Job Details

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including:
2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC systems westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

The primary location of this position is the Cullowhee, NC campus.

The School of Music at Western Carolina University seeks a dynamic Assistant Director of Bands/ Assistant Director of Athletic Bands who will help expand the prominence of a nationally recognized university band program. This is a 12-months per year fixed-term faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor of Practice. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been identified for hire.

The Assistant Director of Bands/ Assistant Director of Athletic Bands will conduct an auditioned concert band, teach conducting courses, and assist with directing the Western Carolina University "Pride of the Mountains Marching Band" and other athletic band units as needed. Additional duties include recruiting and coordinating special events for the WCU band program. Other teaching responsibilities may be assigned as appropriate to the candidates strengths and the schools needs, as determined by the Director of the School of Music.

A masters degree in music is required with a minimum of two years of leadership experience in a secondary or collegiate band program.

Earned doctorate in music. Five years of successful conducting and teaching at the collegiate level; evidence of success in program administration, recruiting and retention, event planning, and fiscal/inventory management; and successful experience with collegiate marching bands.

To be considered for the position, candidates must apply online. For best consideration, please apply by March 14, 2025.

Please attach the following:

For questions or additional information, please contact Jeananne Nichols at nicholsj@email.wcu.edu