Education OPT Jobs in Iowa

Position Number: 999137

Unit/Department: Music

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Department Summary:

Drake University’s Department of Music (School of Fine Arts) is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The Music Department’s mission is to provide a center for the student and understanding of music that develops students’ intellectual, practical, and expressive abilities by emphasizing professional preparation, collaborative learning, critical thinking, and musical communication. Drake University seeks to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff.

Drake offers the best of both worlds: a department that is large enough to support a vast range of musical activities, but small enough that students receive highly personal attention. We pride ourselves on providing big-school opportunities in a small-school environment, and our graduates are well-trained and well-rounded musicians who are highly competitive in a wide range of vocational fields.

For more information about the department, visit: https://www.drake.edu/music/.

Job Summary:

Teach undergraduate studio violin and viola, orchestral excerpts, pedagogy, and coach chamber music. Success as an active and visible recruiter; demonstrated commitment to and record of successful teaching at the University level; an active performer at regional and national levels; demonstrated commitment to professional growth; ability to forge strong community ties.

The search committee is particularly interested in candidates who, through their research, teaching, and/or service, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

Minimum Qualifications:

Doctorate or ABD required. College teaching experience and a record of scholarship and recruitment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Doctorate

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please complete the online application and attach (1) a cover letter, including contact details for three references, (2) CV/Resume, (3) a statement about your experience in recruitment as well as supporting the success of students from diverse backgrounds, and (4) links to three live video recordings of performances representing a variety of genres and time periods.

Please do not attach additional documents at this time. Supplemental documents may be requested or required of semi-finalists and finalists.

Have Questions?

Questions about this position can be directed to the search chair: James Romain, james.romain@drake.edu.

Questions about the application process, working at Drake, spouse/partner support, reasonable accommodations, benefits, or additional information about Drake or Des Moines, Iowa may be directed to Drake Human Resources at jobs@drake.edu.

All job offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, satisfactory reference checks, and proof of authorization to work in the United States.

Review of Applications Begins:

For full consideration, apply by September 1, 2026. The position will remain posted until filled.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary is competitive with peer schools and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts.

Tuition Benefits.

For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.

ABOUT DRAKE

Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.

All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.

STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY

At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. As reflected in our Core Values, we embrace a diverse and inclusive community.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Drake University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (p: 515.271.3133; e: jobs@drake.edu) and let us know how we can assist you.