Job Description

Position Description
Texas State University, a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) located in San Marcos, Texas, invites applications for the position of Director of the School of Music.

With more than 47,000 students, Texas State is one of the 25 largest public universities in the U.S., as well as one of the fastest growing institutions in the nation. With a key goal of elevating student success, the university offers over 200 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs across nine colleges. The university is a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution and is one of 30 institutions nationally to receive the prestigious Seal of Excelencia in recognition of efforts to accelerate the success of Hispanic students in higher education. Additionally, Forbes has named Texas State among America’s Best Colleges in 2026, as well as previous recognitions among America’s Best Employers. U.S. News and World Report named Texas State among the Best Global Universities, and multiple degree programs rank among the best in the world including programs in drama, nursing, business, and criminology.

Texas State University’s 693-acre San Marcos campus resides in the center of Texas’s innovation corridor. Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, the campus enjoys a beautiful setting along the banks of the San Marcos River and nearby access to two major airports (Austin and San Antonio). Texas State University also operates the 101-acre campus in Round Rock, Texas north of Austin, as well as over 4,000 additional acres of academic, agricultural, research, and recreational spaces across Texas. In 2025, TXST launched its first international campus located in Querétaro, Mexico. Originally founded in 1899, Texas State is now driving what’s next in research, academic excellence, and student success. The promising students, inspiring faculty, dedicated staff, and new graduates are primed to create an impact, transform lives, and make a difference in the world.

The Texas State University School of Music is a long-standing, fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music and provides an intensive and nurturing environment that emphasizes student-faculty interaction. Ninety faculty teach more than 600 students who perform in more than thirty ensembles. We guide students to become performers, educators, and scholars through a comprehensive array of degree programs. Graduate degrees include the Master of Music in Music Education, and the Master of Music with a concentration in Choral Conducting, Composition, Digital Music Research, Instrumental Conducting, Musicology, Music Theory, Performance and Pedagogy, and Performance in multiple genres including Classical, Jazz, Mariachi, and Salsa. Graduate students may also pursue a Certificate in Music Performance. In addition to a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Bachelor of Science in Sound Recording Technology, undergraduate degrees include the Bachelor of Music in Music Education (Band, Choral, Mariachi, Strings) and Performance (classical and jazz). Composition, Jazz, Mariachi, Music, and Opera are available as Minors. Additional information can be found at https://www.music.txstate.edu.

The Director is the chief executive officer of the School of Music, responsible to the Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication for all matters concerning budget, programs, and faculty of the school. The successful candidate is expected to:
Foster an environment that values shared governance, educational excellence, collaboration, innovation, a variety of perspectives, and a welcoming community.
Support and promote the continuing growth and development of outstanding academic curricula in undergraduate and graduate programs.
Provide vision and dynamic leadership for the engagement of faculty, staff, and students in the continued pursuit of excellence.
Expand resources by working with University Advancement.
Actively advocate for the school across campus and with constituents outside the University.
Recruit, retain, and develop a varied and high-quality faculty by supporting creative/scholarly research, collaborative partnerships, and external funding efforts.
Manage the administrative affairs of the school, including management of a large and complex budget.
Contribute to the continued development and success of the school through leadership in research, teaching, and service.

For more information about the functions of school directors at Texas State, visit https://policies.txst.edu/division-policies/academic-affairs/01-02-11.html.
Required Qualifications
Doctoral/Terminal degree or equivalent professional experience.
Record of significant teaching and scholarly/performance activities in music that merit appointment with tenure at the rank of Professor.
Demonstrated relevant administrative leadership in higher education or a multifaceted arts organization.
Demonstrated commitment to transparent communication and collaborative decision-making that will foster shared governance.
Preferred Qualifications
DMA, Ph.D. or terminal degree in Music or related field.
Significant administrative experience with an academic unit offering a comprehensive spectrum of academic and professional programs in music.
Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, facilities, and personnel.
Familiarity with NASM standards and procedures.
Demonstrated success in advocating for resources with internal and external constituents, including but not limited to donor cultivation, alumni engagement, and fundraising, with a focus on building student scholarship support.
An informed understanding of the changing landscape of music, including contemporary modes of creation, production, performance, distribution, audience engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
A track record of building trust and community and fostering faculty/staff mentorship.
Demonstrated experience in promoting recruitment and success of faculty, staff, and students.
Application Procedures
For full consideration, applications should be received by November 11, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. Only applications submitted through the Texas State University website will be accepted and considered, https://jobs.hr.txstate.edu/postings/58609.

Interested individuals should submit the following:
A letter of application that includes a detailed and supported explanation of how you meet the qualifications for this position and your vision for the future of the school.
A current curriculum vitae.
A statement of no more than two pages, presenting your leadership philosophy, including but not limited to the themes of shared governance, administrative transparency, faculty development, and departmental community building.
Applicants must upload a single reference document that includes the names, professional titles, organizations, email addresses, and phone numbers of five professional references who can speak to the applicant’s qualifications and experience. Reference letters are not required at the time of application. Phone reference checks will be conducted for top candidates as part of the evaluation process.
Unofficial transcripts (all in one document).

The selected candidate will be required to provide official transcripts from all degree granting universities.
Proposed Start Date Fall 2027
Posting Date 09/29/2026
Review Date 11/11/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled? Yes
Legal Notices
Texas State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law in employment, educational programs, and activities and admissions.

Employment with Texas State University is contingent upon the outcome of record checks and verifications including, but not limited to, criminal history, driving records, education records, employment verifications, reference checks, drug screening (if applicable), and employment eligibility verifications.

Certain positions, including those with clinical responsibilities, require compliance with health, immunization, and other requirements mandated by affiliated clinical agencies. Employment and continued assignment in such roles are contingent upon meeting and maintaining these requirements.

This position may conduct research on critical infrastructure depending on the research focus of a hire. Consistent with the requirements of the State of Texas, individuals conducting research on critical infrastructure will be subject to pre-employment, and then subsequent routine background checks/cybersecurity screenings. Employment will at all times be contingent upon the successful completion of these screenings in accordance with State and University requirements.
Reasonable Accommodation
If you experience accessibility issues or require alternative formatting during the application process due to a disability or underlying condition, we request that you contact Talent Acquisition for assistance. A representative from Talent Acquisition will respond to you as soon as possible.
Record Checks and Verifications
Employment with Texas State University is contingent upon the outcome of record checks and verifications including, but not limited to, criminal history, driving records, education records, employment verifications, reference checks, and employment eligibility verifications.
Eligibility for Employment
In accordance with federal law, all new employees must complete the Form I-9 and provide acceptable documentation verifying their identity and authorization to work in the United States. Texas State University participates in E-Verify, and employment is contingent upon the successful verification of work authorization. Employees are required to maintain valid work authorization to satisfy the conditions of Form I9 at all times during their employment and the university makes no implicit or explicit promises to financially support visa or permanent residency applications.
Why Work at Texas State?
Texas State University is a large, student-centered public research institution serving more than 40,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in San Marcos and Round Rock. Classified as a Carnegie Doctoral University with High Research Activity (R2), TXST is actively advancing its ambitious Run to R1 strategy, demonstrating sustained growth in research activity, doctoral education, and scholarly impact.

Faculty at TXST join a vibrant academic community of over 5,000 faculty and staff committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service. The university offers a collaborative, supportive environment, and interdisciplinary scholarship. Outstanding faculty are drawn to TXST for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact—advancing research, mentoring a growing student body, and helping shape the future of a rapidly growing research university