Position Function:
This is one full-time, nine-month, non-tenure track faculty position in technical direction, facility management, and theatre instruction. The successful candidate will be an experienced technical manager with substantial carpentry and execution experience and a commitment to equitable and inclusive teaching both in lecture and mentorship formats.
Salary Grade: UC
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
The department (www.comm.msstate.edu) is one of the largest on campus. Approximately 575 majors are in concentrations of Broadcast & Digital Journalism, Communication Studies, Print & Digital Journalism, Public Relations, and Theatre. Students may choose concentrations in more than one area, and minors are offered in each concentration.
Area of Specialization:
Technical Theatre
Anticipated Appointment Date:
August 16, 2021
Tenure Track Status:
Non-Tenure Track
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Director, in coordination with the Costume Shop Manager and other faculty members, oversees all aspects of technical production at Theatre MSU, the theatre program of MSU's Department of Communication.
This position is directly responsible for:
1. The hands-on construction and installation of scenery, lighting, sound, and video for all Theatre MSU productions and events.
2. Facility coordination and management of external events and internal projects on Theatre MSU's proscenium stage, McComas Hall.
3. The oversight and training of student workers and volunteers.
4. The establishment and enforcement of safe working practices and professional environments related to production execution and facility management.
5. Serve as Technical Director for the two-day North Mississippi High School Drama Festival hosted at MSU each fall.
As an instructional faculty member, the Technical Director will teach a 12-hour course equivalent per semester, including classes in Introduction to Theatre, Stagecraft, and other technical fields according to their experience and interest. Course releases may be offered each semester for technical direction and facility management responsibilities.
The Technical Director will also train, support, encourage, and mentor and inclusive and passionate student body from diverse backgrounds and levels of experience, many of whom receive their first theatre experiences at MSU. The faculty member is expected to foster an equitable and inclusive environment in all phases of education and production and to create opportunities that reach underrepresented students and artists.
Instructional faculty members, including this position, are expected to provide service to the department, university, and profession, including serving on committees. Service activities within the community and professional discipline are recognized as aspects of faculty achievement.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in a related field with extensive professional experience.
ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):
Yes
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree in a related field.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Both BA and MA/MFA applicants should expect to teach professional skills courses, including our existing Theatre Practicum & Stagecraft classes, and potential future offerings such as Stage Management. It is expected that all skills courses will be at the 2000 level or lower.
MA/MFA applicants should additionally expect to teach Introduction to Theatre and other courses across the theatre curriculum in alignment with their expertise and interests, and scheduled with other faculty teaching loads (for example, existing upper divisional courses such as Theatre Management or Theatre History or future offerings such as Scenic Design.)
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
The position requires weekend and/or evening hours, work at heights, the safe operation of shop, electrical, and rigging equipment, the ascent/descent of ladders and stairs, frequent repetitive motion, and the movement of equipment of up to 50 pounds.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
All applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a cover letter, current resume or curriculum vitae, and the complete contact information for at least three professional references.
Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
