Assistant Professor of Scenic Design

Assistant Professor of Scenic Design

Overview:  Illinois Wesleyan University invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Scenic Design(Teaching Track). The start date for this position is August 15, 2027.

About the Teaching Track:  The teaching track focuses on developing and delivering innovative curricula as well as contributing to the success of students, the department, and the university. It is a renewable appointment built on consecutive six-year contracts. Typically initial appointments are at the rank of Assistant Professor, with the possibility of promotion to the ranks of Associate Professor and Professor. While not eligible for tenure, appointments on the teaching track are designed to support long-term engagement and professional growth. Teaching track faculty are eligible for sabbatical following the successful renewal of the initial 6-year contract and every seven years thereafter. Additional benefits for the position include:

• three course releases to be taken in the first six years of appointment
• the possibility of modest start-up funds
• information about internal grant opportunities and external grant development support, which are available online: Faculty Development

About IWU:  Founded in 1850, Illinois Wesleyan University is a nationally ranked, small, private undergraduate liberal arts university with highly selective admission criteria and a tradition of teaching excellence emphasizing the integration of the liberal arts and professional education. We are located in Bloomington, IL, a metro area of 190,000 people, which is about a two or three hour drive from Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. We are strongly committed to fostering an environment that values varied perspectives and backgrounds.

Responsibilities:  The successful candidate will fulfill the responsibilities listed below, contribute to faculty governance through campus committee service and engage with appropriate professional development. Professional development funding is available, as is mentoring both within and outside of the department.

• 8-course teaching load per year, typically
• Academic advising in the discipline
• Professional achievement and activity: Teaching track faculty are expected to maintain currency in the profession and pedagogy. While scholarly or artistic achievement is not mandatory, it may help with promotion. 
• Departmental and University service

Qualifications:  

• MFA and/or Ph.D. in Scenic Design, Production Design, Design for Theatre and Entertainment, or other closely related fields and a strong commitment to excellence in undergraduate education. Preference will be given to candidates with prior teaching experience at the university level.
• Demonstrated artistic/professional development and design experience.
• Additional preferred qualifications may include membership with the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT), the International Alliance for Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), United Scenic Artists Local USA 829, and/or affiliations with the Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE) and others.
• Individuals specifically equipped to further contribute to production pursuits as a Scenic Painter, Props Artisan, and/or Carpenter are encouraged to apply.
• Demonstrated experience with computer drafting software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, or preferably, Vectorworks.

Compensation and Benefits:

• The salary range for this position begins at $58-$61K based on experience.  
• Nine-month appointment
• See here for an overview of IWU benefits.
• Illinois Wesleyan University may offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.

Application Information:  Please submit the following: 

1. a cover letter addressing qualifications
2. a curriculum vitae
3. a statement that explains your philosophy as both a teacher and collaborator, addresses how your practice in the classroom and production process fosters environments that value a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds
4. names and contact information for three professional references
5. unofficial copies of all academic transcripts
6. portfolio or website, if available

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled. 

Applications can be directed to: School of Theatre Arts, search committee, academicHR@iwu.edu.

Questions may be directed to: RJ Hodde, Director of School of Theatre Arts, rjhodde@iwu.edu.

Illinois Wesleyan University is committed to recruiting, supporting, and fostering a community that values a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds among our outstanding faculty, staff, and students. We seek candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to contributing to and enhancing our community in these areas. Illinois Wesleyan University is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to promoting excellence through a variety of viewpoints; details at https://www.iwu.edu/about/non-discrimination.html.