About College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)

CCM’s Opera department is a highly collaborative, multi-dimensional area of the Division of Theatre Arts, Production, and Arts Administration (TAPAA). The department offers Artist Diplomas in Singing, Coaching, and Stage Directing and also collaborates closely with the MM and DMA degrees in Vocal Performance.

The Opera program provides training in the art and craft of opera through one of the most comprehensive programs available anywhere in the world. Productions are supported by the CCM’s Department of Theatre Design and Production, which offers degrees at the BFA and MFA levels in costume design and technology; lighting design and technology; make-up and wig design; sound design and technology; stage design, properties, and scenic art; stage management; and technical production. The program allows students to create world-class performances and develop the skills necessary to move with confidence onto the professional stage.

CCM values excellence in teaching, innovation in curriculum, and the ability to connect with a diverse group of students seeking to explore a range of opportunities and careers in a rapidly changing marketplace. CCM faculty are committed to recruiting, mentorship, career preparation, and student support. CCM encourages an inquisitive, collaborative spirit and expertise in a broad and diverse range of repertoire. The department is seeking to enhance its current offerings with candidates who have research or performance interests in a related field reflective of the future job market. This could include but is not limited to areas such as community engagement, music entrepreneurship, music leadership, music technology, pedagogy, chamber music, or diverse repertoire.

Job Overview

The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), a nationally prominent comprehensive college for the performing and media arts, seeks an experienced opera director and teacher for a full-time tenure-track appointment, intended to begin August 15, 2025. Rank and salary will be commensurate with credentials. Initial appointment is three years, after which the faculty member is eligible for reappointment.

Essential Functions

• Direct mainstage and/or studio theatre productions each year.
• Teach courses, workshops, and seminars, as needed and appropriate, in areas including but not limited to characterization, movement, stage combat, career development, libretto study, and directing.
• Teach individual coaching sessions with master’s, artist diploma, and doctoral students.
• Mentor artist diploma directing students in their work on departmental productions.
• Recruit and retain students of exceptional promise.
• Develop curricula that supports student success in the current job market.
• Participate in departmental activities including recruitment, auditions, committee work, season planning, and student advising.
• Maintain regional, national, and international visibility through professional performances, engagements, and/or research and creative activity.
• Serve the college and university community through activities such as committee membership, academic advising, and mentorship of students.

Minimum Requirements

Prior to the effective date of the appointment, the successful candidate must have:

1. A Master’s Degree in Music or related field, in addition to a minimum of five academic years (35 months) of professional experience. Such experience must include working at an institution of higher learning or professional opera house. This experience must include directing, teaching courses appropriate to the discipline, or working with young or professional artists.

OR

2. An Artist Diploma in Music or Opera, in addition to a minimum of five academic years (35 months) of professional experience. Such experience must include working at an institution of higher learning or professional opera house.  This experience must include directing, teaching courses appropriate to the discipline, or working with young or professional artists.

OR

3. A Bachelor’s Degree in Music or related field, in addition to a minimum of 8 years (96 months) of post-baccalaureate professional experience (5 years of which must have been progressively more responsible) at an institution of higher learning or professional opera house. This experience must include directing, teaching courses appropriate to the discipline, or working with young or professional artists.

AND the following:

Demonstrated language fluency in one of the major operatic languages: French, German, or Italian.

Application Process Information

Review of applications will begin on December 16, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. 

Applicants should submit their materials electronically by accessing the University of Cincinnati’s Recruitment site https://jobs.uc.edu and searching for requisition - 97649. Applicants should submit a letter of application, a current CV, and a summary page with indicators of teaching experience, their students’ accomplishments (such as competition performance and employment) and/or professional experience, contact information for three professional references, and links to audio/video of current performances (if applicable) and teaching examples. We will not accept CDs or other forms of non-electronic media. 

The University of Cincinnati, as a multi-national and culturally diverse university, is committed to providing an inclusive, equitable and diverse place of learning and employment. As part of a complete job application, you will be asked to include a team culture statement. 

As a UC employee, and an employee of an Ohio public institution, if hired you will not contribute to the federal Social Security system, other than contributions to Medicare. Instead, UC employees have the option to contribute to a state retirement plan (OPERS, STRS) or an alternative retirement plan (ARP). 

The University of Cincinnati is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer / Minority / Female / Disability / Veteran. 

This position is open to potential H-1B sponsorship, and the department is willing to undertake efforts for PERM; however, permanent residency process fees to USCIS must be paid by the selected candidate(s).