DIRECTOR OF OPERA

The School of Music in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Iowa invites applicants for a tenure-track faculty position as Director of Opera at the rank of Assistant Professor.  

The School of Music seeks a motivated, innovative, and collaborative individual who is committed to moving and cultivating the University of Iowa Opera Program through programming, and engagement with prospective students, current students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.  

The successful candidate will have a record as an opera director and an innovative vision and approach for leading a major collegiate opera program in the middle of the 21st century. The candidate will also work with faculty to prepare young musicians for careers in an ever-changing musical, cultural, and social landscape. Primary teaching responsibilities, in addition to directing the Fall and Spring operas, could be courses like Opera Production, Opera Workshop, and Musical Theater Workshop. The successful candidate will have the chance to create other courses complementing their vision for the program. Further responsibilities will include serving on departmental, collegiate, and professional committees, establishing community connections, seeking collaborations with the theater and dance departments, producing engaging outreach programs, and programming varied seasons which represent both traditional and non-traditional repertoire.

Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications, 9-month appointment/contract. 

Submission: To apply for this position, go to http://jobs.uiowa.edu  and refer to requisition #75001.  A complete application will include a complete C.V., a letter of interest, three letters of recommendation, links to unedited videos and samples of programs that will be uploaded to the online application. Review of applications will begin November 1, 2023, and continue until filled.   

 Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any misconduct history or pending research misconduct investigation including but not limited to sexual misconduct in prior employment and provide a related release and will be subject to a criminal background and credential check.

The University of Iowa is strongly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; the strategic plans of the University and College reflect this commitment. The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preferences. 

The University of Iowa has a historic commitment to the arts. The School of Music enrolls approximately 450 majors and has a full-time faculty of 55. The Voxman Music Building, opened in the fall of 2016, is a state-of-the art facility near the heart of the campus in downtown Iowa City. The Iowa City/Coralville area has a population of about 75,000 and is a cultural center with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Its public schools, libraries, and health care facilities are rated as outstanding.   

• Master’s degree in music or related field (in hand by August 21, 2024)

• Demonstrated excellence in leading an opera program at the professional and/or college/university level for at least three years


• Demonstrated record of creative programming  


• Demonstrated experience promoting an inclusive culture in the workforce and academic environment

• Doctorate in Music or equivalent professional experience 


• Evidence of innovation in leading an opera program 


• Demonstrated community engagement and experience working with youth and/or community groups 


• Evidence of creative activity and research as demonstrated through both performances and presentations/publications 

To start the Online Application process for this position, click the "Apply for This Position" button located below the Contact Information.