Job Description

Posting Details
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Institution South Dakota State University
Working Title Paul E. and Doris J. Moriarty Endowed Associate or Full Professor of Choral Activities
Posting Number F01756P
Department SDSU-School of Performing Arts
Physical Location of Position (City) Brookings
Posting Text
The South Dakota State University School of Performing Arts invites applications for the Paul E. and Doris J. Moriarty Endowed faculty of Choral Activities at the rank of Associate or Full Professor. We are seeking a dynamic and accomplished choral scholar whose experience and passion have prepared them to lead a premier undergraduate choral program. The successful candidate will direct the SDSU Concert Choir, uphold the program's rich choral traditions, and continue to build its national reputation for excellence. This endowed position provides additional funding to support program development, travel, guest artists, and creative projects-offering the opportunity to further enrich the artistic life of the university and community. The selected candidate will join a collegial and supportive faculty dedicated to student success and the continued legacy of choral excellence and music educator training at South Dakota State University. This position is located in and is a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track, benefits-eligible position with an anticipated start date of August 22, 2026.
is housed in the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, a stunning facility with outstanding spaces designed specifically for performance, rehearsal, and instruction in the disciplines of music, theatre, and dance. The voice unit is staffed by four full-time faculty members. Over 300 students enroll in its choirs each semester (Concert Choir, Choralia Women's Chorus, Statesmen Men's Chorus). South Dakota State University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music to provide curricula leading to undergraduate degrees in music.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide artistic and administrative leadership for the SDSU choral program, including conducting the premier choral ensemble and coordinating all choral activities.
• Teach courses, conduct additional ensembles, and/or coach voice students based on expertise and program needs.
• Provide leadership in the recruitment and retention of talented undergraduate choral students.
• Develop and sustain relationships with professional organizations, University leaders, and regional high schools to support the mission of the School.
• Lead efforts in community engagement and public performance, maintaining a visible and vibrant choral presence within the region.
• Engage in scholarly/creative activities consistent with the expectations of an endowed professor at a land-grant university.
• Support undergraduate research and creative activity by preparing students to enter competitions, attend summer symposia, and involve themselves in related scholarly activity.
• Participate actively in faculty governance, curriculum development, assessment, and service at the school, college, and university levels.

BENEFITS:
including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university's guidelines.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Doctorate in Choral Conducting or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated success as a choral conductor, particularly with collegiate-level or similarly advanced ensembles.
• A record of effective university-level teaching and research, scholarship, and creative activity to warrant appointment at the Associate or Full Professor level.
• Evidence of leadership and cultivating growth in undergraduate music education.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated success in recruiting and retaining undergraduate music students.
• Experience conducting a variety of choral ensemble types.
• Public school teaching experience or significant engagement with K-12 music educators and students.
• Demonstrated success in community engagement.
• Active involvement in regional or national professional organizations.
• Experience with national or international ensemble touring.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: , search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on "apply for this job." This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, Curriculum Vitae, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.
Any offer of employment is contingent on the university's verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.
SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.
Posting Date 12/10/2025
Closing Date 01/07/2026
Open Until Filled
First Consideration Date
Advertised Salary The salary and rank for this position are commensurate with experience, starting at $78,000 for Associate Professor. In addition to this base salary, the endowment includes a salary supplemental that will be paid as a stipend.
Duration of the Term 9 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent 100
Tenure Status Tenure Track
Proposed Rank Multiple Rank
Work Hours
Typical Hours Worked Per Week
Appointment Type Regular
Scope of Search External (includes Internal)
If internal, define scope of search
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
is the state's largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing . Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.
Contact Information
For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Jacob Wallace at .

Skills Required