Assistant Conductor Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Do you value active learning, meaningful collaboration with classroom faculty, and culturally relevant and equity-minded instruction? Are you excited to work with a diverse student population? Are you eager to work collaboratively to find innovative ways to improve student success? If these questions resonate with you, then we invite you to consider joining our Music department. We value collaboration and are dedicated to guiding all students to achieve their academic and career goals.

Clark College is currently accepting applications for a full-time temporary Music Professor for the 2026-2027 academic year. The primary responsibility will be to teach first and second year music theory and ear training to music majors in the AA Music Transfer Degree Program. Responsibilities include curriculum development and coordination with state and area universities to ensure that DTA graduates transfer with maximum credits into four-year programs.

The Full-time temporary Music Professor will administer and serve as Music Director/Conductor of the award-winning Clark College Orchestra, a community orchestra that includes adjunct faculty and area music educators in addition to students. Department and college service work is expected with the position (as assigned by the division or college) to support the institutional mission and goals, foremost being student success and retention. This position begins September 11, 2026, and ends with the completion of the spring 2027 quarter.

At Clark, we value equity, diversity and inclusion. We are committed to growing, learning, and supporting our employees.

FACULTY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Instruct all classes as an expert in the discipline using active learning approaches that both engage and facilitate student learning.
• Advise and assist students in their educational and career development.

• Strive to enhance teaching and learning techniques.
• Obtain and maintain Professional-Technical Certification requirements.
• Participate in programming, curriculum development and assessment activities.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, businesses, advisory committees, and other educational partners to create unique learning opportunities at Clark College.
• Participate in decision-making processes by taking part in department meetings.
• Work well with people of all ages from academically, culturally, and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds.
• Understand and commit to the mission of Clark College.
• Work cooperatively in a variety of department-level activities and college or company-wide projects.
• Pursue professional development to enhance teaching and learning in the department and College.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in Music or Music Education.
• Teaching experience, preferably in community college or other higher education setting.
• Experience conducting orchestra.

COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to teach the following: Music Theory, Ear Training, Orchestra, Applied Music (if needed).
• Ability to utilize presentation software, Canvas or other learning management systems; commitment to take eLearning classes for pedagogy of teaching online or hybrid modalities.
• Ability and enthusiasm to use teaching methods that engage students and encourage them to be motivated self-learners.
• Demonstrated competencies in curriculum and course development, pedagogy, student outcomes assessment, and the development of student critical thinking skills.
• Competence in piano to support all levels of ear training instruction.
• Willingness to recruit potential students at the local high schools.

SALARY STATEMENT:

Starting salary is $82,775 (non-negotiable); current top step is $116,597. Salary is for a 173-day contract; additional compensation is available for summer and moonlight teaching, and doctoral and vocational stipends. Temporary appointment: this is a one-year temporary position. The selected candidate will be appointed at Step A and is not eligible for step progression during the temporary appointment.

Clark College offers an exceptional benefits package that includes vacation/sick leave; medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance; retirement; and tuition waiver.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Clark College promotes work/life balance for employees.
• McClaskey Culinary Institute offers fast, fresh, and healthy dining options for students, faculty, staff, and the community. The space, located in Gaiser Hall, features three kiosks, a full-service retail bakery and barista bar, grab-and-go items, and a student-run restaurant.
• Coffee Lounge in Hannah Hall and Clark Cafe in Joan Stout Hall.
• Campus bookstore offers snacks, apparel, and specialty supplies.
• On-campus early childhood education care program (pending registration and availability).
• Gym and recreation facilities available for membership.
• Clark promotes wellness with a variety of different workshops and events.

Required Online Application Materials:

• Clark College Online Application, including names of three (3) references
• Cover letter describing background and experience related to qualifications and responsibilities of the position
• Current resume
• Video of candidate's conducting with application (YouTube link preferred), demonstrating both rehearsal and performance.
• Unofficial copy of all transcripts/certifications uploaded with online application or delivered to the Office of People and Culture.

Please apply online at www.clark.edu/jobs.

To contact Clark College Office of People and Culture, please call (360) 992-2105 or email recruitment@clark.edu.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted which includes a sexual misconduct background check as required under RCW 28B.112.080. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. Completion of academic degrees will also be verified through receipt of official transcripts. Please note that upon being hired,Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) require a Vocational Certification plan be in place prior to the first day of classes. Under the standard specified in WAC 131-16-070 through 131-16-094 Vocational Certification is a condition of continued employment for all professional technical education personnel.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS

Upon request, accommodations are available to persons with disabilities for the application process. Contact Office of People and Culture at (360) 992-2105 or by video phone at (360) 991-0901.

SECURITY

The security of all the members of the campus community is of vital concern to Clark College. Information regarding crime prevention advice, the authority of the Security/Safety Department, policies concerning reporting of any crimes which may occur on or near college property, and crime statistics for the most recent 3-year period may be requested from the Clark College Security/Safety Department, (360) 992-2133 or security.requests@clark.edu. The most recent Annual Security Report, written in compliance with the Clery Act, can be reviewed here: http://www.clark.edu/campus-life/student-support/security/report.php.

ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION

If you are hired, you will need proof of identity, and documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work. Clark College does not currently sponsor H1-B visas.

CORRECTIONS OR EXTENDED NOTICES Corrected or extended notices will be posted online and in the Office for People and Culture.

Clark College's Office of People and Culture supports individuals with their academic, personal, and professional development, as well as provides training and educational resources for all members of the college community around diversity, inclusion, power, privilege, inequity, social equity, and social justice. The college offers further professional development for our employees through opportunities such as Employee Resource Groups, Cross Institution Faculty of Color Mentorship program, and Faculty and Staff of Color Conference.

The Office of People and Culture aims to support and elevate the college community by embedding equity and continuous growth into every aspect of people's practices - from recruitment and onboarding to learning, well-being, and community partnerships.

Clark College values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator. Protected group members are strongly encouraged to apply. Clark College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, citizenship, immigration status or use of a trained guide dog or service animal. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). The college considers equal opportunity, affirmative action, and non-discrimination to be fundamental to the mission, vision and values of the college. All faculty and staff hired at Clark College are encouraged to embrace, continually support and enhance social equity on our campus and in our community. The college provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, Title II and Title IX, and Affirmative Action: Thao Schmidt, Interim Associate Vice President, 360-992-2628, tschmidt@clark.edu, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Baird 142, Vancouver, Washington 98663. Clark College is a smoke-free/drug free environment. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed and or modified without notice.

Clark College Office of People and Culture

June 11, 2026 (updated)

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