The Department of Fine Arts within the School of Social Sciences, Education & Arts at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor or Lecturer of Jazz and Music Theory, with appointment beginning August 1, 2026. Applicants with a Doctorate in Music, or a closely related field are preferred and would be considered for the rank of Assistant Professor, a tenure-track 10-month faculty position. Individuals with a Master’s in Music, or a closely related field will be considered and would be appointed at the rank of Lecturer, a non-tenure-track 10-month faculty appointment. Position is open until filled.
Desired Qualifications:
• Preference will be given to candidates who hold a doctoral degree in music (PhD, EDD, or DMA) from an accredited college or university. ABDs will be considered, but all requirements for a doctoral degree must be completed by August 2026 to be considered for the tenure-track Assistant Professor role. Candidates holding a Master’s in Music would be considered for a non-tenure-track role as Lecturer.
• Demonstrated success in teaching, conducting, and leadership, and performance of jazz band and combo at the collegiate and/or high school level.
• Commitment to undergraduate education and developing curricula that can meet student needs.
• Demonstrated expertise in instrumental music pedagogy, conducting, and performance in all music genres.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment.
• Demonstrated success in recruitment and development of a collegiate or high school jazz program.
• The successful candidate is expected to be adept at using various instructional technologies.
• Applicants must have a strong commitment to undergraduate education and be able to foster a collaborative atmosphere among students and faculty.
Teaching responsibilities will include directing the ABAC jazz ensemble and jazz combo, teaching music appreciation, first- and second-year theory and aural skills, applied instruction on the candidate’s major instrument, and collaborations with other ensembles. The successful candidate will be expected to participate in undergraduate advising, support departmental and college-wide initiatives, and develop new courses and improve existing curricula. The successful candidate will be an active recruiter for the music program and for all ABAC programs. Recruiting involves visiting area band directors and their bands at high schools in our demographic area and developing relationships by assisting them as they prepare their students for district competitions and honor music auditions.
Essential Responsibilities:
• Directing, teaching, and assisting all aspects of the ABAC jazz program, including but not limited to: Jazz Band, Jazz combo, Jazz Choir, and teaching jazz improvisation.
• Recruit and retain highly talented students for the music program.
• Teaching a full academic load of music classes, including but not limited to: Music Appreciation, Music Theory, Sight-Singing, and Applied music lessons.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive curriculum for instrumental music education.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and administrators to promote the jazz program and foster a positive learning environment.
• Engage in professional development activities and foster community outreach initiatives.
• Participate in ABAC events, meetings, and represent the music program at various functions.
• Participating in all school and fine arts events, and school administration meetings.
• Manage the jazz budget and inventory for instruments and uniforms, and oversee all repairs and maintenance.
• Participating in a College committee or an appropriate alternative assignment as determined in conjunction with the Department Chair.
• Serving as an academic advisor with a load of students determined by the Fine Arts Department Chair.
• Perform at the annual faculty concert as a professional musician.
• Plan and host ABAC's annual spring jazz day.
• Other related duties as assigned.
Faculty at ABAC are evaluated on their efforts in teaching, student success, scholarship, professional growth, and professional service.
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College is a residential state college located in Tifton, Georgia, and is named one of the best 100 small towns in America. The college offers associate and baccalaureate degrees and has an approximate enrollment of 4,000 students. The Department of Fine Arts is housed in the newly constructed Edwards Hall, an attractive building with excellent music facilities, and offers the Associate of Fine Arts in Music, the only degree of this type within the University System of Georgia. The Department also offers music, art, and theatre appreciation coursework in support of ABAC’s IMPACTS Core Curriculum. The Department also offers regular concerts/performances and thus plays a key role in bringing the arts to Tifton and the broader region.
ABAC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Institution and solicits applications from qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, disability, or genetic information.
To apply, please locate the position on the ABAC Careers website (https://link.abac.edu/CAREERS), complete the online application, and upload the following materials: a cover letter explaining your qualifications and interest in the position, a current copy of your CV, copies of unofficial transcripts for all colleges/universities attended, and contact information for three professional references.
