Associate Professor / Professor of Theater and Department Head

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Job Title: Associate Professor / Professor of Theater and Department Head

Department: Performing Arts; College of Arts and Humanities

Evaluation Group: Academic Administrator

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: St. Charles Campus

Reports To: Associate Dean, College of Arts and Humanities

Positions Supervised: Department faculty; adjunct instructors; academic theater production staff

Application must be completed in one sitting. At the time of completing the application, you will need the following documents to upload.

Supplemental Materials

• Cover Letter specifying your area of expertise and interest
• Curriculum Vitae
• Unofficial transcript(s) of all degrees completed

*** The system limits 5 documents to upload. You will need to save multiple documents into one PDF or have additional documents sent to luhr@lindenwood.edu* **

Job Summary

The College of Arts and Humanities at Lindenwood University invites applications for an associate professor / professor of theater and department head of performing arts.

Qualified applicants will possess a terminal degree (MFA or PhD) in theater or a closely related field. The successful candidate will be expected to teach 4 courses (12 credit hours) over 12 months with 5 alternative deployments for department head duties and 1 alternative deployment to direct a main stage show. Preference will be given to candidates with experience teaching online. All Lindenwood faculty members are expected to advise and mentor students, continue to develop their expertise through research and scholarship, and participate in faculty governance and campus life.

This position is a full-time,12-month faculty position that will begin at the start of the Fall 2022 semester. Review of applications will begin on December 13, 2021 and candidates who submit full applications by that date will receive full consideration. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

The department head of performing arts (which includes programs in dance, music, and theater) is responsible for supporting the college dean in overseeing and assisting students in their academic learning. This position leads and shapes the ongoing strategic direction of the department to include curriculum oversight, assessment, evaluation, and improvement.

Essential Job Functions and Performance Indicators

The intent of this job description is to provide a representation of the types of duties and level of responsibility that will be required of positions given this title. This job description shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

I. Academic Leadership

Teaching and Learning

• Collaborates with dean and administrators on academic and curriculum initiatives
• Facilitates department assessment and accreditation
• Engages in and provides oversight of faculty and student learning
• Oversees development of new academic offerings such as programs, certificates, courses, and credentials
• Ensures the department curriculum, content, and delivery methods incorporate emerging practices, changes in discipline and data on instructional effectiveness
• Teaches a course load as outlined in the faculty appointment letter
• Provides artistic direction for the academic theater season as prescribed in contract

Leadership and Strategic Thinking

• Collaborates with appropriate parties in development and execution of department reviews
• Oversees department’s academic, personnel, financial and administrative affairs
• Leads efforts to build, integrate and grow department
• Participates in promotional events to market the department to prospective students, including conferences, informational events, college days, one-on-one meetings, and other similar opportunities

II. Service

Human Resources Management

• Recruits, screens, oversees, and evaluates department faculty and adjunct instructors
• Facilitates and conducts classroom observations, providing faculty with constructive feedback
• Assists faculty members in developing and improving skills as student advisors, mentors, and teachers
• Collaborates with faculty and administrators on performance issues
• Supports dean in selection of new full-time faculty members

Administrative Duties

• Collaborates on course offerings, deployments, and curriculum within the school
• Collaborates on student recruitment and retention efforts
• Monitors and engages in student enrollment and retention data
• Collaborates on the resolution of student complaints and grade appeals

• Oversees department compliance with policies, processes, standards, and deadlines, including appropriate learning management usage

Communication and Collaboration

• Supports the mission of the university and serves as an ambassador of the Q2 culture of service excellence
• Models, supports, and holds others accountable to university values – integrity, dedication, excellence, creativity, and teamwork
• Ensures timely, effective, and professional communications within the school

III. Subject Matter Expertise and Scholarship

Lifelong Learning and Scholarship

• Demonstrates command of subject matter and continuous growth in subject field
• Maintains professional development and activities to upgrade and augment existing skills or develop new ones
• Maintains necessary affiliation with professional organizations

Job may require other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications – An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered. Additional requirements may be designated by position.

• Terminal degree appropriate to the subject area (MFA or PhD in Theater or closely related field)
• At least three years of experience in leading academic programs with preference for experience leading programs in more than one performing arts discipline
• At least three years of experience in professional, education, and / or academic theater productions
• Successful professional directing and / or acting experience; formal advanced training in direction and / or acting
• At least three years of effective teaching experience (as documented by student evaluations) at the undergraduate level
• Completion of vaccination status survey and proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities – May be representative, but not all inclusive, of the knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures
• Effective leadership and collaborative skills
• Demonstrated record of establishing and maintaining effective relationships with faculty, staff and students
• Effective analytical, organizational, and creative skills
• Effective initiative and interpersonal skills
• Strong skills in communication through speaking, listening, reading, and writing
• Proficient technology skills, including but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Learning Management Systems (LMS), Student Information Systems (SIS), Student 360 and Workday

Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of this job’s functions.

• General office setting
• Position requires some work in the evening and on weekends

Physical Abilities – The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform this job’s essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Ability to sit at computer for extended periods of time daily
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lindenwood University is an Equal Opportunity employer. The University complies with appropriate federal, state, and local laws and provides equal employment opportunities and access to educational programs without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status to all qualified applicants and employees. Lindenwood University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and dedicated to providing a positive discrimination-free educational work environment.