The Department of Music at the University of North Dakota is seeking an energetic and dynamic full-time, benefitted Teaching Assistant Professor to serve as Assistant Director of Athletic Bands. We seek a visionary and hardworking colleague who is student-centered and will foster and reinforce excellence, build strong campus and community connections, and lead with integrity. The successful candidate will assist in the logistical planning, instruction, and performances of the Pride of the North Marching and Athletic Bands and directly oversee the POTN Drumline and Front Ensemble. Responsibilities may include additional ensemble instruction based on the candidate’s expertise. The department is particularly interested in candidates who have experience in jazz, rock, and pop ensembles. The position begins August 1, 2026, and is contingent upon availability of funding.
The mission of the University of North Dakota Department of Music is to inspire our students and community through education, performance, scholarship, and human relationships in music. The professional and liberal arts degrees of the Department of Music provide rigorous courses of study that cultivate the highest degree of artistry, innovative teaching, professionalism, and critical inquiry. The University of North Dakota is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
Established in 1883, the University of North Dakota is the oldest research university in North Dakota. Founded with a strong liberal arts foundation, it is the state’s flagship university and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having very high research activity. UND offers degrees in more than 225 fields of study with nearly 16,000 students. It is the home of the state’s only School of Law and School of Medicine. The School of Medicine and Health Sciences has major initiatives in rural and public health, and Aerospace is home to one of the first and largest unmanned aerial vehicle programs in the world.
UND is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a vibrant college town of approximately 60,000 people located on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota. Short commutes, a great public-school system, high-quality medical facilities, low crime, ample parks and theaters, and cost of living below that found in large American cities are some of Grand Forks’ advantages. Ranked as one of the top 5 Best Small College Towns, and America’s Best Hockey Town, Grand Forks offers stellar quality of life without the metropolitan hassles.
The successful candidate will receive a contract that allocates 90% toward teaching and 10% to service. As Assistant Director of Athletic Bands, the successful candidate will:
Assist with the operation and instruction of the 150-member Pride of the North Marching Band, working closely with the Director to select and arrange music, produce pregame and halftime show(s), plan and implement rehearsal plans, and train and manage student assistants.
Assist in leading athletic band performances at UND athletic and community events. This may include performances at UND football, men’s hockey, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, volleyball, and booster luncheons, as well as other events on UND’s Campus and the Greater Grand Forks Community. These duties require frequent evening and weekend work and travel.
Lead athletic travel bands in conjunction with the Director of Athletic Bands. This may include NCAA Division I regional and national tournaments for Basketball and Hockey, and the FCS Football National Championship Game.
Oversee and direct the UND Drumline and Front Ensemble, which performs during the fall and spring semesters. This will include recruitment, placement auditions, music selection, ensemble rehearsals, and performance oversight.
Assist with a week-long band camp, training students prior to the start of the semester.
Teach an additional course or ensemble in the department of music consistent with the candidate’s qualifications, with a preference for modern or commercial music.
All faculty are expected to contribute to service within the department, college, university, and community and to participate in the department’s recruitment and outreach initiatives. UND and the College of Arts & Sciences value diverse perspectives and seek applicants who are committed to helping students from across the university, including those from underrepresented backgrounds, succeed. The institution encourages faculty to engage in routine professional development as a core aspect of their professional practice. This includes participating in activities that enhance knowledge, skills, and effectiveness, and that support continued growth in response to evolving institutional and disciplinary needs.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.
To assure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:55pm CST on May 25, 2026 and include the following materials:
Position is open until filled.
Questions can be directed to the Department Chair, Dr. Daphne Pedersen at (daphne.pedersen@und.edu).
Please note, all employment postings close at 11:55pm CST.
Benefits include single or family health care coverage (UND pays the full premium), life insurance, employee assistance program, retirement plans with generous employer contributions, sick leave in addition to paid holidays.
Optional benefits include supplemental life, dental, vision, flexible spending account, supplemental retirement plans.
UND also offers an employee tuition waiver and a variety of professional development opportunities.
Find out more about UND's great benefits and perks here!
Categories: Non-Tenure-Track Faculty
Department: Music
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All information listed in this position announcement will be used by Human Resources, the Hiring Department, and EO/Title IX for screening, interviewing and selection purposes.
Please email the Human Resources Department at UND.humanresources@UND.edu or contact us by phone at 701-777-4226. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation to participate in any portion of the University's employment process, including completion of the online application process, please contact our office in advance of your participation or visit.
Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 or a copy of NGB 22 from National Guard or Reserve (with a unit located in ND) or certification from the applicant's unit command that the individual is expected to be discharged or released from active duty in the uniformed services under other than dishonorable conditions not later than one hundred twenty days after the date of the submission of the certification. If claiming disabled veteran status, proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 and a current letter of disability dated within the past year.
Pursuant to NDCC 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the top three or more finalists who will be invited to campus.
The University of North Dakota is an equal opportunity employer (veteran/disability). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of North Dakota publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at UND.edu. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the UND Police Department located at 3851 Campus Road, Grand Forks, ND, 58202.
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