Friends University invites applications for a full-time faculty member to serve as Director of Jazz Programs beginning in Fall 2019.  This position is a tenure-track, nine-month faculty appointment at the rank of assistant professor and reports to the Chair of the Division of Fine Arts.  The ideal candidate will hold a doctoral degree in Jazz Studies or a related field, although applicants who hold a Master’s degree and have significant academic and/or professional experience will also be considered.  The successful applicant will teach jazz-related courses, lead jazz ensembles, and provide administrative oversight for the Jazz program.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY & THE COMMUNITY

Friends University offers a complement of traditional undergraduate majors, non-traditional adult degree-completion programs, and professional graduate programs.  Founded in 1898, the University is situated on a beautiful park-like campus in the heart of Wichita, Kansas.  Wichita is a vibrant urban city with all the charms of a small town.  Our great community offers something for everyone and is rich in arts, education, leisure, and commercial resources.

Friends University seeks to hire faculty who will embrace our mission and celebrate our commitment to equipping students to honor God in their personal, professional, and spiritual lives by adhering to the University’s RISE Core Values (Respect, Inclusion, Service and Excellence).  The mission of the University is:

Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.

EXPECTATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will teach:

• Jazz Ensemble I
• Jazz Ensemble II
• One or more jazz combos
• Jazz Pedagogy and Literature
• Instrumental Jazz Improvisation
• Applied Jazz Lessons

Additional duties include:

• Recruiting students for the Jazz program
• Budgetary oversight of the Jazz program
• Oversight of Sebits, McAfee, Crum, Elder, and Ginest Scholarships
• Oversight of Sebits Jazz Guest Artist Endowment
• Administrative oversight of Jazz program (includes 25% course release)
• Administration of annual Friends University Jazz Festival
• Participation in Faculty Jazz Quartet

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will hold, at a minimum, a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies or a closely related field and will have significant academic and/or professional experience. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The university prefers to hire a candidate who holds a doctoral degree in Jazz Studies or a closely related field.  Preference may also be given to a brass specialist. 

Rank and salary are commensurate with education and experience.

Applications should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references.

Please visit our employment site at www.friends.edu/employment to apply.  Only applications submitted through this Friends University website application process will be accepted.