Assistant Professor-Dance Africanist

The University of Akron School of Dance, Theatre, and Arts Administration seeks a dance practitioner in African Diaspora dance with the skillset to drive UA Dance to new heights. Candidates should possess expertise in multiple African diasporic dance forms such as hip-hop, African-inspired jazz and / or tap, contemporary African dance, dances from any region / country in Africa, Afro-Caribbean, street jazz, or urban dance. This position requires the candidate to possess qualifications for a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor starting Fall Semester 2022.



Responsibilities:

The successful candidate is expected to be able to teach all levels of their genres; teach dance majors courses in topics such as dance history, dance education, and theory, depending on the needs of the program; choreograph or restage works for student performers in on-campus concerts; recruit and retain high-level undergraduate students; contribute to the continued development and success of the department through leadership in service, teaching, and research; coordinate with the Dance Institute, NCCAkron, and other local dance organizations to advance and further a healthy regional arts ecology; and support and promote the continuing growth and development of outstanding academic curricula in undergraduate programs.

We are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the dance program and university through their teaching, research, and service. Teaching load is 12 credits per semester with load release for research. Candidates will be expected to maintain a research or creative activity agenda commensurate with a program focused on teaching. Successful candidates will be open-minded to new models of dance education, responsive to innovative applications of the art form, and eager to seek fresh directions and opportunities for dance.



Required Qualifications:

MFA or Ph.D. in dance (non-ballet); professional performing experience in Africanist dance genres; experience in teaching Africanist dance techniques and other related dance classes in a university or professional setting; and evidence of creative / scholarly / research activities at the local, regional, and / or national levels in the area of African diasporic dance.



Preferred Qualifications

Teaching or performance expertise at the regional or national level; demonstrated ability to contribute to the diversity of the dance program and university; ability to assist with the coordination of the dance area; experience with curriculum development, fundraising, and / or student recruitment; ability to choreograph and stage student productions; demonstrated clear and consistent communication skills; ability to collaborate with colleagues with diverse artistic, aesthetic, and philosophical viewpoints and practices; and familiarity / experience with NASD standards and procedures.

Comments:

The School of Dance is part of the Fine Arts Division of Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences and has a long history of excellence in performing, professional practice, and teaching. Founded in 1970 (known then as the College of Fine and Applied Arts), Akron created the Chamber Ballet (later known as the Ohio Ballet Company) and was led by Heinz Poll. Today, the School of Dance has 7 state-of-the-art dance studios, technology-enhanced classrooms, a design lab/studio, training room, physiotherapy, and locker room facilities. Performance facilities include E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall and Paul A. Daum Theatre.

Alongside the Dance Program at the University of Akron, the Dance Institute of The University of Akron (D.I.) is a multi-disciplinary dance program that provides both pre-professional and recreational classes, performance opportunities, and guest artist residencies for its students ages 3-18. The Dance Program and Dance Institute are accredited institutional members of the National Association of Schools of Dance. UA is also home to The National Center for Choreography. NCCAkron is a discrete non-profit organization and the second choreographic center in the country providing professional artists full access to research facilities and opportunities to develop new work alongside the academic environment. More information can be found at www.uakron.edu/dtaa .

About University of Akron:

As one of the largest employers in the region, The University of Akron is creating a community and workforce committed to making a difference in the lives of our students and in the region. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package to qualified candidates who are passionate about shaping and inspiring the next generation of thinkers, experts, artists, and leaders.

Salary: The salary range for this position starts at $50,000.00 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. We offer a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.

Application Deadline:

Open until filled, however, review of applicants will begin October 15, 2021.



For complete position details, visit

https://www.uakron.edu/hr/job-openings/openings.dot

Job ID # 12823

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The University of Akron, as an equal education and employment institution, is committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified individuals in its education programs or activities, including applicants for admissions or employment, will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, military status or status as a veteran. To further this commitment, the University complies with state and federal laws which prohibit discrimination. Questions or concerns about the administration of this commitment can be directed to the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Office (uakron.edu/hr/eeoaa).

The University also strives to provide an environment free from the negative impacts of gender-based discrimination and harassment as prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. Questions about Title IX can be referred to the University’s Title IX Coordinator, the Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Education or both. For more information on Title IX at the University of Akron, including how to contact the Title IX Coordinator, how to file a complaint under Title IX with the University or the Title IX process at the University of Akron, please visit the University’s Title IX page at uakron.edu/title-ix/at-uakron.