Job Description / Duties

JOB SUMMARY
The Townsend School of Music at Mercer University seeks an experienced and versatile Assistant Professor of Music – Voice (Soprano, Mezzo-soprano preferred) with specialized expertise in Opera and Musical Theatre direction. This position will primarily focus on teaching applied voice, stage direction of two to three opera and musical theatre productions per academic year, assisting with relevant classes, and enhancing the musical skills of undergraduate and graduate students in the vocal studies area. The successful candidate will demonstrate a deep understanding of vocal repertoire, pedagogy, and performance practices in both genres.

This is a full-time, tenure track appointment, with full benefits. The initial contract will commence August 2026.


YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
A typical teaching load at Mercer University includes 50% teaching, 30% creative/research, and 20% service activity.

Teaching – 50%
• Teach applied voice. Excellence in teaching a diverse array of styles within the voice studio, including Western Classical and musical theatre, as well as art song, oratorio, and other vocal styles.
• Provide specialized instruction in vocal repertoire for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Guide students in preparing repertoire for jury examinations and recitals, ensuring adherence to specified requirements regarding memorization, language, style, and inclusion of diverse composers.
• Encourage student familiarity with the work of contemporary composers through performance, listening, or collaboration with composition students.
• Maintain and expand a comprehensive knowledge of vocal literature across historical periods and national styles for both performance and teaching.
• Serve as co-director of Mercer University Opera, producing and stage directing two to three opera and musical theatre productions per academic year.
• Liaise with university and community theatre professionals to secure production personnel and materials.
• Maintain an accurate record of production spending and maintain a specified yearly budget.
• Liaise with the Dean, the Executive Assistant to the Dean, and the Vocal Studies Chair on all financial activities.
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned according to the candidate’s strengths and the needs of the institution, which may include vocal pedagogy and methods, lyric diction, and vocal literature.

Creative/Research – 30%
• Maintain a professional performance profile, with activities occurring nationally, regionally, locally, and on campus as the Vocal Studies area calendar permits.
• Maintain an active research and presentation profile as expertise and time permit.
• Direction of Mercer University Opera productions will count towards your creative/research output.

Service – 20%
• Provide academic advising to music majors.
• Participate in faculty governance within the School of Music and the University.
• Actively recruit voice students for the School of Music.

APPOINTMENT
This is a tenure-track appointment, beginning in August 2026. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Benefits
Mercer University benefits for eligible employees include competitive health and dental plans and generous employer contributions to a retirement plan.

Qualifications / Required Skills

QUALIFICATIONS
The successful candidate:
• Will be an experienced musician and teacher with a commitment to liberal arts education.
• Will hold an earned doctorate in music, or demonstrated commensurate professional experience, along with evidence of successful teaching and creative activity/research.
• Proven ability to provide applied instruction to university-level students.
• Demonstrated experience with operatic and musical theatre stage direction, performance practices, and the teaching of acting for the lyric stage. Proven ability to organize and produce opera and musical theatre productions.
• A broad knowledge of the Western Classical art song, oratorio, operatic, and musical theatre repertoires.
• Language and diction competency, consistent with working in the Western Classical vocal traditions.

Additional Information

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
For full consideration, please apply by November 30, 2025. The position will remain open until filled.

To apply, please submit the following materials via the Workday online platform:
1. Current Curriculum Vitae.
2. Cover letter.
3. Statement of Teaching Philosophy.
4. Undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
5. The names and contact information for a minimum of three professional references. (We may request confidential letters of recommendation later. This information will be kept confidential and viewable only by the search committee.)
6. Published or unlisted links included in your written materials to the following videos:
A. Recent personal performance. (10-30 minutes)
B. Recent performances of opera and musical theatre productions. (specify if full productions or excerpted scenes)
C. An applied lesson demonstrating Western Classical vocal instruction. (20-30 minutes)
D. An applied lesson demonstrating musical theatre instruction. (20-30 minutes)
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through: https://hr.mercer.edu

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications

Contact Information

Mercer University Human Resources
https://hr.mercer.edu

Human Resources Office
Lofts at Mercer Landing, Ground Floor
1501 Mercer University Drive, 
Macon, GA 31207 (Driving Directions)
(Office entrance is located along Mercer University Drive, to the right of the pedestrian bridge.)
Phone: (478) 301-2786
Fax: (478) 301-2790

Employer Profile

THE SCHOOL OF MUSIC MISSION STATEMENT
The Townsend School of Music fosters excellence in musical learning within the context of a comprehensive university environment. Undergraduate and graduate studies prepare musicians for careers in performance, music education, sacred music, and musical scholarship.

Goals
• To offer undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in music based
upon a strong liberal arts foundation.
• To equip student musicians with the necessary artistic skills for excellence in
performance, scholarship, and teaching.
• To promote lifelong learning and musical development.
• To develop an understanding of the role of the arts and artists in society.
• To collaborate with other units within the University to develop in all students an awareness of the artistic, creative, and aesthetic dimensions of the whole person.
• To join in partnership with community, regional and national music and artistic organizations to assist with helping students make a contribution to their respective fields of study.
• To foster the acquisition of critical thinking, writing, and communication skills.
• To support an engaged and highly qualified music faculty


EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
MERCER UNIVERSITY is committed to maintaining an environment where all applicants for employment and employees have equal access to employment opportunities based on merit, without fear of discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, child birth or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, age, or religion (except in limited circumstances where religious preference is permitted by law), or any other protected status or characteristic as defined by law. Mercer University will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship.

MERCER UNIVERSITY offers a variety of benefits for eligible employees including comprehensive health insurance (for self and dependents), generous retirement contributions, tuition waivers, paid time off, technology discounts and so much more.

At MERCER UNIVERSITY, a Bear is more than a mascot: it's a frame of mind that begins with a strong desire to make the most out of your career. Mercer Bears do not settle for mediocrity or the status quo. If you're seeking an environment where your passion and determination are embraced, then you want to work at Mercer University.
For more information, please visit: https://hr.mercer.edu/prospective-employees/