or access to its educational facilities and activities. Women, gender-diverse individuals, disabled individuals and members of groups underrepresented at Carleton are strongly encouraged to apply.
The expected starting salary range for this position is between $87,480-$93,290. Actual pay will be adjusted based on job-related factors permitted by law, such as experience and training; licensure and certifications; market factors; departmental budgets; and responsibility. Carleton also offers a robust suite of benefits including:
- A generous 403(b) retirement plan with a 10% employer contribution and 2% employee contribution
- Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees
