Job Title: Lecturer/Assistant Professor - Theatre/Dance (Lighting and Sound Designer)
Location: Valdosta State University
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 278737
About Us

As a comprehensive institution of the University System of Georgia, Valdosta State University (VSU) is a welcoming, aware, and vibrant community founded on and dedicated to serving our communities' rich and diverse heritages. Through excellence in teaching, basic and applied research, and service, VSU provides rigorous programs and opportunities that enrich our students, our university, and our region. As such, the VSU mission consists of three interrelated parts that includes a student mission, university mission and regional mission. The university is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity and citizenship. As members of this community and proud Blazers we strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University, as stated in the Blazer Creed and reflected in our commitment to the University System of Georgia's Core Values.

Blazer Creed

Valdosta State University is a learning environment based on trust and mutual respect in which open dialogue, vigorous debate, and the free exchange of ideas are welcome. The University is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity, and citizenship. As members of this community, and proud Blazers, we will strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University.

Civility - A Blazer shows courtesy and compassion as well as respect for the dignity of every human being.

Integrity - Each Blazer is responsible for his or her own actions, and our community is stronger when we contemplate the context of our decisions and uphold the principles of trust and honesty.

Citizenship - Every Blazer has an interest in the well-being of the community, and, therefore, a duty to stay informed, to make positive contributions, and to offer support to those who need help.

As a Blazer, we pledge to uphold the core principles of Civility, Integrity, and Citizenship.

Job Summary

The Department of Communication Arts seeks applicants for a faculty position beginning August 1, 2025, to serve as the Lighting and Sound Designer for the Theatre and Dance programs.Rank and tenure status is based on qualifications.The selected candidate will be responsible for teaching courses in the candidate¿s area of expertise as well as providing service to the department, college, and University.If hired as Assistant Professor on tenure track applicant will be required to maintain scholarly productivity.

The College of the Arts includes the Department of Art & Design, the Department of Music, and the Department of Communication Arts (Communication, Mass Media, Theatre & Dance, and MAIC). The College of the Arts is also home to the award-winning Valdosta Symphony Orchestra and the Peach State Summer Theatre, designated as the Official Musical Theatre of the State of Georgia. VSU is accredited by NASAD, NASM, and NAST. With ~80 faculty/staff members and approximately 700 students, the College offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. For more information on the college visit https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/arts/.

Review of applications will begin Jan 2, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. For more information contact Sarah Wildes Arnett, Interim Department Head, via email swarnett@valdosta.edu or phone 229-333-5820.

APPLICANT MATERIALS:

• CV

• Cover Letter

• Transcripts

• List of at least three professional references (include email address)

• Portfolio of design work or website showing evidence of portfolio

Responsibilities

This position is responsible for teaching up to three Theatre courses during the academic year (fall and spring semesters). The position includes a one-course release for design work and the supervision of production and design practicums. This position is responsible for teaching Introduction to Design, Lighting Design, Sound Design, Theatre Production/ Theatre Design Practicums, and Theatre Appreciation. Other courses based on qualifications may also be assigned. Faculty members are expected to make substantive contributions including department, university, and community service. This individual will participate in scholarship fundraising activities as part of their service responsibilities.

This position will oversee students working in lighting and sound technology for a six-production season. This individual will train students on the safe use of the theater equipment, systems, and facilities; maintain equipment as needed; and supervise student work in the production shop; among other things. They will work collaboratively with the Technical Director supervising students in basic carpentry, power tools, master electrician functions, etc. during scene shop hours. This position provides lighting designs for the full production season and supervises student designers.

Typical Allocation of Duties:

Teaching and scholarship - 80%
Teaches classes and conducts/presents research in the employee's academic discipline.

Service - 20%
Participates in service at the department, college, and university levels.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Technical Theatre/Lighting Design & Technology or related field;

• Terminal degree required for rank of Assistant Professor (i.e. MFA in Technical Theatre/Lighting Design & Technology) or related field;

• Professional Experience in Lighting Design;

• Technical Theatre experience;

• Knowledge of lighting technology, sound systems, automated and manual fly systems, and troubleshooting and maintenance of equipment;

• Understanding of industry-standard safety practices and protocols;
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative setting;
• Ability to work nights and weekends
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds, climb ladders, and use mechanical lifts.

Preferred Qualifications

• A record of effective teaching appropriate to the applicant¿s career stage;

• A record of mentoring and training students;

• Experience with managing students, including paid student assistants and work-study students.

Proposed Salary

Commensurate with experience

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Conditions of Employment

Applicants are required to provide:

• professional references with current contact information

• documentation of academic credentials

• employment history

Please note that during the search process, VSU reserves the right to:

• ask candidates who will serve in Positions of Trust to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment,

• view social media outlets, and

• remove job postings without additional notification.

Employment is contingent upon:

• successful completion of a background check investigation, including a criminal background check

• reference checks

Employment may also be contingent upon the job-based requirements if applicable for your position:

• satisfactory credit check

• successful completion of a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)

• pre-employment drug testing

• confirmation of credentials

After initial hiring, employees will be required to successfully complete all of the following training:

• New employee orientation

• VSU's Annual Compliance Training:
  • USG Ethics Policy

  • Conflict of Interest/Outside Activities Policy

  • Drug Free Workplace

  • Sexual Misconduct and Title IX

  • Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

  • Motor Vehicle Policy

  • Workers Compensation (new hires)

  • Georgia Open Records Act (new hires)

• USG Cybersecurity Training (required twice yearly)
  • Job-specific training such as: FMLA and Worker's Compensation, Budget Manager training, Purchasing Training (ePro & PCard), and Defensive Driving

Equal Employment Opportunity

Valdosta State University is an equal opportunity educational institution. It is not the intent of the institution to discriminate against any applicant for admission or any student or employee of the institution based on the age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation of the individual.

Background Check

• Standard

Accommodations

If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings, apply for a job on this site, or participate in the search process as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Catherine Wills, in the Office of Human Resources at croark@valdosta.edu.