Dance Music Coordinator
Apply for Job Job ID 373516 Location Twin CitiesJob Family EducationFull/Part Time Full-TimeRegular/Temporary RegularJob Code 9704PDEmployee Class Acad Prof and AdminAdd to Favorite Jobs Email this JobAbout the JobThe Dance Music Coordinator is an integral part of the music pedagogy within the Dance degree programs. This position is primarily responsible for providing creative and pedagogic support for Dance technique, performance, and composition courses through musical accompaniment. Additional responsibilities include developing and supervising Dance musician staff, teaching the core curriculum course "Music for Dance", and collaborating in cross-departmental music related productions and instruction.This is an in-person, 10-month appointment, annual renewableStart Date 8/17/2026 or as soon as can be hired.Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.TEACH MUSIC FOR DANCE COURSE, DNCE 1626 25%Teach one section of "Music for Dance" DNCE1626, a core curriculum course for Dance BFA and BA Dance Majors and optional foundation course for Dance Minors; meets LE requirements for the Arts/Humanities CoreHold office hours, submit gradesOther teaching related duties as assignedCREATIVE & PEDAGOGIC SUPPORT FOR DANCE PERFORMANCE/COMPOSITION/TECHNIQUE COURSES 45%Accompany an average of 8 - 9, 90 - 120 minute class sessions per week as a Dance Musician and pedagogic collaborator per semesterCoordinate and Play Music for Auditions, 3 - 5 Saturdays per academic yearCoordinate Music for Special Events including guest classes, workshops, and recruitment eventsProvide musical and sound support for dance composition courses each semesterConnect pedagogical and research needs of practice/technique and creative curriculum with Dance Musician staffOther duties as assignedMUSICAL THEATRE 10%Support the development and implementation of music components of Musical Theatre program with Theatre Arts and Dance and the School of MusicCollaborate in cross-departmental music related productions and instructionOther duties as assigned and as the Musical Theatre Major is createdADMINISTRATIVE 20%Schedule and supervise a staff of approximately 7 - 10 musicians who accompany various dance technique classes. The Dance Program offers up to 40 - 45 classes per week with live music. Some classes use more than one musician per class. Scheduling is highly adaptive and requires weekly adjustmentOversee and approve online time cardsIdentify, Recruit, Develop and Retain new dance musiciansManagement of the complex, varied budget derived from student course fees that supports the salaries of our musician staff in collaboration with financial preparerSupervise inventory and maintenance of musical equipment in the dance program, Barker Center for Dance, including management of instrument maintenance budgetProvide support for live music performance for Dance Program Production eventsMiscellaneous responsibilities, including but not limited to: Leadership, Staff, and Department meetings; recruitment events; professional developmentActively recruit Dance majors and minorsOther duties as assignedQualificationsRequired Qualifications:Bachelor's level degree plus 5 years professional experience; or Master's level degree plus 3 years professional experienceMust be a collaborative musician, understand and enjoy the role of accompanist in support of the students' training and the instructor's pedagogyHave a strong working knowledge of DAWs (digital audio workstation), and a confident, pedagogic approach to teaching these skills as part of the Dance Program curriculum within the class Music for DanceMust be an improviser, able to carry an entire dance technique class as a soloist without reading musicBe willing to prioritize and be "in service" to the goals and needs of the Dance ProgramMust be able to easily multitask several varied duties, such as budget management, assisting with Program event planning and support, musician scheduling, playing for classes, teaching class, recruiting and managing the musician staff, and maintaining the instrumentsBe curious and engaged with the professional community at large, interacting with other musicians and dancers, theater artists as an audience member and/or performersPay attention to community musicians who might be a good fit for joining the accompanist staff, as there is occasional turn-over and need to find new playersPreferred Qualifications:MFA or equivalent professional experienceDemonstrated teaching experience at the college levelAbility to perform more than one instrumentDemonstrated experience with music compositionAbout the DepartmentHoused in a public research university located in a vibrant metropolitan area, the University of Minnesota Department of Theatre Arts & Dance is a collaborative hub for education, research and training in the diverse field of Dance and Theatre.Our students are thinkers and creators who not only make art, but also make a difference.Our five unique programs share a commitment to collaboration and a balanced philosophy of training that combines an expansive liberal arts education with the rigorous study of performance on the stage and in the world.In partnership with local venues and community organizations, we prepare students for exciting and varied careers as well as lifelong journeys of creativity and learning.We are a diverse group of artists and scholars with a wide range of talents and interests. Read more about the research and creative work of our faculty as well as the hands-on student employment opportunities. Pay and BenefitsPay Range: $60,000 - $75,000; depending on education/qualifications/experienceTime Appointment:100% AppointmentPosition Type: Faculty and P&A StaffPlease visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time offContinuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit ProgramLow-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plansHealthcare and dependent care flexible spending accountsUniversity HSA contributionsDisability and employer-paid life insuranceEmployee wellbeing programExcellent retirement plans with employer contributionPublic Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunityFinancial counseling servicesEmployee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no costEmployee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro areaHow To ApplyApplications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.Required application materials: resume, cover letter, portfolio/music samples.Priority Deadline Note: The application review will begin on May 19, 2026.This position will remain open until filled.To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647. DiversityThe University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.eduEmployment RequirementsAny offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.About University of MinnesotaThe University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).