Working Position Title:

Chair and Director of the School of Theater and Dance (6225)

Classification Title:

Chair

Position Number:

00006225

Posting Date:

09/07/2022

Priority Review Date:

10/23/2022

Business Unit Description:

Faculty

Full-Time/Part Time:

Full-Time

FTE:

1.00

Position Status:

Regular

FLSA:

Exempt

Job Code:

2020

Union Representation:

Non-Union

Union Code :

N/A

Unit/Department:

Theatre & Dance

College/Unit:

College of V & P A Dean

Division:

Academic Division

Location:

GT S A 303

Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page:

https://www.niu.edu/theatre/

Overview :

Northern Illinois University (NIU) seeks a permanent Director to lead the students, faculty and staff of the School of Theatre and Dance. We seek candidates who possess demonstrated experience with increasing responsibilities in administrative leadership and outstanding artistic and/or scholarly contributions to guide a community of scholar/artists. Successful candidates will be committed to excellence in undergraduate and graduate instruction. We seek candidates deeply committed to our continued investment in diversity and belonging, including in the recruiting and retaining of students, faculty hiring, and curriculum.

Position Summary:

The Director serves as the administrative head of the School with oversight of faculty (including assigning faculty workload), staff, curriculum, accreditations, budget, and strategic direction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

• Provide visionary and inspiring leadership
• Oversee and offer guidance on the production season selection process
• Keep accreditation current
• Develop a yearly production budget in consultation with faculty and production staff
• Develop and implement a strategic undergraduate and graduate recruitment plan
• Seek out and hire outside guest artists who reflect the artistic and educational values of the School
• Actively engage in the School’s creative work
• Support and engage in transdisciplinary initiatives and collaborations across campus and the community
• Advocate for the School in outreach and engagement activities
• Cultivate and sustain relationships with NIU and the surrounding community in collaboration with the College and the NIU Foundation
• Support the School’s vision of diversity, equity, belonging, anti-racism, and social justice as a fundamental value in all aspects of artistic, scholarly, and educational work

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Expertise in pedagogy, creative work, and scholarship. The ability to write, communicate and organize effectively. Terminal degree or commensurate professional experience required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three years experience as artistic or managing director or other lead creative person in a professional and/or academic setting.
• Significant professional theatre or dance experience (union affiliation highly desired). Evidence of increasing responsibility in a leadership position.

Percent of Staff Year:

1.00

Standard Hours Per Week:

37.50

Salary:

Commensurate with experience and qualifications; position includes a robust benefits package.

Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range:

Commensurate with experience and qualifications; position includes a robust benefits package

Earn Type:

Salary

Application Procedure:

To apply, please visit to https://employment.niu.edu/postings/66139 to create an application profile and upload the following materials as part of your application by October 23, 2022:

• Letter of interest addressing the following:
  • Administrative experience
  • Teaching experience/philosophy of teaching
  • Efforts to improve diversity, equity and belonging
  • Artistic/Scholarly work

• Current Curriculum Vitae
• Links to samples of creative and/or scholarly works
• Names of three references whom the search committee may contact later in the process
• Unofficial transcripts (official required upon hire)

Candidates should qualify for an appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or higher, or with equivalent professional experience that merits appointment at that rank. Applications received after October 23, 2022 are welcomed, but will be considered as needed.

Inquiries should be directed to Donee Spizzirri, Assistant to the Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. dspizzirri@niu.edu.

Quick Link to Applicant :

https://employment.niu.edu/postings/66139

Is Background Check Required:

Yes

EEO Statement Summary:

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560

Visa Policy:

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation:

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu.

Safety Information:

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.

Read the Annual Safety and Security Report. Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-1649 for a hard copy.

Read the Fire Safety Report. Contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at 815-753-0404 for a hard copy.