Assistant Professor of Theatre: Design & Technical Theatre

Title: Assistant Professor of Theatre:
Design & Technical Theatre
VP Area: Sr VP for Academic Affairs
Department: School of Arts & Humanities
Position Compensation: $56,500–$62,000
Location: University Campus - St. Paul, Minnesota

Who We Are: Northwestern is a faith-driven community, UN Wavering in our Christ-centered principles and identity as those who profess faith in Jesus. Rooted in the unshakable foundation of God’s Word and our calling to impact His world, our mission and vision flow from these core values, expressed through Christ-centered higher education at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and through gospel outreach and faithfulness with Northwestern Media.

Position Summary: The Assistant Professor of Theater is a full-time faculty position, responsible to provide excellence in teaching in the areas of design and technical theatre through the fulfillment of the mission and strategic goals of the Department of Music and Theatre.

Applicants with an MA in Theatre may be considered for a full-time Instructor-level appointment with compensation commensurate with qualifications and experience (Position Compensation: $49,000–$54,000).

• Teach a variety of theatre courses such as Theatre Production & Performance, Stage Management, Stage Technologies, Design Theatre, and Introduction to Theatre, with flexibility to teach in areas of expertise based on departmental needs.
• Advise and mentor students, including Theatre majors and student designers, and maintain regular office hours.
• Oversee contracted production managers, lighting, and sound designers on the technical specifications, costs, and usage of technical equipment required for the individual show; superintend the implementation of approved technical designs.
• Manage production areas ensuring safety protocols, supervising/assisting with set/stage construction, and coordinating procurement of supplies and inventory.
• Operate, maintain, and safeguard the technical assets of the theatre including supervising the use of lighting, sound, communications equipment, rigging, and maintenance of stage facilities; arrange for repair and replacement within budgetary constraints.
• Lead all production meetings and tech-week rehearsals to supervise and assist with technical aspects of the production.
• Participate in departmental and institutional service, including meetings, committees, convocations, and commencements.
• Perform other duties as requested or assigned.

Because our community is a significant part of our mission and the development of our students and listeners, all employees serve as ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ by actively partnering with the University to disciple students as they grow intellectually and spiritually, and with Northwestern Media to lead people to Christ and nurture believers to maturity in their faith.

Required:

• MFA in technical theatre, design, or other closely related terminal degree
• Demonstrated professional achievement in one or more of these following areas: theatrical design, stagecraft, technical direction, production management
• Maintain a growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, reflect His character in all interactions, and faithfully uphold and embrace Northwestern’s mission, Doctrinal Statement and Declaration of Christian Community

Nice to Have:

• Two years successful college/university-level teaching experience
• Experience using a learning management system

• Independent & Teamwork:
  Capable of working both independently and collaboratively, with minimal supervision.
• Confidentiality:
  Maintains discretion and handles sensitive information appropriately.
• Organizational
  
  Skills:
  
  Strong time management and problem‑solving abilities; able to prioritize and meet deadlines with attention to detail.
• Technical Proficiency:
  Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office and related software.
• Written & Verbal Communication:
  Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills.
• Flexibility:
  Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
• Travel:
  Willingness and ability to travel occasionally for work‑related purposes.
• Background Check:
  Must pass initial and ongoing background checks as a condition of employment

The work environment involves working for a suburban, Christian university or Christian owned and operated radio station alongside those with a demonstrated commitment and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a commitment to the mission and values of Northwestern, and an agreement to abide by all Northwestern policies.

All applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States as we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.