Chair - Department of Theatre and Dance

Nazareth University; Town/Village of East Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 64,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established academic institution is seeking a dynamic Chair for its Department of Theatre and Dance. This tenure-track position invites candidates with a terminal degree in Musical Theatre or related fields, who have demonstrated excellence in teaching and scholarship. The role encompasses leadership responsibilities, including curriculum development, faculty mentoring, and student recruitment. The ideal candidate will foster a culturally responsive environment and engage in interdisciplinary collaboration. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of theatre education within a vibrant community committed to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Terminal degree required; teaching experience in higher education preferred.
• Experience in strategic planning and curriculum development is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Department of Theatre & Dance.
• Direct productions and teach musical theatre performance.
• Collaborate across disciplines and maintain industry connections.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum Development

Grant Writing

Budget Management

Teaching Musical Theatre

Inter-professional Collaboration

Diversity Engagement

Faculty Mentoring

Education

Terminal Degree in Musical Theatre

Bachelor's Degree with Professional Experience

Job description

Posting Details

Position Information

Job Title	Chair - Department of Theatre and Dance
Salary Range	$64,348 to $75,000
Tenure Track	Tenure Track Position
Appointment Type	Faculty
Tenure	Associate Professor

Position Summary Information

The College of Visual, Performing Arts, and Design at Nazareth University invites applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Theatre & Dance. This is a tenure-eligible, nine-month appointment anticipated to begin July or August 2025.

The ideal candidate will have a terminal degree, with a specialization in Musical Theatre related fields, and will have demonstrated significant achievement and distinction in teaching, scholarship/creative work, and service, sufficient to warrant appointment at the rank of Associate Professor. Experience in strategic planning, curriculum development, accreditation, faculty governance, grant writing, fundraising, and budget management is required. Candidates with experience in inter-professional collaboration, diversity engagement, and faculty mentoring are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities include leadership and management of the department, recruiting students, directing productions, teaching musical theatre performance, history, and repertory, student showcases, and audition coaching. Maintaining industry connections, directing and performing, and collaborating across disciplines are also expected.

All faculty are expected to collaborate, mentor students, participate in committees, and uphold Nazareth University's core values of equity and inclusion, fostering a culturally responsive and socially-just community.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Develop policies aligned with institutional goals.
• Plan and assess curriculum and staffing needs.
• Manage departmental budget and resources.
• Supervise advising and faculty meetings.
• Oversee program directors, staff, and students.
• Ensure accreditation and support recruitment.
• Maintain community partnerships and library acquisitions.
• Complete reports and paperwork.

Faculty Recruitment, Support, and Evaluation

• Build a strong department in teaching, scholarship, and service.
• Oversee faculty hiring, assignments, and evaluations.
• Support faculty orientation, mentorship, tenure, and promotion.
• Conduct performance assessments and mediate conflicts.

Program Oversight & Student Support

• Plan courses and teaching assignments.
• Improve instructional resources.
• Advocate for staffing and program needs.
• Oversee program development and assessment.
• Address student concerns and promote interdisciplinary collaboration.

Essential Functions

Required Education, Experience, Skills

A terminal degree in Musical Theatre or related fields, with higher education teaching experience. Candidates with a bachelor's degree and substantial professional experience will also be considered. Commitment to teaching in a liberal arts environment and integrating performance skills with a broad educational grounding is essential.

Preferred Education, Experience, Skills

Administrative experience in higher education.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Physical Requirements

Equipment to be Used

Special Requirements

Posting Detail Information

Open Date: 03/10/2025

Close Date: 04/30/2025

Open Until Filled: Yes

EEO Statement

Join Nazareth University, located in Rochester, NY, with a vibrant community of students. We value diversity and are committed to equity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and perspectives.

Additional Instructions