VanderCook College of Music
Employment Opportunities
Digital Content and Graphic Design Assistant
The Digital Content and Graphic Design Assistant is an in-person, part-time position averaging 20 hours per week. This role supports VanderCook College of Music’s communications and marketing initiatives through the creation of high-quality visual content, social media management, and digital campaign planning and execution. The assistant is responsible for designing and producing engaging graphic design, photo, and video content that strengthens VanderCook’s brand and enhances its presence across digital platforms. Working collaboratively with the Coordinator of Communications, Media A/V, this position plays a vital role in expanding the College’s digital reach, increasing audience engagement, and supporting recruitment, development, events, outreach, and other institution-wide initiatives. The ideal candidate is creative and detailed-oriented storyteller who can translate institutional goals into compelling visual and digital communications that connect with a variety of audiences.
Responsibilities:
Graphic Design
- Design digital and print materials, including social media graphics, email visuals, flyers, posters, concert programs, and campaign assets
- Maintain brand consistency across all visual communications
- Adapt and resize assets for multiple platforms and formats
- Develop templates to streamline content production
Digital Content and Social Media
- Create, schedule, and publish content across all VanderCook social media platforms
- Write captions aligned with institutional voice and campaign goals
- Execute social media campaigns for institutional programming and events
- Monitor engagement and interact with audiences (comments, messages)
- Collaborate on content ideation by contributing creative concepts, campaign ideas, and platform-specific approaches
- Stay informed on social media trends, tools, and best practices
- Provide input based on platform insights and performance data
Video and Multimedia Content
- Edit short-form video (Reels, Shorts, promotional clips)
- Assist in capturing photo and video content at events
- Repurpose long-form content into high-performing short-form assets
Email Marketing
- Build and deploy email campaigns using Constant Contact
- Format content for clarity, visual appeal, and engagement
- Assist with audience segmentation and list organization
Campaign Execution
- Support multi-channel campaigns (events, recruitment, fundraising)
- Produce deliverables, including graphics, posts, and email assets
- Follow timelines and ensure consistent rollout across platforms
Analytics & Reporting
- Track performance of social media and email campaigns
- Compile reports for the Communications, Media and AV Coordinator and collaborate on opportunities for improvement
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Graphic Design, or a related field; equivalent professional experience
- Minimum of two years of experience in graphic design, digital content creation, and social media management
- Strong written and verbal communication, organizational, and detail-oriented skills
- Excellent collaboration and relationship-building abilities
- Effective time management, planning, and project coordination skills
- Commitment to VanderCook’s mission and an appreciation for the impact of music education, community engagement, and student-centered storytelling
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, InDesign, and Premiere Pro
- Strong working knowledge of Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive), Microsoft Office (PowerPoint), Canva and Apple technology
- Basic proficiency in Figma, including layout design, asset export, and collaborative workflows
- Experience creating and editing short-form video content for social media platforms (Reels, Shorts, etc.)
- Experience managing and growing social media accounts across multiple platforms
To Apply
This position is open for immediate hire and will remain open until filled. Please email a cover letter, resume, and names of three references to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed until a suitable candidate is found.
Please include the following project samples with your resume and cover letter:
- Two (2) links to social media video content you have created and produced
- Two (2) examples of graphic design work (image files or portfolio samples)
- One (1) sample of a video project suitable for presentation on YouTube, at a live event, or for internal organizational use
Submitted materials should demonstrate your creativity, technical proficiency, and ability to communicate effectively across a variety of media platforms.
Salary
Individual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including internal equity, market data, the candidate’s qualifications – including but not limited to specialty skills, prior relevant industry experience, relevant degrees or certifications. The salary range estimate below is inclusive of all departments within the institution and offered salaries may vary within the given range between departments. A reasonable estimate of the hourly salary range for this level is $22 – $25 per hour. Benefits are not included for this position.
Applied Oboe Adjunct Instructor
VanderCook College of Music invites applications for a part-time oboe instructor (start date: June 15 or August 24). Responsibilities include teaching applied lessons to VanderCook and IIT students, chamber ensemble coaching, attending juries and recitals, and participating in college events such as faculty recitals and recruitment activities. The successful candidate will be an active performer and teacher in the Chicagoland area, hold a Master of Music degree or equivalent experience, and demonstrate a strong commitment to building an oboe studio through innovative and collaborative teaching.
Responsibilities
- Teach applied oboe to VanderCook students and IIT students, as assigned, during the Fall and Spring semesters, as well as during the 6-week Summer Graduate session.
- Work collaboratively with the Admissions Office, Director of Applied Studies, and Director of Bands on recruitment and retention of oboe students.
- Coach chamber music, as needed.
- Attend and grade juries and recitals, as assigned by the Director of Applied Studies.
- Be an active member of the VanderCook community through participation in activities that include concerts, faculty recitals, recruitment visits, The Midwest Clinic, ILMEA, and faculty meetings.
Potential Schedule
- Tuesday and Thursday: 10:30-11:20a Oboe Techniques (half semester)
- Tuesday: 1:00-1:50p Double Reed Chamber Ensemble
- On-site applied lessons (individually scheduled)
- Attendance at Junior & Senior Recitals and dress rehearsals
- Two spring semester chamber ensemble concerts (February & April)
- Summer Graduate session Oboe Techniques (as assigned)
Qualifications
- Active oboe performer and teacher in the Chicagoland area.
- Master of Music degree or higher in performance or performance and education, or equivalent experience. Past college teaching experience preferred, but not required.
- Strong desire to build, motivate, and nurture the oboe studio using innovative teaching and recruiting techniques.
- Flexibility and adaptability to changes in routine, schedule, and needs.
- Excellent organizational, administrative, and interpersonal skills.
- Desire and commitment to fulfill the College’s mission
Salary
Individual salaries offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including internal equity, market data, and the candidate’s qualifications – including but not limited to specialty skills, prior relevant experience, and relevant degrees or certifications. A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this position is $80-100 per hour dependent on type of course being taught. Benefits are not included for this position.
To Apply
Please email a cover letter, resume, and list of references to Dr. Bonnie Campbell at [email protected] by May 31, 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received or until a suitable candidate is found.
VanderCook College of Music is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. All qualified individuals are considered regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, applicable veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
The mission of VanderCook College of Music is to enrich the lives of present and future generations by developing uniquely skilled music teachers who exhibit strong character, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.
Applied Trumpet Adjunct Instructor
VanderCook College of Music invites applications for a part-time trumpet instructor (start date: June 15 or August 24). Responsibilities include teaching applied lessons to VanderCook and IIT students, chamber ensemble coaching, attending juries and recitals, and participating in college events such as faculty recitals and recruitment activities. The successful candidate will be an active performer and teacher in the Chicagoland area, hold at least a Master of Music degree or equivalent experience, and demonstrate a strong commitment to building a trumpet studio through innovative and collaborative teaching.
Responsibilities
- Teach applied trumpet to VanderCook students and IIT students, as assigned, during the Fall and Spring semesters, as well as during the 6-week Summer Graduate session.
- Work collaboratively with the Admissions Office, Director of Applied Studies, and Director of Bands on recruitment and retention of trumpet students.
- Coach chamber music, as needed.
- Attend and grade juries and recitals, as assigned by the Director of Applied Studies.
- Be an active member of the VanderCook community through participation in activities that include concerts, faculty recitals, recruitment visits, The Midwest Clinic, ILMEA, and faculty meetings.
Potential Schedule
- Tuesday and Thursday: 10:30-11:20a High Brass Techniques (trumpet and horn)
- Tuesday: 1:00-1:50p Trumpet Ensemble
- Thursday: 1:00-1:50p Brass Chamber Ensemble
- On-site applied lessons (individually scheduled)
- Attendance at Junior & Senior Recitals and dress rehearsals
- Two spring semester chamber ensemble concerts (February & April)
- Summer Graduate session High Brass Techniques (as assigned)
Qualifications
- Active trumpet performer and teacher in the Chicagoland area.
- Master of Music degree or higher in performance or performance and education, or equivalent experience. Past college teaching experience preferred, but not required.
- Strong desire to build, motivate, and nurture the trumpet studio using innovative teaching and recruiting techniques.
- Flexibility and adaptability to changes in routine, schedule, and needs.
- Excellent organizational, administrative, and interpersonal skills.
- Desire and commitment to fulfill the College’s mission (see Mission Statement below).
Salary
Individual salaries offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including internal equity, market data, and the candidate’s qualifications – including but not limited to specialty skills, prior relevant experience, and relevant degrees or certifications. A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this position is $80-100 per hour dependent on type of course being taught. Benefits are not included for this position.
To Apply
Please email a cover letter, resume, and list of references to Prof. Alexander Kaminsky at [email protected] by May 31, 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received or until a suitable candidate is found.
VanderCook College of Music is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. All qualified individuals are considered regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, applicable veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
The mission of VanderCook College of Music is to enrich the lives of present and future generations by developing uniquely skilled music teachers who exhibit strong character, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.