About Us
As a comprehensive institution of the University System of Georgia, Valdosta State University (VSU) is a welcoming, aware, and vibrant community founded on and dedicated to serving our communities' rich and diverse heritages. Through excellence in teaching, basic and applied research, and service, VSU provides rigorous programs and opportunities that enrich our students, our university, and our region. As such, the VSU mission consists of three interrelated parts that includes a student mission, university mission and regional mission. The university is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity and citizenship. As members of this community and proud Blazers we strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University, as stated in the Blazer Creed and reflected in our commitment to the University System of Georgia's Core Values.
Blazer Creed
Valdosta State University is a learning environment based on trust and mutual respect in which open dialogue, vigorous debate, and the free exchange of ideas are welcome. The University is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice
civility, integrity, and
citizenship. As members of this community, and proud Blazers, we will strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University.
Civility - A Blazer shows courtesy and compassion as well as respect for the dignity of every human being.
Integrity - Each Blazer is responsible for his or her own actions, and our community is stronger when we contemplate the context of our decisions and uphold the principles of trust and honesty.
Citizenship - Every Blazer has an interest in the well-being of the community, and, therefore, a duty to stay informed, to make positive contributions, and to offer support to those who need help.
As a Blazer, we pledge to uphold the core principles of
Civility, Integrity, and
Citizenship.
Job Summary
The
Department of Music seeks candidates for a non-tenure track, Limited Term faculty position to serve as the Interim Assistant Director of Bands and Interim Director of Athletic Bands. Faculty rank is Lecturer. Position is for the 2026-2027 academic year. The selected candidate will be responsible for teaching courses in the candidate's area of expertise and providing service to the department, college, and University. The expected start date for the position is August 1, 2026.
The Department of Music is made up of ~25 faculty/artist teachers and over 150 music majors and minors. The department presents over 150 musical performances for the public each year. In addition, several of the major performing ensembles within the department travel throughout Georgia, the Southeast and abroad, perform for schools, civic groups, and as part of community concert series. The Department of Music recently expanded into Powell Hall, a newly renovated, historically preserved, state-of-the-art music facility; featuring new administrative offices, a stunning 200-seat recital hall, faculty studios, rehearsal studios, and practice rooms. VSU is a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music. For more information: https://www.valdosta.edu/music
Review of completed applications will begin July 10, 2026 , and continue until the position is filled. For more information contact Dr. Laurel Yu, Interim Department Head, via email lsyu@valdosta.edu or phone 229-333-5804.
Applicants must submit the following:
- CV
- Cover Letter
- Transcripts (unofficial)
- 10-15 minutes of recent rehearsal conducting footage with the camera facing the front side of conductor.
- List of references (3-5)
Applicants are encouraged to include the following optional materials:
- Links to video of recent drill design examples
- Score and audio of pep band or marching band arrangements
- 10-15 minutes of recent instructional teaching in a marching band setting
Based on the recent Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers (H-1B) , VSU will not be sponsoring any new H-1B visa petitions until further notice.
Responsibilities
Department Summary
The position will serve as the Interim Assistant Director of Bands and Interim Director of Athletic Bands and be responsible for directing the VSU Blazin' Brigade Marching Band, VSU Hot Shots Pep Band, and the conductor of the VSU Concert Band as well as other courses according to requisite skills. Faculty may also be responsible for managing budget related to marching band, drill design and arranging, and student teacher observations. The Director of Athletic Bands works closely with organizations across our campus including Athletics, Student Life, as well as other spirit organizations. The successful candidate should be student-centered, energetic, and collaborative with experience teaching band at both the collegiate and secondary level; with demonstrated success in recruiting and ensemble retention; and experience organizing and planning events and performances for a wide range of campus stakeholders.
Other duties include but are not limited to:
- Teaching undergraduate and graduate Concert Band and Marching Band courses;
- Teach graduate courses in the MAT Education program such as Instrumental Music Curriculum;
- Maintaining an active regional, national, and international presence in the field;
- Additional teaching duties may be expected based on qualifications and departmental needs;
- Faculty members are expected to make contributions to the Department including department, university, and community service.
- Other duties as assigned.
Typical Allocation of Duties :
Teaching and Service - 100%
Teaches classes and meets assigned service obligations.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of MM or equivalent in music completed by appointment date
- Evidence of accomplishment as a marching band director and Wind Band conductor
- P-12 school teaching experience
- Knowledge of online/hybrid teaching and Learning Management Systems
- Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching and learning
Preferred Qualifications
- DMA or equivalent in music or music education
- Proven record of success as a music instructor and a record demonstrating a desire and ability to recruit
- College teaching experience
- Commitment to fostering a collaborative environment and actively participating in departmental affairs
- Ability to teach in additional areas of Music
- A record of mentoring students
Proposed Salary
Commensurate with experience.
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Conditions of Employment
Applicants are required to provide:
- professional references with current contact information
- documentation of academic credentials
- employment history
Please note that during the search process, VSU reserves the right to:
- ask c andidates who will serve in Positions of Trust to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment,
- view social media outlets, and
- remove job postings without additional notification.
Employment is contingent upon:
- successful completion of a background check investigation, including a criminal background check
- reference checks
Employment may also be contingent upon the job-based requirements if applicable for your position:
- satisfactory credit check
- successful completion of a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)
- pre-employment drug testing
- confirmation of credentials
After initial hiring, employees will be required to successfully complete all of the following training:
- New employee orientation
- VSU's Annual Compliance Training:
- USG Ethics Policy
- Conflict of Interest/Outside Activities Policy
- Drug Free Workplace
- Sexual Misconduct and Title IX
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- Motor Vehicle Policy
- Workers Compensation (new hires)
- Georgia Open Records Act (new hires)
- USG Cybersecurity Training (required twice yearly)
- Job-specific training such as: FMLA and Worker's Compensation, Budget Manager training, Purchasing Training (ePro & PCard), and Defensive Driving
Equal Employment Opportunity
Valdosta State University is an equal opportunity educational institution. It is not the intent of the institution to discriminate against any applicant for admission or any student or employee of the institution based on the age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation of the individual.
Background Check
- Position of Trust + Credit
Accommodations
If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings, apply for a job on this site, or participate in the search process as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Catherine Wills, in the Office of Human Resources at croark@valdosta.edu .
Clery Disclosure
The Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act requires institutions of higher education to publish an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR). The ASFSR includes crime statistics for the three previous calendar years of reported crimes that occurred on campus; in or on certain non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by our institution; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and fire safety policies and statistics. The ASFSR is published annually by October 1 and is available online at: https://www.valdosta.edu/administration/finance-admin/police/documents/2025-asfr-final-draft-aa.docx.pdf . You may request a paper copy of the report by emailing openrecords@valdosta.edu .
