Department of GE and Interdisciplinary Studies (Dance Instructor)

The California State University; Sonoma (CA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonoma State University seeks a Dance Instructor within the GEIS department to teach introductory and/or GE dance courses on campus, focusing on movement practices and embodied knowledge for non‑dance majors. Current needs include introductory Hip Hop or other styles.

Instructors prepare and deliver courses, foster inclusive, engaging learning environments, and hold office hours. This full‑time appointment supports a 15-unit workload and a salary range of $5,507 to $6,677 per month, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Dance or appropriate professional experience.
• 2–3 years experience teaching dance at the undergraduate level preferred.
• Advanced degree in Dance (MA/MFA/PhD) preferred, especially for lecture/discussion courses.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate DANC courses and GE dance offerings on campus.
• Prepare and deliver course instruction; hold office hours; assess student learning.
• Foster inclusive, engaging learning environments and support diverse student backgrounds.

Skills

Dance teaching

Inclusive pedagogy

Course preparation

Education

Bachelors in Dance

Advanced degree in Dance (MA/MFA/PhD)

Job description

Department of GE and Interdisciplinary Studies (Dance Instructor)

Sonoma State University’s beautiful 274-acre campus is located in Sonoma County wine country, an hour north of San Francisco. The campus offers the ideal setting for teaching and learning and access to a community of rich cultural, environmental, and recreational opportunities. Founded in 1960, SSU is one of the 22 campuses of the California State University System. As members of the largest public higher education system in the nation, we provide accessible, high-quality education.

The Department

General Education and Interdisciplinary Studies (GEIS) provides students with broad-based and interdisciplinary learning opportunities that complement their major fields of study. Through courses that span disciplines and areas of inquiry, GEIS supports the development of creative expression, critical thinking, communication, and engaged learning. GEIS currently houses courses in subjects such as dance, philosophy, theatre arts, and interdisciplinary studies. Dance courses within GEIS provide students from across the university with opportunities to explore movement, performance, and creative practice. Current faculty teaching in GEIS can be found on the GEIS website .

Duties of the Position

This lecturer position is open for those interested in teaching introductory and/or GE courses in dance. Duties may include teaching undergraduate Dance (DANC) courses in a range of movement practices and dance forms and/or lower division general education dance courses focusing on holistic approaches to dance and embodied knowledge for non-dance majors. Current instructional needs include introductory Hip Hop or other dance styles, designed for students with varying levels of dance experience. Teaching assignments are contingent on budget and enrollment needs.

Instructors are responsible for course preparation and instruction, fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment, assessing student learning, and fulfilling other instructional responsibilities associated with the course, such as holding office hours. The position requires the successful candidate to be on campus and to teach in person.

Additionally, the most competitive applicants will have a record of inclusive pedagogy and of engaging students from diverse backgrounds, including groups historically underrepresented. These individuals should demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, and social and cultural backgrounds and identities of the students we serve. Candidates who support those goals are encouraged to apply and to identify their relevant strengths and experiences, indicating these in the cover letter.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Dance or appropriate professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

At least 2-3 years experience teaching dance at the undergraduate level is preferred. An advanced degree (MA, MFA, Ph.D) in Dance is preferred, particularly for lecture/discussion courses.

Rank and Salary

Full-time is a 15-unit workload per semester. Actual salary is dependent upon the number of units assigned, educational preparation, and availability of funds subject to any CSU system faculty contract salary increases.

• Salary commensurate with degree level and experience.
• Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $5,507 - $6,677 per full-time month.
• The full-time (15 units per semester) monthly base salary range indicated above is prorated to the number of units worked and are paid in six monthly payments for each full semester.
• Selection as a candidate in the applicant pool, does not guarantee employment. Temporary Faculty appointments are made on a part-time, temporary basis and contingent upon department needs and funding.
• Temporary Faculty appointments are made on a semester-by-semester basis.
• Relocation expenses will not be provided for temporary faculty appointments.
• Expenses incurred to attend an interview for temporary faculty positions are not reimbursed by the University.

Required Application Materials

• Cover letter indicating courses for which you would like to be considered
• Unofficial transcripts (Official transcripts may be required of the selected candidate)
• Contact Information for 3 References

Optional:

• Links to examples of professional and/or teaching work
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Statement of Research/Creative Work Interests
• Student Evaluations

Application procedures for temporary faculty already teaching in the department:

• Temporary Faculty with three-year appointments do not need to reapply.
• Temporary Faculty who had a paid appointment during the prior academic year with your department (either one or both semesters); this includes Lecturers on the Re-Employment list are not required to apply through the Recruitment Pool unless they would like to be evaluated to teach additional courses, not currently designated as qualified to teach.

Application Deadline

The position will remain open until filled. Early response is encouraged.

Questions concerning this position may be directed to:

Jennifer Lillig, Interim AVP Academic Affairs and Dean of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies

Please refer to the requisition job number on all correspondence and inquiries regarding this position.

The ADA Coordinator is also available ( [e-mail] ) to assist individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation during the hiring process.

Our Commitment

Sonoma State University is a federally-designated Hispanic Serving Institution, as such we are committed to achieving the goals of equal opportunity and we endeavor to employ faculty and staff reflecting the linguistic, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the region and state.

Guided by our core values as a university: diversity, sustainability, community engagement, and adaptability, Sonoma State University (SSU) offers an education that fosters intellectual, social, and personal growth. SSU is a public liberal arts and sciences university. As the only member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges in the state of California, we are committed to preparing students for a life of active citizenship and public service. We have a vibrant campus life characterized by a lively co-curriculum that fosters broad-based intellectual and artistic opportunities in which the campus as a whole is actively engaged.

Sonoma State University is committed to creating a community in which bias and intolerance have no place. It is our expectation that all students, faculty, and staff work together to honor this commitment and hold each other accountable to create an open and inclusive environment.

We are committed to facilitating spaces in which all can grow by building on our students’ assets as they explore new knowledge. These efforts include fostering creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, experimentation, empathy, and communication. The successful candidate will be one who can collaborate with faculty, staff, administration, and students to achieve these goals. We are especially interested in candidates committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Equal Opportunity & Mandated Reporting

The University is an Affrulative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. Mandated Reporting: This position may be considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Employment Eligibility & Conditions

CSU Out of State Policy - Sonoma State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current employees who apply for this position.

Sonoma State University hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. All offers of employment are contingent upon presentation of documents demonstrating the appointee’s identity and eligibility to work, in accordance with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Sonoma State University does not facilitate the process of applying for an H1B Visa for temporary positions.

Education Code 89521

Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Annual Reports & Safety Information

Sonoma State University's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person by emailing the Clery Compliance and Safety Office at [e-mail].