Director of School of Music, Theatre and Dance

OAKLAND UNIVERSITY – Oakland University (Rochester, Michigan) invites nominations and applications for the position of Director for the School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SMTD).

The recent establishment of the OU SMTD and the 12-month administrative position of Director follows an August 2017 decision by the Oakland University Board of Trustees to formally recognize and support the 30 plus years of consistent growth and expansion of programs and offerings within the music, theatre and dance disciplines.

As such, this exciting position requires a passionate, dynamic and imaginative visionary capable of leading a highly energized and dedicated faculty toward continued success and enhanced institutional prominence. The Director of the OU SMTD, who will hold the administrative rank of Associate Dean and report to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, must possess experience as an administrator of a higher education music, theatre or dance program, and be able to understand and support the academic (teaching, performance and scholarly work) of the School. S/he must also possess the capacity and vision to serve as a principal advocate for the performing arts, not only within the greater university community, but also across Michigan and beyond.

Oakland University is a nationally recognized doctoral research institution located on 1,443 acres of scenic land in the cities of Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills in Oakland County, Michigan. The University has 132 bachelor's degree programs and 138 graduate degree and certificate programs. Academics include programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business Administration, School of Education and Human Services, School of Engineering and Computer Science, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine and School of Nursing.

Currently in the OU SMTD, there are 172 faculty and staff members serving 3,400 Oakland University students, including 180 music majors, 120 theatre majors, and 50 dance majors. The SMTD offers 23 degree programs from the bachelor’s to doctoral level, six minors, and six professional certificate programs. A bachelor’s degree in music technology and industry is also currently under review. All programs are fully accredited by the NASM, NAST, and NASD. Artists in residence affiliated with Oakland University include members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, jazz musician and MacArthur Fellow Regina Carter, the Oakland Symphony Orchestra, a regional professional orchestra in residence at OU, as well as dance ensembles Eisenhower Dance Detroit and Take Root.

Minimum Qualifications: Terminal degree in a performing arts field; Outstanding record of teaching, scholarship or creative activity and service appropriate for appointment to the rank of associate professor with tenure at Oakland University; Experience and demonstrated success in higher education administration, including budget and personnel management; A demonstrated commitment to artistic excellence, scholarly rigor, shared governance, collegiality and a willingness to engage faculty and staff in strategic planning, consensus building, and decision-making.  Candidates must demonstrate experience with, or a commitment to, diversity and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications: Outstanding record of teaching, scholarship or creative activity and service appropriate for appointment to the rank of full professor with tenure at Oakland University; Understanding of and proven success in recruitment and retention of a diverse and inclusive body of high quality students and faculty; The capacity to cultivate relationships within the university community and the community at large, including fostering outreach, engagement and alumni relations; The capacity to be a successful friend raiser/fundraiser and lead the creation and execution of a destination performing arts center through which the next phase of school needs can be realized; Possess a clear understanding of college and arts accreditation agencies.

Application Deadline: To assure fullest consideration, applications are requested by November 1, 2018. Interested applicants are encouraged to electronically submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, transcripts (unofficial) and diversity statement via http://jobs.oakland.edu/postings/14847. Questions or inquiries can be directed to Gregory Cunningham, Chair, Search Committee, at cunningh@oakland.edu. 

Oakland University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to excellence through diversity.