LOCATION: Wayland Baptist University – Plainview, TX
SUPERVISED BY: Dean of the School of Creative Arts
POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
POSITIONS SUPERVISED: Student workers
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful candidate will be charged with the artistic and administrative leadership of all aspects of Wayland’s choral program.
As a full-time faculty member, the Assistant Professor of Choral Studies will be primarily responsible for directing ensembles, teaching courses related to choral music education, and supervising student teachers.
As an intentionally Christian academic community hiring Christian educators, all employees will be expected to advance the mission, vision, and identity of Wayland Baptist University as defined in university policy and expressed in our strategic plan and are expected to work as cooperative and collegial members of the University.
The University expects all employees to conduct themselves in a manner that is appropriate for a Christian institution and to be worthy examples in moral conduct and behavior for the students of the University and fellow employees both on and off campus.
Regular attendance during scheduled work hours reflects a commitment to our shared mission and the campus community. If applicable, all work must be performed in alignment with the terms of the signed contract. As Christian educators, all employees of the University should regularly attend and actively participate in a local church.
SPECIFIC TASKS AND DUTIES:
1. Prepare and teach twenty-four (24) semester hours each academic year as part of a 10-month contract, including twelve (12) semester hours of load release for the administrative work inherent in this position (budget management, event planning, managing student workers, recruiting, etc.). The contract year will run from August 1-May 31.
2. Direct Wayland’s choral ensembles (Wayland International Choir, Wayland Singers Chorus), teach courses in conducting, choral literature, and other courses related to choral music education. Depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate, instruction in applied voice or other areas may also be possible.
3. Recruiting:. Serve as the primary recruiter for the choral/vocal program, including regular travel to and hosting of area high school choral programs for clinics, competitions, and other events throughout the year. Build and maintain positive working relationships with area high school choral directors, and convert those relationships into sustainable recruiting pipelines by growing an ongoing supply of potential students. Organize and host several workshops, festivals, or clinics each year on campus to generate leads and student interest. Manage and disseminate student recruiting data using Wayland’s student information databases in conjunction with the Faculty Recruiting Coordinator in the School of Creative Arts.
4. Maintain a visible and consistent presence at local and regional professional events and conferences (TMEA, TCDA, etc.)
5. Advisement - Must have knowledge of degree requirements and participation in academic advisement, with particular knowledge of education requirements leading to Texas teacher certification in conjunction with the Don A. Williams School of Education.
Additional Requirements:
1. Endorsement by the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
2. Able to pass background checks.
The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees in this job. Employee may perform other related duties as assigned by the Dean or Vice President for Academic Affairs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: An earned doctorate in music (choral conducting or choral music education preferred). ABD candidates will be considered. As per TEA regulations for supervising of clinical teachers, at least three years of K-12 classroom teaching experience (secondary preferred) is required. If the successful candidate does not hold a current active Texas teaching license, they may obtain the necessary certification and/or training upon being hired. Appointment at the rank of Associate Professor requires five years of prior experience in full-time university teaching or an equivalent period in professional or work experience.
Experience and Knowledge: Effective knowledge of choral methods and techniques, vocal/choral pedagogy, classroom management and content delivery strategies, and understanding of 21st century classroom technologies.
Skills and Abilities:
- Demonstrated ability to recruit and retain choral ensemble members from a mixed population of music majors and non-majors, both from high school recruitment and from the existing campus population
- High-level organizational skills, including budget and personnel management
- Exceptional time management skills
- Commitment to collegiality and collaboration
- High interpersonal intelligence
- Must possess strong interpersonal and written communication skills
- Must possess discretion and integrity
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
- Community engagement, including a passion for cultivating alumni support
Required Materials:
- Completed WBU Employment Application
- CV
- Cover letter addressing personal and professional qualifications
- Unofficial transcripts
- Three current professional references
- Links to video recordings of recent performances and rehearsals
- Statement of personal faith and integration of faith and learning as it applies to leading a university choral program from within a Christian worldview
Work Environment: The work environment for this position is a standard office setting. Employees will work primarily at a desk or workstation, utilizing standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and printers. The office maintains a controlled temperature. Noise levels are generally moderate, with typical office sounds such as conversations and office machinery. Musical sounds are present throughout the day, whether in an office, classroom, rehearsal space, or in the environment more generally due to the nature of a collegiate music program.
In addition, the position requires teaching in a university classroom setting. This environment involves direct interaction with students, delivering lectures, facilitating discussions, and managing classroom dynamics to maintain an effective learning atmosphere. Classroom conditions may vary, but typically include standard instructional technology such as projectors, whiteboards, and computers. Noise levels can fluctuate depending on class size and activity, and the role requires adaptability to engage students and maintain order in a collaborative academic setting.
Hours of Work: Plainview campus - Although full-time, nonexempt Plainview employees are normally scheduled to work 37.75 hours per week, the official work week for full-time salaried employees is forty (40) hours. Normal workdays on all campuses are Monday through Friday.
Physical Demands:
- Frequently stand and walk.
- Frequently flex upper trunk forward while sitting or standing.
- Frequently lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
- Frequently carry up to 10 pounds and occasionally carry up to 25 pounds.
- Occasionally pull or push objects.
- Occasionally flex upper trunk forward at the waist and partially flex at the knees.
- Frequently reach at or below shoulder height and occasionally reach above shoulder height.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Employment is subject to an introductory period to monitor employee performance. If hired, the prospective employee must present documentation within three (3) days of hire date to establish identity and employment eligibility as required by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Must be able to operate a licensed motor vehicle, have access to a dependable motor vehicle, and possess a valid state driver’s license. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driver’s record.
Wayland Baptist University does not unlawfully discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.
