Assistant Professor, Theatre & Costume Design (AA28023)

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Working Title:
Assistant Professor, Theatre & Costume Design (AA28023)
Institution:
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Classification Title:
State University Faculty
Bargaining Unit / Union:
209: Inter Faculty Organization
City:
Mankato
FLSA:
Job Exempt
Full Time / Part Time:
Full time
Employment Condition:
Unclassified - Limited Academic (Fixed Term)
Salary Range:
$64,963.00 - $193,146.00
Salary Type: Depends on qualifications
Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin on November 12, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
Position: Nine Month Fixed Term Appointment*
Job Duties
The department of Performing Arts at Minnesota State University, Mankato invites applications for a fixed term Assistant Professor of Costume Design beginning August 16, 2027. Expected teaching responsibilities include Costume Design, Construction, and History. Additional teaching responsibilities may include Stage Makeup, Basic Design, Drawing and Rendering, Portfolio Seminar, or other coursework dependent on expertise, experience and interest. The successful candidate would be expected to participate in creative research, design for productions in theatre and dance, academic advising and recruitment, and other department activities in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary theatre, music, and dance program. Student advising would include both undergraduate and graduate levels, and as a member of the graduate faculty, may include chairing and/or serving on graduate project or thesis committees. We encourage candidates who have recently completed their MFA or PhD in Theatre. Candidates with demonstrated success in teaching and creating costume designs in racially, ethnically, culturally, and gender-diverse contexts are strongly encouraged to apply.
A typical faculty workload responsibility may include up to twenty four (24) credits of instruction per academic year.
The successful candidate may need to teach in other areas as assigned and qualified.
May be expected to develop and deliver face-to-face, hybrid, and on-line instruction at the Mankato campus, online, and/or at the university’s additional locations, as assigned.
The successful candidate will collaborate with colleagues in curriculum design, instruction and evaluation, conduct research productively and mentor students in research, help create innovative strategies for student recruitment, retention, and completion, and may be expected to develop external grant funding opportunities.
This successful candidate will be responsible for teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses in Theatre.
All faculty members are expected to engage in scholarly or creative activity or research, in continuing preparation and study, in contributing to student growth and development, and in providing service to the university and community (See Article 22 and Appendix G of the IFO Master Agreement)
This position will advise majors in Theatre.
Minimum Qualifications
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from a wide range of diverse backgrounds and to foster a professional environment that is inclusive, respectful, and equitable for all.
Terminal Degree in Theatre with a Costume Focus or extensive costume experience.
2+ years of experience in Costume Design for theatrical productions at the university level.
Evidence of appropriate professional creative and/or scholarly research in costume or theatre.
Preferred Qualification
Demonstrated experience fostering an inclusive, equitable, and respectful environment while working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Demonstrated effective written, oral communication and presentation skills.
2+ years of experience teaching in a college/university setting.
2+ years of experience in Costume Design for dance concert productions at the university level.
4+ years of experience in Costume Construction/Technology for theatrical productions.
Experience in film production
Demonstrated experience in a professional theatre company and/or touring company
Evidence of working with international IP and commercial theatrical productions
Experience with advising and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students
Experience in Stage Makeup
Experience in wig making & styling.
Experience in millinery or other advanced construction techniques.
Application Procedures:
A complete online application will include the following attachments. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the search committee.
Cover Letter
Non-Photo Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Contact Information for three (3) references
Unofficial Transcript(s) of your highest completed degree
A brief (no more than one-page) response to the following: Provide a specific example from your professional or academic experience that demonstrates your ability to work effectively with individuals from a wide range of diverse backgrounds. In your response, describe the actions you took to foster an environment that was inclusive, respectful, and equitable for all. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from the experience?
A one (1) page statement of your teaching philosophy
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Nick Wayne, Chair
Performing Arts
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: 507-389-1178
TTY: 800-627-3529 or 711
Email: nicholas.wayne@mnsu.edu
Other Requirements
Please note that successful applicants must be eligible to work in the United States on or before the effective date of appointment. Eligibility includes being a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or a foreign national authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employer sponsorship. Employees must maintain work authorization without sponsorship for the duration of their appointment.
Work safely at all times, which includes but is not limited to, participating and completing all required safety trainings, as well as performing all job tasks in accordance with Minnesota State University, Mankato policies and procedures utilizing appropriate tools, equipment and personal protective equipment.
The Minnesota State University, Mankato Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available for your review. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University. The policy statements address the school’s policies, procedures and programs concerning safety and security. Three years’ worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on-campus, or in other University affiliated locations. This report is available online at: http://mankato.mnsu.edu/safety/. You may also request a paper copy from University Security at 507-389-2111, or by emailing security@mnsu.edu.
Additional Information
The Theatre Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato, housed within the Department of Performing Arts in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, offers both BA and MFA degrees. The Theatre program has been offered since 1966 and prepares students for professional work in the field. The curriculum provides extensive training in live theatre, history, theory, and criticism.
Additional information on Minnesota State University, Mankato can be found at: www.mnsu.edu
*The salary range denoted above is the contractual range; however, salary upon hire is dependent upon qualifications and experience.
University Demographics
Minnesota State University, Mankato is a member of the Minnesota State system. Minnesota State has established a strategic vision, Equity 2030, which aims to close the educational equity gaps across race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, ability, and geographic location by the end of the decade at every Minnesota Stat