Description:

The University of Houston School of Theatre & Dance (SoTD), a unit of the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts at the University of Houston, invites applications for a full-time, tenured or tenure-track faculty position in Design & Technology, at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor, commensurate with qualifications and experience. We seek a highly qualified practitioner and teacher with significant professional accomplishments and demonstrated excellence in university-level instruction.

The successful candidate will contribute to the continued growth of the BFA Production and MFA Design programs; teach design and technology courses aligned with their expertise; mentor undergraduate and graduate designers and technicians in classroom and production settings; and help shape the future of our production curriculum as Head of Production Design.

Candidates should have an active and recognized creative practice or research record that supports tenure and aligns with a Tier-One public research institution.

Depending on the candidate’s experience and interests, there may be opportunities for college-level leadership responsibilities in areas such as curriculum development, accreditation, or academic affairs within the McGovern College of the Arts.

Primary Responsibilities
-Teach courses in the BFA Production and MFA Design programs
-Mentor students throughout their academic journey in both coursework and School production/design work.
-Serve as Head of Production Design, contributing to curricular vision and advancement
-Participate in recruitment for production and design programs
-Engage actively in creative/research endeavors contributing to tenure/professional distinction
-Provide service to the School, College, and University, including committee work
-Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive learning environment
-Opportunities to design mainstage productions based on program needs and expertise
-Opportunities for expanded leadership duties at the College level, as appropriate to rank

NOTE: Teaching load will be assigned based on rank and alignment with creative activity and administrative responsibilities.

Required Qualifications
-MFA or terminal degree required; significant professional experience preferred.
-Demonstrated success as a production and/or design educator in higher education
-Strong communication and collaboration skills
-Proficiency with industry-standard technologies, equipment, and software
-Ability to adapt to emerging tools and practices in design and technology

Preferred Qualifications
-Experience overseeing and/or advancing production processes and curricula
-Evidence of mentorship and development of student designers/technicians in productions
-Record of attracting external support or cultivating industry partnerships
-Collegial leadership experience within an academic setting
-Applicants for the position are expected to exhibit the following core values and competencies:
-Passion, energy, equanimity and tenacity.
-Integrity, innovation and collegiality in all work.
-An ability to attract resources, including grants or other external sources of support that advance the school’s mission.
-An aptitude for building dynamic degree programs and recruiting top-tier students.
-An ability to find creative solutions to difficult problems.

The School of Theatre and Dance faculty are also committed to:
-Excellence in the arts, arts education and arts scholarship.
-Fostering student growth and success, both in the short term and in career trajectories.
-Collaboration with others, both within and across disciplines.

Application
Applicants will submit the following electronically: 1) cover letter; 2) CV; 3) contact information of three professional references to provide letters of recommendation; 4) statement of teaching philosophy; 5) portfolio of creative/academic/professional work. Additional materials may be requested later.

Review of applications will begin December 15, 2025, and will continue until the position has been filled. For primary consideration, please apply by January 20, 2026. If you have questions, contact Search Committee Chair Vivian Majkowski, vmajkows@central.uh.edu.

Salary
Salary and rank commensurate with qualifications, competitive benefits package.

Further information about the School of Theatre and Dance and the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts can be found at
https://www.uh.edu/kgmca/sotd/home.php and https://www.uh.edu/kgmca/.

Official transcripts are required for a faculty appointment and will be requested upon selection of the final candidates.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check. Individuals conducting research in critical infrastructure areas (i.e., communication infrastructure systems, cybersecurity systems, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment systems, and/or water treatment facilities) are subject to regular review to ensure the security and integrity of the research is maintained.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.