Assistant Professor of Clarinet (6091)

Overview

Northern Illinois University’s School of Music seeks applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Clarinet beginning August 16, 2027.

The School of Music is a vibrant part of the NIU community, known for its commitment to student success, including strong support for first-generation students and opportunities for faculty-directed study and research. The School offers undergraduate and master’s degree programs in performance, music education, composition, and liberal arts, as well as a Performance Certificate for students who have completed a master’s degree. Distinguished faculty include Fulbright Scholars, Grammy Award winners, recipients of Chamber Music America and MacArthur Foundation grants, resident artists at Jazz at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, guest conductors at Avery Fisher Hall, and acclaimed performing and recording artists. The NIU Graduate Jazz Studies Program has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top graduate jazz programs in the nation.

NIU is a student-centered, research-focused public university serving approximately 16,000 students, including a diverse and international student population. Located in DeKalb, Illinois, approximately 65 miles west of downtown Chicago, the university provides access to the cultural, educational, and professional opportunities of the Chicago metropolitan area. Classified by the Carnegie Foundation as an R2 institution with high research activity and recognized for community engagement, NIU advances knowledge through excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, creativity, artistry, outreach, and service.

Position Summary

The Assistant Professor of Clarinet is a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track faculty position that provides leadership for the clarinet studio and Woodwind Area within a vibrant School of Music offering undergraduate and graduate programs in performance, music education, composition, and liberal arts. The position contributes to the school’s teaching, artistic, recruitment, and service activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate clarinet and chamber music.
• Serve as Coordinator for Woodwinds Area and supervise graduate assistants
• Engage in recruitment, creative/scholarly activity, and service appropriate for a tenure-track faculty member

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in music with significant professional performance experience
• Evidence of outstanding studio teaching and clarinet performance
• Record of creative collaboration with diverse colleagues and students

Additional Requirements

• Demonstrated commitment to student success, particularly for first-generation and traditionally underrepresented groups

Preferred Qualifications

• Terminal degree in music or equivalent professional achievement
• Experience teaching clarinet and related coursework at the collegiate level
• Evidence of successful recruitment of music majors
• Experience coordinating, administering, or leading a woodwind area, program, or related academic unit

Physical Demands Summary

For physical demands and requirements please see human resources policies and protocols.

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 08/16/2027

Percent of Staff Year: 0.75

Standard Hours Per Week: 37.50

Salary: Starting at $70,000. Faculty compensation is governed by the UFA CBA. NIU offers a robust benefits package.

Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range: Starting at $3,888.89 per pay period. Faculty compensation is governed by the UFA CBA. NIU offers a robust benefits package.

Earn Type: Salary

Application Procedure

For full consideration, prospective applicants should visit Assistant Professor of Clarinet to create an application profile and submit the following materials by November 15, 2026:

• Cover letter (including discussion of teaching experience/philosophy and commitment to student success)
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Links to recent performance recordings
• Names and contact information of three professional references
• Unofficial transcript (Official transcript required upon hire)

To receive full consideration, completed applications must be received by November 15, 2026. Applications received after this date may be considered until the position is filled.

Is Background Check Required: Yes

EEO Statement Summary

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Director of Civil Rights Office, Title IX Coordinator

Health Services 2nd floor

CivilRights@niu.edu

815-753-0455

Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu.

Safety Information

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.

Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
3. Portfolio/URL
4. List of at least 3 Professional References
5. Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)

Optional Documents