Director, School of Music

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign seeks an inspiring, strategic, and collaborative leader to serve as the Director of the School of Music (SOM or the School). Reporting to the Dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts (FAA), the Director will bring a deep understanding of artistic excellence and academic distinction and will develop a compelling vision for the School’s future that builds on its many strengths.

As part of a major, public, land-grant, research university, the SOM shapes the next generation of performers, creators, scholars, and educators who lead the future of music locally, nationally, and globally. Through academic rigor, innovative artistry, inclusive excellence, and collaboration, the School empowers students to develop their artistic voice, intellectual curiosity, and professional skills. Its distinguished faculty lead by example, inspiring students to explore new frontiers in music’s historically and globally rich cultural landscape. The SOM enjoys rich opportunities for collaboration across FAA and the broader campus. As part of a college that includes nationally recognized programs across myriad disciplines, the School is well positioned to advance interdisciplinary initiatives in performance, technology, design, public engagement, and civic life.

The SOM is one of the nation’s leading public music schools, with recognized programs in performance, composition, music education, jazz, musicology, music technology, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The School is committed to artistic excellence while embracing the evolving realities of musical practice, production, pedagogy, and cultural engagement. It is now poised for a Director who can lead faculty, staff, and students in building upon its many strengths and delivering a forward-looking, engaged, and entrepreneurial model of music study that expands pathways for creativity, supports diverse musical traditions, and strengthens connections between the academy and contemporary musical life. The Director will guide the School in shaping an environment that prepares students to thrive as artists, educators, creators, scholars, and cultural leaders in a rapidly evolving musical landscape.

A search committee has been formed and the executive search firm Isaacson, Miller has been retained to support this recruitment. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Applications (including CV and cover letter), inquiries, and nominations should be submitted in confidence below.