Columbia University

Director Search – Louis Armstrong Jazz Performance Program at Columbia University

NEW YORK, NYPosted 21 days ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from Columbia University

  • Job overview

    The Director Search for the Louis Armstrong Jazz Performance Program at Columbia University is a full-time academic role focused on teaching jazz courses and leading ensembles while managing program activities and admissions.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The role involves teaching two jazz-related courses, coaching six ensembles annually, coordinating undergraduate admissions, and overseeing all jazz program activities and Music Associates.

  • Experience and skills

    Applicants must have extensive jazz performance experience and prior college-level jazz teaching experience; an MA is required for Associate in Discipline rank and a PhD for Lecturer in Discipline rank at appointment.

  • Company information

    Columbia University's Department of Music offers this academic position, emphasizing jazz performance education.

  • Job location and travel

    The position is based at Columbia University, with a start date of July 1, 2026.

  • Application process

    Applications must be submitted through Columbia University's Academic Search and Recruiting system, including a cover letter, CV, three references, and a teaching statement; review begins October 1, 2025 and continues until filled.

Company overview

Columbia University is a prestigious Ivy League institution located in New York City, known for its rigorous academic programs, pioneering research, and influential alumni. Established in 1754, it is one of the oldest universities in the United States and offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across various disciplines. The university generates revenue through tuition fees, research grants, endowments, and donations. Notable historical milestones include the founding of its renowned journalism school and the development of the Manhattan Project during World War II.

How to land this job

  • Position your resume to highlight your extensive jazz performance experience and previous college-level teaching roles, emphasizing your ability to lead ensembles and coordinate academic programs, as these are central to the Director role at Columbia University's Louis Armstrong Jazz Performance Program.

  • Emphasize your academic credentials, specifying whether you hold an MA or PhD, and detail your teaching philosophy and experience with jazz courses and ensemble coaching to align with the job's teaching and leadership requirements.

  • Apply through Columbia University’s Academic Search and Recruiting (ASR) system as the primary channel, but also explore posting your application on LinkedIn and academic job boards to maximize exposure.

  • Connect with faculty and staff in Columbia University's Department of Music on LinkedIn; use ice breakers like commenting on recent jazz program events or expressing admiration for the Louis Armstrong program's legacy to initiate meaningful conversations.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by including keywords such as 'jazz performance,' 'ensemble coaching,' 'undergraduate admissions coordination,' 'music education,' and 'academic program leadership' to pass initial resume screenings effectively.

  • Leverage Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate the tailored application process, ensure multi-channel submission, and identify relevant Columbia University contacts for networking, allowing you to focus on preparing for interviews and refining your teaching portfolio.

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