The DePaul University School of Music seeks an inspiring, experienced orchestral conductor and educator for a full-time position as Director of the DePaul Symphony Orchestra (DPSO). Initial appointment is for one year; multi-year renewals thereafter are possible.
The DPSO has been a focus of excellence in training and performance at DePaul, with alumni placed in the finest ensembles in the U.S. Our esteemed instrumental faculty include 15 members of the Chicago Symphony, several from Lyric Opera Orchestra, and many others with significant external affiliations. Overall, our instrumental recruiting is competitive, and investment in the DPSO is deeply tied to the mission and strategic plan of the School of Music. Rehearsals and performances take place in the School of Music’s spectacular Holtschneider Performance Center in DePaul’s Lincoln Park campus in Chicago.
The Director will shape the direction of the DPSO while leading the overall strategy and culture of our classical instrumental ensembles. The DPSO prioritizes professionalism, orchestral fundamentals, and a thorough and inclusive approach to repertoire. The Director will impart skills that are essential not only for music rehearsal and performance, but for any field in a volatile world that demands agility, collaboration, imagination, and novel problem solving. The Director will also support the School of Music’s goals in expanding access to excellence in music education through partnerships with local and national organizations that seek to diversify the field.
Responsibilities include:
Recognized in Chicago and nationally, the DePaul School of Music is a forward-thinking institution that seeks to redefine the role of conservatory-based training in a contemporary society. DePaul’s location in the cultural capital of Chicago is a tremendous asset for our programs in performance, music education, composition, performing arts management, and sound recording technology. We enjoyed a record year for philanthropy in 2023-24 and are implementing a new and exciting Strategic Plan beginning in early 2025.
The successful candidate will possess experience working with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and students and an ability to contribute to an inclusive learning environment. DePaul is an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity and strongly encourages diverse applicants to apply. The DePaul School of Music particularly values colleagues who demonstrate a strategic mindset, high collaborative capacity, and dedication to the development of agile professionals.
Questions about the search should be directed to the chair of the search committee, Dana Hall, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, at dhall1@depaul.edu.
A review of candidates will begin November 15, 2024.
Required materials:
EEO Statement
DePaul University is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, martial status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other legally protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local EEO laws.
Diversity and Inclusion Statement:
Guided by an ethic of Vincentian personalism and professionalism, DePaul compassionately upholds the dignity of all members of its diverse, multi-faith, and inclusive community. We seek to hire collaborative, open-minded, and dedicated professionals who are committed to advancing our university mission to making education accessible to all, with special attention to including underserved and underrepresented communities. Successful candidates thrive in an environment where ideas and perspectives representing a wide variety of cultures, backgrounds and experiences are welcomed and supported.
Required Background Check:
Employment at DePaul University is contingent on passing a background check. Only final candidates who are extended an offer of employment will undergo a background check.
Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse & Neglect:
Upon accepting an offer of employment with the university, you will also be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Mandated Reporter Status at the time of hire. A mandated reporter is required to make a report to the Illinois DCFS Hotline whenever there is a reasonable cause to believe that a child known to them in their professional or official capacity may be abused or neglected. For more information, please visit the following pages:
Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS)
Illinois Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act
Safety and Security Statement - Clery Act:
A copy of DePaul University's Safety and Security Information Report and Fire Safety Report is available upon request. The report includes statistics about crimes that occurred on campus and public property immediately adjacent to campus. The report includes institutional policies concerning campus security, sexual assault and other matters. It also includes fire statistics, fire safety practices and standards of the institution. A copy of this report can be obtained by contacting the Crime Prevention Office at 773-325-7775 or by visiting the DePaul Public Safety website at http://publicsafety.depaul.edu .
Title IX Statement:
Federal Title IX policy requires that all colleges and universities make known the contact information for the person responsible for coordinating its efforts to comply with Title IX responsibilities. At DePaul University, the Interim Title IX Coordinator is Molly Lamping Fleck. Her office is located in Lincoln Park on the 3rd floor of the Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield Avenue. She can be reached at 312-362-8970, or titleixcoordinator@depaul.edu.
DePaul University is the nation's largest Catholic university, with about 23,000 students and about 300 degree programs. Its partnerships throughout Chicago enable DePaul to provide an exceptional educational experience that is vibrant, pragmatic and socially engaged. Classes are small and taught by knowledgeable and experienced faculty members who take full advantage of Chicago’s corporate, cultural and community resources. DePaul is nationally recognized for incorporating service learning throughout its curriculum and for the academic rigor and prominence of its programs. Founded in 1898 by the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians), DePaul’s tradition of providing a quality education to students from a broad range of backgrounds, with particular attention to first-generation students, has resulted in one of the nation’s most diverse student bodies. With 10 colleges and schools, DePaul has campuses in Chicago’s Loop and Lincoln Park neighborhoods, three suburban locations, and degree programs in several nations. It is a member of the BIG EAST Conference in Division I sports.