Visiting Professor (Assistant or Associate) of Music and Choir Conductor (2025-26)

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore  encourage applications from culturally and academically diverse faculty of the highest caliber, skilled and/or demonstrating great potential in the practice of teaching and scholarship. 

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Point Loma Nazarene University, a faith-based institution affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene, invites applications for the position of Visiting Professor in the Department of Music for the 2025-26 academic year.

This is a 9-month, full-time (40 hours), in-person position on the main campus of Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA. It is an appointment for one academic year (2025-26), though the position has the potential of being extended for a second year. The contract will begin August 15, 2025 with classes beginning September 2, 2025.

Job Status:

Full time

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Job Description:

Benefits:

We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as  health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, and competitive retirement matching. There also may be opportunities for university assistance with the cost of housing in Southern California. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including faculty chapel, weekly faculty lunches and a robust wellness program.

Salary:
PLNU pays its faculty using a payscale based on experience and academic rank. Faculty salaries using this scale for a 2-semester appointment range from $77,357 to $133,945. The actual salary will be based on the experience and rank of the candidate selected to fill this position.

Reporting Process:
The Visiting Professor will report to the Associate Dean of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Public Engagement.

Responsibilities:

The Department of Music of Point Loma Nazarene University (San Diego, CA) seeks an engaging choral conductor, musician, and educator whose experience, teaching, and mentorship will guide and direct the Concert Choir students, prepare students academically, and inspire them spiritually.

Responsibilities for this position include artistic leadership of the university’s Concert Choir, including the choir’s tours, concerts, Christmas special, and related duties. Administrative responsibilities include providing leadership for Concert Choir, including planning and programming, budget management, recruiting, and community outreach through performance. Additionally, the Visiting Professor will contribute to the ensemble and scholarship audition process and be a part of departmental meetings. Academic duties will depend on the candidates’ expertise and background and the department’s needs. 

Key Responsibilities: 

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• Provide instruction including some general education and service courses.

• Successful candidate will work strategically with diverse colleagues, students, parents and community members.

• Engage in personal scholarship and scholarship with students (where possible)

• Advise students academically, spiritually, and socially

• Participate in departmental activities and governance

• Serve on university faculty committees/working groups and perform other normal faculty duties

• Contribute in preparing students for their post graduate career and finding who they are called to be

• Conduct and lead the university Concert Choir.

• Teach music courses such as introduction to music, conducting, choral literature, choral techniques, church music, or related areas. 

• Attend department meetings.

• If needed, provide other services to the school and university.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Masters degree in Choral Conducting or related field.

• Prior choral conducting experience. 

• Demonstrated success in building and/or directing a vital choral program in a church, university, and/or high school.

• Demonstrated fluency with effective vocal and choral pedagogical techniques in a large, mixed ensemble, a thorough knowledge o