Instructor/Professional Lecturer (Non-Tenure Track) - DePaul Symphony Orchestra (25-26)

The DePaul University School of Music seeks an inspiring, experienced orchestral conductor and educator for a full-time position as Director of the DePaul Symphony Orchestra (DPSO). Initial appointment is for one year; multi-year renewals thereafter are possible.

The DPSO has been a focus of excellence in training and performance at DePaul, with alumni placed in the finest ensembles in the U.S. Our esteemed instrumental faculty include 15 members of the Chicago Symphony, several from Lyric Opera Orchestra, and many others with significant external affiliations. Overall, our instrumental recruiting is competitive, and investment in the DPSO is deeply tied to the mission and strategic plan of the School of Music. Rehearsals and performances take place in the School of Music's spectacular Holtschneider Performance Center in DePaul's Lincoln Park campus in Chicago.

The Director will shape the direction of the DPSO while leading the overall strategy and culture of our classical instrumental ensembles. The DPSO prioritizes professionalism, orchestral fundamentals, and a thorough and inclusive approach to repertoire. The Director will impart skills that are essential not only for music rehearsal and performance, but for any field in a volatile world that demands agility, collaboration, imagination, and novel problem solving. The Director will also support the School of Music's goals in expanding access to excellence in music education through partnerships with local and national organizations that seek to diversify the field.

Responsibilities include:

• Serving as Artistic Director of the DPSO and programming the annual season.
• Leading DPSO rehearsals/concerts, with some flexibility for external guest conducting.
• Collaborating and/or developing partnerships with local and national organizations (Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative, etc.)
• Working collaboratively with faculty and staff to manage the annual calendar, student placement, library acquisitions, etc.
• Listening to seating auditions.
• Attendant course responsibilities: syllabus creation, grade submission, etc.

Recognized in Chicago and nationally, the DePaul School of Music is a forward-thinking institution that seeks to redefine the role of conservatory-based training in a contemporary society. DePaul's location in the cultural capital of Chicago is a tremendous asset for our programs in performance, music education, composition, performing arts management, and sound recording technology. We enjoyed a record year for philanthropy in 2023-24 and are implementing a new and exciting Strategic Plan beginning in early 2025.

The successful candidate will possess experience working with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and students and an ability to contribute to an inclusive learning environment. DePaul is an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity and strongly encourages diverse applicants to apply. The DePaul School of Music particularly values colleagues who demonstrate a strategic mindset, high collaborative capacity, and dedication to the development of agile professionals.

Questions about the search should be directed to the chair of the search committee, Dana Hall, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, at dhall1@depaul.edu.

A review of candidates will begin November 15, 2024.