OVERVIEW
The Department of Music, Film, and Creative Enterprise (MFCE) in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN) invites applications for a tenure-track position in music and department chair leadership beginning in fall 2027. Candidates at any rank are encouraged to apply; depending on candidate qualifications, an expedited review for tenure, or years toward credit toward tenure, may be negotiated.
Position Description
We seek an engaged colleague with demonstrated expertise in administration and music to serve as chair and faculty member in the Department of MFCE. Faculty responsibilities for this position will be determined according to the candidate’s expertise and may include teaching graduate or undergraduate courses in music and/or music education, conducting ensembles, and/or advising graduate student research. An active agenda of professional engagement in the field is expected. The successful candidate will complement the current strengths of our music faculty and programs and will be able to demonstrate experience and aspirations for an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive learning environment.
The department chair supports students, faculty, and staff by providing academic and administrative leadership in the areas of strategic planning; budget and resource management; faculty recruitment, evaluation, and retention; programmatic growth; curricular development; and student recruitment, progress, and completion. As part of the College of Arts and Sciences leadership team, the MFCE department chair reports to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences—working collaboratively with the Dean’s office to ensure effective, efficient, and productive college operations. The successful candidate will have experience in building cohesive teams and demonstrate strong communication, collaboration, and compassionate relationship-building skills.
The department chair position is a renewable, 4-year term with a reduced teaching load of three, 4-credit courses and/or ensembles per academic year and includes summer responsibilities. An additional stipend above the base salary is paid every year of the appointment.
About the Department of Music, Film, and Creative Enterprise
The Department of MFCE is housed in the College of Arts and Sciences on the University of St. Thomas’s St. Paul campus. Degree options include the BM in Music Education, BM in Music Performance, BA in Music, BA in Music Business, BA in Film Studies, MA in Music Education, MA in Teaching, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Music Education. Please consult the Department of Music, Film, and Creative Enterprise website for more information about our curriculum and programming.
About the University of St. Thomas
The University of St. Thomas is a dynamic, mission-driven urban university. Located in a residential neighborhood with easy access to two downtown metropolitan centers, we are Minnesota’s largest private university with eight schools and colleges, 150+ undergraduate majors/minors, and 55 graduate programs. The Twin Cities is a vibrant hub for music and the arts. Learn more about life as a faculty member at the Join the Faculty at University of St. Thomas website.
The University of St. Thomas embraces belonging and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity and personal attention call us to embody and champion an inclusive environment. The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic. This commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good. A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission. Learn more about the University of St. Thomas mission and convictions at the Office for Mission website.
Salary and Benefits
The University of St. Thomas offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits program, which includes:
- Tuition remission benefits for employees, spouses, and dependents upon eligibility
- A generous employer retirement contribution upon eligibility
- Medical, dental, and vision options
- Employer-paid disability, life, and AD&D benefits
- Paid parental leave benefits
The salary range is for this faculty position is $70,000 - $85,000. Compensation for department chair duties includes an annual $14,700 stipend.
The University of St. Thomas has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The specific salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.
QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must have a PhD, DMA, or EdD (U.S. or foreign equivalent) in music, music education, or closely related field, or alternatively, ABD nearing completion of the terminal degree may also be considered, with initial appointment at the rank of instructor.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate a commitment to excellence in teaching, productive research/scholarly activities, and interest and experience with academic administration.
How to Apply:
To be considered for this opportunity, all applicants must apply online at https://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/.
The application process consists of several required steps, completed in the order outlined below.
Step 1.
You will first be asked to create an applicant profile. As part of creating your profile, you must upload the following materials:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV),
- statement discussing teaching philosophy and research interests, and
- statement on your enthusiasm for and/or experience in academic management, leadership, and visionary ideas for the department.
Please upload only the documents specifically requested in the job posting at this stage. Do not upload any additional materials into other available fields. Candidates selected for further review may be contacted at that time to submit additional materials.
Step 2.
After submitting your applicant profile, you will be directed to the job‑specific application. During this step, you will be asked to provide:
- A cover letter that addresses the following:
- the candidate’s interest in the position,
- highlights commitment to excellence in teaching, scholarship, and department leadership, and
- approaches to engagement with the university’s mission and convictions
- Complete the voluntary EEO, Veteran, and Disability self‑identification forms
Step 3.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide contact information for three professional references who can speak directly to your teaching experience and administrative leadership abilities—with at least one reference provided by someone from the current institution or a recent past employer.
- References will not be contacted without your permission
- Candidates who advance to the finalist phase will be asked to have their references submit letters of recommendation.
Review of application materials will begin on October 18, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Please contact the search chair, Dr. Matthew George (http://MJGEORGE@stthomas.edu) if you have any questions.
