Assistant Director of Bands / Assistant Professor of Percussion or Winds

Title : Assistant Director of Bands / Assistant Professor of Percussion or Winds -

Position Number :

Unit / Department : Music Department

FTE :   Full-Time, 9 month

Salary : Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Department Summary :

The Department of Music at Drake is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music. Our entrance and graduation requirements align with the association’s regulations. The department’s mission is to provide a center for the study and understanding of music that develops students’ intellectual, practical, and expressive abilities through professional preparation, collaborative learning, critical thinking, and musical communication.

The Department of Music consists of fifteen full-time tenured / tenure track faculty members, 1 VAP, DUCSOM Director, 4 Teaching Associates (full-time, annual appointments) and 20-24 adjunct faculty members (Teaching Artists). The Winds / Percussion area consists of 6 full-time faculty members : 1) Director of Bands / Applied Low Brass; 2) Assistant Director of Bands / Applied Percussion or Winds; 3) Professor of Flute; 4) Professor of Saxophone; 5) Professor of Trumpet; 6) Teaching Associate of Music Theory and Double Reeds, as well as 3 part-time faculty members – Teaching Artists of Clarinet, Horn, and Trombone. As indicated above, all full-time instructors (and some part-time instructors) offer other courses, independent study, studio teaching or administrative responsibilities in addition to recruitment activities.

Job Summary :

Teach MUS 148 (Band), which includes directing the Drake University Marching Band, Symphonic Band, and Bulldog Brass Pep Band. Teach / lead applied studio of your primary instrument as well as chamber music coaching (candidates with a background in percussion, horn, or clarinet are encouraged to apply). Teach methods courses in your area of specialty for Music Education majors. If qualified, the candidate may also teach MUS 134 (Marching Band Techniques), and / or MUS 159 (Instrumental Performance in the Junior and Senior High School). Finally, this individual could teach a course in the Drake Curriculum, depending upon need, load, and expertise.

The search committee seeks a candidate with demonstrated success as an active and visible recruiter; commitment to and record of successful teaching at the University level; an active performer at regional and national levels; demonstrated commitment to professional growth; ability to forge strong community ties and maintain a strong relationship with the Drake Athletics Department.

The committee is particularly interested in candidates who, through their research, teaching, and / or service, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

Minimum Qualifications :

College teaching experience and a record of scholarship via performances, publications, presentations, or other activities are required. Master’s degree required; will consider applicants who have not yet completed DMA or Ph.D. at the time of initial appointment.

Preferred Qualifications :

Completed doctorate

Special Instructions to Applicants :

Submit (1) a cover letter, (2) current curriculum vitae, (3) philosophy of teaching, (4) a statement about your experience in supporting the success of students from diverse backgrounds., (5) contact details for three references (no letters) via  and (6) a PDF document providing links (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) to recent (within the last 3 years) examples of solo performance(s) and conducting in rehearsal and / or performance settings.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Screening of applications begins Oct. 20th EOE / AA / M / F / D / V

Please do not attach additional documents at this time. Supplemental documents may be requested or required of semi-finalists and finalists.

Questions about this position can be directed to the search chair : Vince Kenney, Director of Bands / Associate Professor of Low Brass, at

Questions about the application process, working at Drake, spouse / partner support, reasonable accommodations, benefits, or additional information about Drake or Des Moines, Iowa may be directed to Drake Human Resources at  .

All job offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, satisfactory reference checks, and proof of authorization to work in the United States.

Review of Applications Begins :

For full consideration, apply by Oct. 20th, 2025. The position will remain posted until filled.

Salary and Benefits :

Salary is competitive with peer schools and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the selected candidate

At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our digital benefits guide :   Drake Benefits Guide .

One of our very popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. You can learn about both the tuition waiver policy and tuition exchange programs here : Tuition Benefits .

For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and / or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.

ABOUT DRAKE

Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.

All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.

STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY

At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. As reflected in our Core Values, we embrace a diverse and inclusive community.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Drake University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.  Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (p : ; e : ) and let us know how we can assist you.