Assistant Professor, Theatre Directing

Florida Gulf Coast University; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida Gulf Coast University seeks an Assistant Professor of Theatre Directing to teach undergraduate courses, participate in curriculum development, and direct for the theatre season. The role involves research/scholarship, committee service, and student advising in a dynamic academic setting.

The university emphasizes innovative instruction, distance learning when needed, and ongoing professional development. Appointment is a 9-month multi-year term with an anticipated start in August 2027.

Qualifications

• Terminal MFA, DFA, or PhD in Theatre and Performance Studies or closely related area.
• ABD may be considered if degree is conferred by Aug 7, 2027; Lecturer level if ABD.
• Experience with theatre directing and university teaching preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepares, and teaches assigned undergraduate courses with syllabi and assessments.
• Deliver engaging lectures aligned with curriculum goals and accreditation standards.
• Maintain an active research program including undergraduate involvement.
• Participate on committees and contribute to community and professional service.

Skills

Digital teaching

Curriculum development

Student advising

Research mentorship

Education

Terminal MFA/ DFA/ PhD in Theatre

ABD considered with future degree conferral by Aug 7, 2027

Job description

Job Summary

As Assistant Professor of Theatre Directing, a successful candidate will teach at the undergraduate level; be involved in course and/or curriculum development; conduct research/scholarship; participate on College and University committees and/or initiatives; serve as one of the stage directors for our theatre season; and perform other duties as assigned.

Florida Gulf Coast University is a comprehensive university dedicated to quality education, research, and service. All faculty are expected to: be excellent teachers, responsive to changing professional needs; be committed to innovative delivery of instruction resulting in improved student learning; be committed to effective use of technology including distance learning; produce peer reviewed scholarship; and provide service to the College, University and Community. Teaching assignments may be on the main campus or at off-campus sites within our region.

FGCU is building a culture of curiosity, commitment and collaboration. We value employees who successfully work with others and drive positive change through critical thinking and decisive action. If you thrive in an environment of innovation, accountability and mutual respect, you will find a good home here.

Job Description

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Plans, prepares, and teaches assigned courses, including developing syllabi, instructional materials, and assessments.
• Delivers consistent, interactive, and engaging lectures aligned with curriculum goals and accreditation standards.
• Maintains the highest standards of classroom instruction and engages in reflective self-assessment to ensure continuous improvement.
• Holds regular office hours and provides academic advising and individual support to students.
• Utilizes the University’s learning management system and other instructional technologies effectively.
• Collaborates with departmental faculty on curriculum development and program advancement.
• Ensures curriculum outcomes and accreditation standards are met.
• Establishes and maintains an active research program, including opportunities for undergraduate student involvement.
• Demonstrates evidence of scholarly publication and grantsmanship.
• Engages in continued professional development and maintains professional skills appropriate to rank and field.
• Actively participates in departmental, college, and university committees and meetings.
• Contributes to community, institutional, and professional service in support of the University’s mission.
• Participates in faculty evaluation, student learning assessment, and required training activities.
• Communicates professionally and in a timely manner with students, colleagues, staff, and administrators.
• Upholds the highest standards of integrity, responsibility, and excellence in all professional activities.
• Complies with University policies, procedures, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

• Terminal M.F.A., D.F.A., or Ph.D. in Theatre and Performance Studies, Directing or closely related area from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent accreditation.
• ABDwill be considered if degree is conferred by August 7, 2027. If successful candidate isABD, appointment will be made at a Lecturer level on a fixed contract.

Preferred Qualifications:

• One or more years of university or college teaching experience.
• Five or more years experience as a professional stage director.
• Experience as a director at the college and/or professional level.
• Experience directing musical theatre.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Knowledge of major concepts, assumptions, debates, processes of inquiry, and ways of knowing that are central to the discipline(s).
• Understanding how to use digital and interactive technologies for efficiently and effectively achieving specific learning goals.
• Knowledge of critical thinking processes and understanding how to help learners develop high level questioning skills.
• Knowledge and skill in the use of inquiry-based instructional models and strategies.
• Knowledge and ability to use technology in various teaching modalities (e.g. Face-to-face, synchronous online or asynchronous online).
• Ability to collaborate with stakeholders both within and outside the University in the development and delivery of instruction, resulting in improved student learning.
• Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges with creativity.
• Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and holding oneself accountable.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across teams.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectations:

In this role, the successful candidate will be expected to:

• Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open to feedback and new ideas.
• Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work; persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve deliverables.
• Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships across departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to achieve common goals.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Appointment will be made on a 9-month multi-year appointment with an anticipated start date of August 2027.

Because applications and materials are subject to public review and retention under Florida’s Public Records Law, please DONOTsend examples of your project/scholarship unless requested to do so. Therefore, all submitted materials, including articles, disks, slides, books, etc., become the property ofFGCUandCANNOTBERETURNED. As applicable, finalists will be notified of the need to submit specific additional materials. Such materials will become the property ofFGCU. Under Florida’s Public Records law, applications will be available for public review upon request.

Required Application Materials:

• Unofficial Transcripts
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Statement of Research or Creative Activity
• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Five (5) Professional References

The position is listed as “open until filled”, however applications received by December 1, 2026 will receive priority consideration.

FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.