Position Information: DescriptionThe Department of Theatre Arts at the University of North Dakota seeks a full-time faculty technical director. This is a 9-month non-tenure track Teaching Assistant Professor position, contingent upon the availability of funding.

The University of North Dakota Department of Theatre Arts offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with tracks in acting, technical theatre, and theatre generalist, and a BFA in Musical Theatre.  The department seeks to inspire its students and the local community through education, performance, and scholarship. The Department of Theatre Arts provides a rigorous course of study that cultivates the highest degree of artistry, innovative teaching, professionalism, and critical inquiry. The University of North Dakota is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre.

Established in 1883, the University of North Dakota is the oldest research university in North Dakota.  It is the state’s flagship university and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having high research activity.  Founded with a strong liberal arts foundation, UND has grown into a prominent scientific research university and was recently ranked among the top 100 public and top 25 most innovative universities in the country by U.S. News and World Report, and is widely regarded as among the top universities in the American Northern Plains region.  UND offers degrees in more than 225 fields of study with nearly 14,000 students.  It is the home of the state’s only School of Law.  The School of Medicine has major initiatives in rural and public health, and Aerospace is home to one of the first and largest unmanned aerial vehicle programs in the world.

UND is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a vibrant college town of over 57,000 people located on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota.  Short commutes, a great public school system, high quality medical facilities, low crime, ample parks and theaters, and a cost of living below that found in large American cities are some of Grand Forks’ advantages.  Ranked as one of the top 5 Best Small College Towns, and America’s Best Hockey Town, Grand Forks offers stellar quality of life without the metropolitan hassles.

Duties & ResponsibilitiesThe successful applicant will receive a competitive salary and become the technical director for UND Theatre, which typically produces four theatre productions each academic year – including 1-2 musicals.  This faculty position will be at the Assistant Teaching Professor level, typically teaching 2 courses per year in addition to the technical director responsibilities. All faculty are expected to contribute service within the department, college, university, and community. UND and the College of Arts & Sciences value diverse perspectives and seek applicants who are committed to helping students from underrepresented backgrounds succeed.

Specific aspects of the position include:

Oversee the planning, construction, installation, and strike of scenery for all departmental productions.Supervise the Burtness Theatre scene shop, which includes working with and training student assistants and those completing practicum and similar technical theatre experiences.Manage scene shop and production budgets.Maintain prop and equipment inventories.Participate in departmental governance, including oversight of the curriculum and selection of production season offerings.Advise and mentor students, including stage managers.Draft shop drawings, manage sound design and video elements of theatre productions, and occasionally design sets.As part of faculty service activities, serve as a technical resource for the Theatre Arts Department.

Required Competencies

Expertise in building and designing theatrical scenic elements.Expertise in all scene shop and lighting equipment.Expertise in sound design equipment, live mixing, and sound systems.Expertise in projection/video equipment.Expertise in computer software such as Vectorworks, AutoCad, and other rendering mediaDemonstrated knowledge of the safe use of equipment.Excellent written and oral communication skills along with the ability to inspire and mentor students.Effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and students.Ability to work with and engage diverse students and colleagues within and outside the Department of Theatre Arts.

Minimum Requirements

MFA in Theatre Design/Technical Theatre by August 15, 2021 or equivalent professional experienceSuccessful completion of criminal history records check.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.  This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in the areas of drafting/digital rendering, welding, woodworking, rigging, and other traditional methods of fabrication and construction.Experience using contemporary technology, equipment, and practices applicable to the discipline, such as sound, lighting, and video equipment.Demonstrated capability to create, organize, budget, and effectively execute technical production schedules involving many elements and people.Five or more years as a technical director in a professional or academic setting, including managing shop schedules, budgets, and supervising shop crews.Teaching or instructional experience related to theatre, stagecraft, and stage management.

Minimum Hiring Salary$50,000, Full-time, Benefited, Exempt

Work Schedule/Start DateInitial contract extends from August 16, 2021 to May 15, 2022. Summer teaching may be available, but is neither guaranteed nor required.

To ApplyFor full consideration, applications must be received by May 10, 2021 and include the following materials:

Letter of applicationCurriculum VitaeA portfolio of work that provides a visual documentation of professional, teaching, and/or creative practice.A list of three current references, including names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.Academic transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable for initial application)

Position is open until filled.

Questions can be directed to the Department Chair, Dr. Ryan Zerr at ryan.zerr@und.edu

Additional Information

To find out why living and working in Greater Grand Forks is way cooler, check out Grand Forks is Cooler.

All information listed in this position announcement will be used by Human Resources, the Hiring Department, and EO/Title IX for screening, interviewing and selection purposes.

Confidentiality of Application Materials

Pursuant to NDCC 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the top three finalists who will be invited to campus.

EEO Statement

The University of North Dakota is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or other protected characteristic. Women, minorities, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants are invited to provide information regarding their gender, race and/or ethnicity, veteran’s status and disability status as part of the application process. This information will remain confidential and separate from your application.

Veteran’s Preference

Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 or NGB 22 and if claiming disabled status, a current letter of disability from the VA dated within the last 12 months.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of North Dakota publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years’ of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at UND.edu. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the UND Police Department located at 3851 Campus Road, Grand Forks, ND, 58202.