Assistant or Associate Professor - Costume Design (Theatre)

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Nacogdoches (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of Costume Design at Stephen F. Austin State University, starting Spring 2026. This full-time role involves teaching undergraduate courses, serving as a costume designer for productions, and contributing to departmental leadership.

Ideal candidates should possess a terminal degree in costume design or a related field and demonstrate a strong record of teaching, research, and service to the academic community. Benefits include a supportive and collaborative faculty environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or terminal degree in Costume Design or related field.
• Proven ability to teach and conduct research.
• Experience in supervisory roles or faculty mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Teach costume design and related undergraduate courses.
• Serve as costume designer for departmental productions.
• Engage in research activities and service contributions.

Skills

Knowledge in costume design

Teaching ability for undergraduate/graduate students

Research and scholarly skills

Collaboration skills

Effective communication

Education

Terminal degree in relevant field

Job description

Summary

Denard Haden School of Theatre & Dance at Stephen F. Austin State University invites applications for a tenure‑track Assistant or Associate Professor of Costume Design, beginning Spring 2026.

Responsibilities

• Teaches undergraduate courses in costume design, costume technology, stage makeup, and related areas based on expertise.
• Serves as costume designer for departmental theatre and dance productions.
• Provides artistic leadership and oversight for costume production and long‑term planning of costume shop operations.
• Collaborates closely with the Costume Shop Manager/Lecturer in supporting all departmental productions, including those designed by either faculty member.
• Reviews, develops, and maintains protocols, operational procedures, production paperwork, and organizational systems related to the costume shop, costume production process, and associated student laboratory areas.
• Assists in ensuring safe, efficient, and educationally effective practices within costume and related production spaces.
• Fosters a collegial and collaborative production environment grounded in shared responsibility, communication, mentorship, and student‑centered learning.
• Participates in recruitment, advising, assessment, and service activities within the Denard Haden School of Theatre & Dance.

Job Description

This is a full‑time, nine‑month, tenure‑track faculty position responsible for contributing significantly to Stephen F. Austin State University’s undergraduate and/or graduate programs through teaching, scholarship/creative accomplishment, and service. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the chair.

Qualifications

Assistant Professor

Terminal degree in the field in which the individual will be teaching is required.

The rank of Assistant Professor is held by an individual who demonstrates the capability to produce research/scholarly/creative accomplishments, teach effectively, and provide service to the academic and general communities.

Associate Professor

Terminal degree in the field in which the individual will be teaching is required.

The rank of Associate Professor is held by an individual with a proven record of research/scholarly/creative accomplishments, effective teaching, and service to the academic and general communities. The individual must demonstrate excellence in teaching and excellence in either research/scholarly/creative accomplishments or in service. An individual should have held the rank of Assistant Professor for at least three years.

Essential Job Functions

1. Performs an equivalent of twenty‑four teaching load credits (TLC) for the combined fall and spring semesters; reduction of teaching load through reassignment of duties is possible under certain circumstances.
2. Engages in research/scholarly/creative and service activities at levels that are appropriate to faculty rank and department tenure/merit criteria.
3. Provides services to the university and the profession.
4. Participates in promotion review of lower‑ranked faculty members within the department.
5. When tenured, participates in tenure review of candidates for tenure.
6. May conduct supplemental instructional activities such as independent studies, internships, advising, and thesis/dissertation supervision.

Non‑essential Job Functions

1. May receive course load reassignment when assigned administrative duties in support of the department/college/university.
2. May receive course load reassignment when assigned to prepare course material during the first semester/year when included as part of initial contract.
3. May receive course load reassignment when approved to conduct research/scholarly/creative accomplishment and service which exceed normal expectations.
4. May supervise the work of students and/or graduate assistants.
5. May serve on departmental, college, and university committees.
6. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Assistant Professor

• Extensive knowledge in the field in which the individual will be teaching.
• Ability to effectively teach undergraduate and/or graduate students.
• Ability and commitment to conduct research and/or scholarly/creative accomplishments and service.
• Ability to work within a collaborative faculty environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
• Ability to work effectively and patiently with students.

Associate Professor

1. Extensive knowledge in the field in which the individual will be teaching.
2. Skill in effectively teaching undergraduate and/or graduate students.
3. Skill in conducting recognized research and/or scholarly/creative accomplishments and service.
4. Ability and commitment to conduct research and/or scholarly/creative accomplishments and service.
5. Ability to work within a collaborative faculty environment.
6. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
7. Ability to work effectively and patiently with students.

Special Conditions of Employment

Safety Statement

Stephen F. Austin State University recognizes the potential for accidents in performing job‑related tasks. SFA promotes a safe working environment. Employees will be responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently. Employee evaluations will include safe job performance.

This is a security‑sensitive position subject to criminal record check.

This is an IT‑sensitive position subject to Computer and Network Security policy.