Description

The Natalie L. Haslam College of Music at the University of Tennessee invites an accomplished music industry professional and educator to join its faculty as Assistant Director / Assistant Professor of Practice in Music Business and Music Communications, beginning on 1/1/2027 with flexibility for a later start date. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses such as Music Business, Music Publishing, Music Rights Management, Marketing/Promotions, as well as courses within the candidate’s expertise. The successful candidate will bring a demonstrated record of professional achievement in the music industry, a commitment to student mentorship, and a vision for connecting contemporary industry practices with impactful career-focused academic programming.

Key responsibilities include collaborating and supporting admissions to our BA programs in Music Business Administration, Music Advertising & Public Relations, and Music Journalism and Media; bridging academic concepts with practical applications through case studies, industry-based projects, guest speakers, and creative learning opportunities; and contributing to strategic planning, program assessment, curriculum innovation, and initiatives that strengthen academic quality and professional relevance.

Working collaboratively with faculty, university leadership, students, and industry partners, the Assistant Director will help advance the Music Business and Music Communications programs through curriculum development, experiential learning, internship expansion, and sustainable organizational growth.

The ideal candidate has a background in music with demonstrated expertise in the music industry, with experience in areas such as A & R, Production Music, Record Label Operations, Booking Agencies, Management, Marketing, Distribution, DSPS/Streaming Structures, Synch/Licensing, Copyright Law, PROs/Public Performance, MLC/Digital Mechanicals, SoundExchange/Digital Performance, and CMOs/Neighboring Rights.

The successful candidate will be an innovative educator, collaborative leader, and engaged industry professional who values academic excellence, practical learning, and the development of emerging talent. The Assistant Director will bring intellectual curiosity, entrepreneurial initiative, cultural awareness, and a forward-looking understanding of the music business and communications landscape. The anticipated workload may also include service activities relevant to these programs. 

This is a full-time, non-tenure-track appointment at the rank of an Assistant Director/ Assistant Professor of Practice, beginning in the spring 2027 semester with flexibility for a later start date.

Web Page: www.music.utk.edu

The University of Tennessee Natalie L. Haslam College of Music offers a broad and comprehensive professional music program at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The College has approximately 65 faculty members and approximately 400 music majors.

General Information: The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is the state’s flagship research institution, a campus of choice for outstanding undergraduates, and a premier graduate institution. As a land-grant university, it is committed to excellence in learning, scholarship, and engagement with society. In all its activities, the university aims to advance the frontiers of human knowledge and enrich and elevate society. Knoxville’s cultural resources include a symphony orchestra, an opera company, a professional jazz orchestra, theatrical productions, ballet and modern dance, art galleries, and museums. Within an hour’s drive is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with its scenic beauty and wide variety of recreational activities, plants, and wildlife. 

Contact ahuntoon@utk.edu with any questions.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent professional degree in a related field, including but not limited to music, or commensurate professional experience.
• National and/or international career experience in the music industry, with evidence of an extensive industry network.
• Commitment to effective instruction and instruction methods in relation to the business of music. Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Broad experience in the music industry including knowledge of current and best practices in legal matters, label management, publishing/licensing, distribution, and/or marketing.
• Evidence of admin or leadership experience.
• Evidence of direct mentorship and workforce development of emerging industry professionals.
• Ability to design and implement curriculum and programs, including online, in-person and hybrid.
• The ability to attract resources, including students, partnerships, donors, grants or other sources of support to develop the music business and communications programs.

Application Instructions

Applicants should apply online at https://apply.interfolio.com/195980. Applicants should include a letter of interest in leading and building our programs, a list of at least 3 professional references, curriculum vitae, and provide a document with links to any relevant industry work. Review of applications will begin on November 4, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.