Music and Theatre, in the School of Visual and Performing Arts at Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas, invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position beginning August 2027. We seek an engaging Director of Choirs who will direct and oversee the program’s choir ensembles, including Concert Choir and Fort Hays Singers, administrate the choral program, and work collaboratively with faculty in Music and Theatre to support university and program priorities, curriculum development, and student experiences. We value a range of experiences and perspectives that can enhance the creativity of the choral program and engage all members of our student population. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.
The choral program is an important external-facing component of the Music and Theatre program and requires a director who can successfully forge productive connections with high school programs, donors, the FHSU Foundation, FHSU administration, and audiences. The Fort Hays Singers has traditionally performed an important ambassadorial role for the university that should be cultivated while developing new opportunities for broad choral experiences.
A strong focus on pedagogy and student development is required. Teaching duties also include teaching choral methods and choral conducting and literature, as well as mentoring music education students. The successful candidate will foster a positive, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment and culture that promotes teamwork, personal growth, and professional development for music education students. Additional duties may be assigned based on the needs of the program and candidate’s expertise. Experience as music director for music theatre productions is desirable.
FHSU is a hub for Music Education in the western Kansas region, with special attention on rural program development and placement. A focus on rural music education development and advocacy is essential to the success of the program. The successful candidate will be expected to be a leader in the community and region to recruit students, advocate for the performing arts and music education, and successfully network with music education professionals in regional high schools and community colleges.
FHSU Music and Theatre is committed to building a community of collaborative teacher-artists with diverse skills from a multitude of backgrounds. Music Education is a primary focus for the program. FHSU Music and Theatre treats community-engaged work in teaching, scholarship, and/or service as legitimate and important areas of faculty activity, of comparable value to high-impact classroom teaching and mentorship, the scholarship of discovery, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. A strong record of teaching, scholarship, and service is expected for tenure consideration.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Doctorate in Music, or a Masters in Music with equivalent professional experience, commensurate with advanced graduate studies in Music.
- 3+ years of experience directing choir at the middle school and/or high school level.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience performing repertoire from a diverse range of cultural, artistic, and aesthetic selections.
- Clear potential for a distinguished career as a conductor at regional and national levels.
- Evidence of success in recruiting/retaining students in a choral program.
- Experience directing choral music at the university level.
- Experience working as a musical director in music theatre productions.
- Piano skills sufficient for choir/musical rehearsals.
Rank: Assistant Professor of Music
Benefits: To review our competitive benefit package, please visit
FHSU Benefits.
Appointment Date: August 12, 2027
Application Deadline: Screening of applications will begin October 21, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.
Application Process: To apply for this position, please visit
FHSU Careers. Only electronic applications submitted through the webpage will be accepted.
Required Application Documents:
- Cover letter that addresses the candidate’s skills and qualifications for this position, no more than two pages in length.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Names and contact information for three professional references.
- Link to video of a teaching video (such as conducting, rehearsal, or course, etc.)
Applicant documents should be submitted in one PDF.
If you have questions regarding the position, please contact:
Prof. Benjamin Cline
Chair, Music and Theatre
About the Program:
Music and Theatre, in the School of Visual and Performing Arts, consists of 15 full-time-faculty and offers B.M. degrees in Music Education, Music Performance, and Music Composition, and B.A. in Music. The program offers a wide variety of performances to the public including music theatre, opera, instrumental and vocal ensembles, chamber music, the Tiger Marching Band, the Hays Symphony, theatrical performances, and faculty artist and guest artist recitals. The program is housed in Malloy Hall, consisting of two rehearsal halls, a theatre, several classroom spaces, practice rooms, and faculty studios. We are committed to expanding access to students in the region and around the globe. For more information visit
https://www.fhsu.edu/music-and-theatre/
School of Visual and Performing Arts Mission Statement:
The School of Visual and Performing Arts is a vibrant and diverse artistic community that fosters and inspires the creative potential of students, cultivating their artistic visions for the future as they prepare for meaningful and successful lives in the arts. We promote and respect creativity, expression, and diversity in all its forms.
School of Visual and Performing Arts Vision Statement:
The School of Visual and Performing Arts is dedicated to advancing human creativity and inspiring students to be change-makers within their communities.
About the College:
The work that students and faculty in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences do inside and outside of the classroom develops the creative, critical, and practical skills that graduates will use throughout their lifetimes—and across multiple careers—as productive and successful leaders at the regional, national, and global levels in a rapidly changing world.
The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences includes the Department of Communication Studies, Law, and Political Science; the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology; the Department of English and Modern Languages; the Department of History and Philosophy; and the School of Visual and Performing Arts.
Community of Hays
FHSU is located in Hays, a vibrant college town of approximately 20,000, located halfway between Kansas City and Denver on Interstate 70. Hays is the regional center for education, health care, professional services, shopping, culture, and recreation for the western half of Kansas. The community boasts excellent recreational programs and facilities, including the comprehensive Center for Health Improvement, Hays Aquatic Park, Smoky Hill Country Club, Hays Municipal Golf Course, and extensive walking, running, and biking trails. Hays is within 45 minutes of two large lakes that offer great opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Hays Municipal Airport provides connecting service to Denver with several flights daily. The Hays community is home to excellent Pre-K and K-12, public and private schools. With over 60 restaurants, major retail outlets, a low unemployment rate, and very short commute times, the city provides a safe, welcoming, low-cost, high-quality living environment for the residents who call "Hays, America" home.
Notice of Non-discrimination: FHSU is committed to providing equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, employment, services, and activities in compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination laws. FHSU prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression), age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its programs, activities, admissions, or employment.
Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check.
Notice to KPERS retirees applying for a position: Recent legislation changes working-after-retirement rules for both you and your employer if you go back to work for a KPERS employer. Please contact your KPERS representative or
www.kpers.org for further information on how this might affect you.
