Assistant Professor of Theatre Design and Technology and Director of Technical Theatre at Avila University – Kansas City, Missouri

Please attach the following documents to your cover letter and upload as a single PDF: a cover letter, a 2–3 page statement of teaching philosophy, unofficial graduate transcripts, and any relevant supplemental materials (e.g., design portfolio, production photographs, teaching evaluations). Upload your CV separately in the “Resume” option when submitting your application.

Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Must have permanent work authorization.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Avila University School of Performing Arts in the College of Arts & Sciences, guided by our mission of excellence in teaching and learning and dedicated to service to the Dear Neighbor, invites applications for a Full-Time, Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Theatre Design & Technology.

This position serves as both a faculty member and Director of Technical Theatre, providing leadership for theatrical production, instruction in technical theatre and design, and oversight of performance spaces and production facilities. The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate education through teaching, mentorship, creative practice, and service while supporting the production mission of the School of Performing Arts. The successful candidate will also collaborate with regional professional and educational partner organizations to support production, educational, and community-engaged initiatives aligned with the mission of the School of Performing Arts.

Responsibilities:
• Teach 12 credit hours each Fall and Spring semester, adjusted by course releases tied to Director of Technical Theatre responsibilities.
• Courses may include: Stagecraft, Stage Lighting, Technical Theatre Practicum, Stage Management Practicum, and other design/technology courses aligned with expertise.
• Deliver content using effective pedagogical methods appropriate for students with differing abilities, preparation levels, and cultural experiences.
• Use Canvas Learning Management System as part of course delivery.
• Perform other duties related to assigned courses as needed.
• Provide leadership, serving as Technical Director for all School of Performing Arts productions.
• Design two (2) mainstage productions per academic year in areas aligned with professional expertise.
• Create and maintain production calendars, schedules, and timelines.
• Attend and facilitate production meetings, design presentations, technical rehearsals, and strikes.
• Supervise and coordinate scenic, lighting, sound, props, and paint areas in collaboration with faculty, staff, and students.
• Oversee technical operations of the Goppert Theatre, Franze Black Box, scene shop, paint shop, and related storage spaces.
• Maintain and manage inventory of lighting, sound, scenic, and shop equipment.
• Provide technical support for university events requiring sound or lighting.
• Ensure safe operation of all technical spaces and equipment.
• Mentor and supervise student designers, technicians, and production crews.
• Advise students academically and professionally.
• Foster a positive, inclusive learning environment supportive of student development and collaboration.
• Provide service to the program, school, college, university, and community.
• Participate in recruitment, auditions, season planning, and assessment activities.
• Work collaboratively with School of Performing Arts colleagues, the Chair, and faculty across Avila University to improve programming, culture, and access to education.
• Collaborate with local, regional, and professional partner organizations in support of productions, student learning opportunities, workshops, and community engagement initiatives.
• Engage in scholarly, creative, and/or professional activities appropriate to a tenure-track appointment.

Qualifications:
• MFA or other terminal degree in Theatre Design, Technical Theatre, or a closely related field required.
• Demonstrated experience in theatrical production and technical direction required.
• Experience teaching in higher education or equivalent professional mentorship experience required.
• Familiarity with industry-standard software (e.g., Vectorworks, CAD programs, QLab, light or scenic visualization tools & OSHA standards).
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Professional theatrical design or technical credits preferred.
• Experience supervising student crews and managing theatrical facilities preferred.
• Experience collaborating with professional theatre companies, arts organizations, or educational partners.
• Successful candidates should highlight their experience and be committed to contributing to a climate that supports a diverse student body, serves first-generation college students, and contributes to equity and social justice through teaching, committee work, and/or scholarship.

Successful candidates should be committed to contributing to a climate that supports a diverse student body, serves first-generation college students, multilingual learners, and contributions to equity and social justice through their work.

Benefits:
This is a full-time position, eligible for the usual and customary benefits. Avila University’s comprehensive benefit package includes a generous holiday schedule, tuition remission for employee and dependents, vacation and sick leave, retirement benefits and health insurance.

The Community:
Kansas City, a two-state metropolitan area with a population of nearly two million, offers a wide variety of cultural, educational and social life opportunities. Avila University, a Catholic university founded and inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, provides undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and professional studies, preparing lifelong learners who make meaningful contributions to the global community.

Additional Employment Information:
Avila University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of, sex, race, religion, age, color, sexual orientation, disability, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran's status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

You must be at least 18 years of age to be employed by Avila University.

All new employees will be required to complete an "Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9)” and produce requested documentation after employment.

In compliance with the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, the university's annual security and crime statistics report is available at https://www.avila.edu/campus-resources/campus-safety. A copy of this report is available upon request from the Campus Safety Office in the Whitfield building any weekday between 8am and 5pm.

Avila University requires the successful completion of a background check as a condition of employment.