Proudly standing as the nation’s oldest HBCU, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania has been a stalwart and highly respected institution of higher education since our founding in 1837. For over 185 years our alumni have emerged as leaders and left their mark on the social, economic, and political history of Philadelphia, the surrounding region, the nation, and the world. Building on this legacy, the vision for Cheyney University is to become the premier model for academic excellence, character development, and social responsibility.
Here at Cheyney, we value scholarship, diversity, integrity, respect, and service. We are committed to maintaining a vibrant educational community that is dedicated to promoting scholarship and lifelong learning for its students, offering wide student access to resources to ensure an opportunity for all to acquire an education, encouraging freedom of thought and freedom from discrimination by ensuring a respectful environment, and provide outreach and service to external and constituent communities, demonstrating their understanding of the importance and value of service.
We’re looking for exceptional individuals who share our values, embrace our mission, recognize our potential, and covet the opportunity to continue to move our historic University forward. CU proudly offers a positive and purposeful work environment; comprehensive employee benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance along with many wellness programs; generous retirement plans; a commitment to work-life balance including generous paid vacation, paid sick time, military leave and paid time off for most major holidays; and a University mission to support employee personal and professional growth including a tuition waiver for self and family members, training and development, and advancement opportunities.
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, the nation’s first HBCU, seeks a visionary and experienced Band Director to lead its marching band, concert band, and instrumental ensembles. This tenure-track faculty position is an exciting opportunity to shape a band program that reflects the rich cultural traditions of HBCUs while fostering musical excellence, student engagement, and community pride.
The Assistant Professor of Music will be responsible for teaching music, including applied lessons in their discipline. This faculty member will also provide academic advising to students, engage in curriculum development and design, and participate in the assessment of student learning projects within the discipline, the department, and the University. Continuing excellence in teaching and scholarly or creative activity, professional development, and service to the University are expected to qualify for reappointment, tenure, and promotion.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in band direction, music education, student mentorship, and program development, with a deep understanding of HBCU musical traditions. The Band Director will also contribute to curriculum development, academic advising, and recruitment efforts to grow and sustain a thriving band program. This position will start the fall semester of 2026.
The successful candidate will be responsible for advancing the mission and vision of the University through music.
- Direct and oversee the marching band, concert band, and smaller ensembles.
- Teach applied music courses and provide academic advising to students.
- Maintain a combined workload between classroom teaching and directing the band.
- Develop and implement a strategic vision for the band program, ensuring its growth and national recognition.
- Help create innovative strategies for student recruitment, retention, and completion.
- Coordinate recruitment and retention strategies for band members and auxiliary personnel.
- Mentor, guide, and support students consistent with student needs and university policies, keeping regular office hours, supporting student organizations, and attending campus events.
- Organize and schedule all band performances on and off campus.
- Manage band operations, including budgeting, fundraising, procurement, and scheduling.
- Foster a culture of discipline, teamwork, and musical excellence among students.
- Maintain an inventory of instruments and supplies.
- Establish participation policies and maintain an operations manual.
- Engage in creative and professional development through performances, research, and grant writing.
- Serve on faculty committees and contribute to university governance and community outreach
Requirements:
- Master’s degree in music (MM, MFA).Track records of inclusive teaching practices that engage students from diverse musical backgrounds and capacities. Minimum five years of band directing experience at the high school or collegiate level. At least three years of college-level teaching experience in applied music courses. Proven ability to recruit, retain, and mentor students. Strong musicianship, conducting skills, and experience performing in multiple musical styles. Deep understanding of/experience with HBCU band culture and traditions. Experience in budget management and fundraising. Strong program development, marketing, and event planning skills. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, parents, and administrators.
Preferred Qualifications
- Doctorate (DMA, PhD) in Music Five or more years of university-level conducting and teaching experience. Experience with band technology, drill design software, and multimedia integration. Documented success in fundraising, student recruitment, and program development. History of professional activity at regional and national levels.
Working Conditions:
- Working conditions are in an office environment which is generally free from hazards, well-lit and ventilated and outside across the campus grounds. This is an exempt position. Salary is paid an agreed amount for the whole job, regardless of the amount of time and effort required to complete the work.
- PC, printer, and telephone.
- Essential and other important functions may require maintaining the physical condition necessary for sitting, walking, and standing for extended periods of time; and occasional moderate lifting and carrying case with promotional materials.
Instructions for Applying:
A complete online application will include the following attachments. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
- Cover Letter
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Three letters of reference
- Unofficial Transcript(s) of your highest completed degree
- Statement of teaching philosophy
- Statement of Diversity
MAILED, EMAILED or FAXED application materials will not be considered. Employment for this position is covered by collective bargaining with the APSCUF union. All offers of employment are subject and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all pre-employment criminal background checks.
Diversity Statement:
Cheyney University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions
