Ensemble Librarian

The Conservatory of Music at Oberlin College invites applications for a 12-month, full-time Administrative and Professional Staff position as Ensemble Librarian beginning on January 4, 2027. The Ensemble Librarian reports to the Senior Associate Dean for Artistic Administration and Operations.

The Oberlin Conservatory of Music, founded in 1865, is the nation’s oldest continuously operating conservatory, and the only major music school in the country linked with a preeminent liberal arts college. Students are enrolled in undergraduate programs leading to the Bachelor of Music in performance, jazz studies, composition, technology in music and related arts, recording arts and production, music theater, and musicology. Oberlin also offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Music in conducting, the Master of Music in performance on historical instruments, the Master of Fine Arts in piano technology, and artist diplomas.

The ensemble program at Oberlin includes the Oberlin Orchestra, Oberlin Chamber Orchestra, Contemporary Music Ensemble, Oberlin Sinfonietta, Baroque Orchestra, Oberlin Arts and Sciences Orchestra, Musical Union, College Choir, and Chamber Singers, as well as two fully staged operas, that collectively present over 40 concerts each year. Additionally, selected ensembles embark on national and international tours, run-out performances, recording projects, and other special events.

Responsibilities

KEYRESPONSIBILIESINCLUDE**:**

1.) Overseeing all aspects of music acquisition, preparation, distribution, and use for the ensemble program, including:

• Arranging for the purchase, rental, or borrowing of materials to meet program needs for large ensemble rehearsals and performances;
• Work closely with the Conservatory Business manager regarding invoices, payments, shipping, and tracking for performance materials;
• Working closely with conductors to prepare music according to their specific requirements;
• Editing, proofreading, marking parts, and assembling music in folders;
• Ordering, cataloguing, and filing music purchased for the library, maintaining accurate inventory, and assessing long-range acquisition needs;
• Securing necessary grand rights, small rights, mechanical licenses, and permissions for performances, web-streaming, broadcasts, and recordings.

2.) Hiring, training, scheduling, and supervising the work of student assistants.

3.) Supporting the production work of the Concert Production office and Associate Dean for Artistic Administration and Operations, including:

• Availability to attend ensemble rehearsals as needed and attendance at all ensemble performances is expected;
• Providing program information, instrumentation requirements, and other information to staff on request;
• Providing production support to ensembles activities such as venue set-up, stage changes in rehearsals and performances, and coordinating technical details, as needed;
• Assisting with special projects including recording sessions, touring engagements, off-campus showcase performances, and extra-curricular and summer productions, as needed.

4.) Other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Functions

Marginal Job Functions

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in music;
• Prior music library experience;
• Comprehensive knowledge of performance practices, musical terminology, foreign languages, music theory, orchestration, transposition, and repertoire;
• Familiarity with music publishing, licensing, and copyright laws;
• Library research skills and understanding of standard reference resources;
• Extraordinary attention to detail, flexibility and strong organizational skills, including the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and consistently meet deadlines;
• Ability to build a strong relationship with and work successfully with faculty, staff, and students in a highly demanding and fast paced environment;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, as well as verbal and written communication skills;
• Willingness to work nights and weekends per the rehearsal and concert schedule;
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Workspace as well as music notation software including Sibelius, Dorico, and/or Finale;
• Valid US driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications

Compensation

Oberlin College offers a competitive compensation package with excellent benefits.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Review of applications will begin on October 31, 2026 and continue until position is filled. Those received after that date may be considered until the position is filled.

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter

• Resume

• List of References

Optional Documents