Title:University Lecturer in Theatre DesignDepartment:Theater Reports To:Director of Theatre Technology & Performing ArtsPosition Type:FacultyPosition Summary: The Theatre Program at New Jersey Institute of Technology seeks a dynamic and experienced Theatre Design member to join our team. The successful candidate will specialize in 2-4 areas of design (such as scenic design, lighting design, costume design, sound design, props design) and will be responsible for teaching a variety of introductory to intermediate design courses as well as general design courses such as Design Fundamentals, Theatre As Technology, Design Thinking, and Period Styles. The focus in these classes is conceptual as well as operational/experiential. This continuum of the conceptual/cerebral understanding of the skill along with providing experience in the applied aspects of design is foundational to the program’s pedagogy. This position is best filled by a practicing professional designer who also has interest/experience in teaching.In addition to teaching, this instructional staff member will serve as a Designer and Mentor for student productions throughout the year, providing guidance and support to aspiring student designers. The ideal candidate will have a passion for teaching and a strong commitment to student success. A typical semester load will include teaching three courses and one production design assignment. In addition, service in the form of recruitment to the university and theatre program is encouraged.The Theatre Program at NJIT is in a moment of evolution as it not only is bringing a design specialist into its full-time staff, but the overall curriculum is also in the process of evolving toward a focus on design. As a result, this instructional staff member will play a vital role in shaping that new vision and trajectory. The Theatre Program at NJIT is uniquely situated in a polytech setting, which gives opportunities for our program to bridge the gap from our theatrical and creative techniques to other programs like Architecture and Engineering. This position is on campus and teaches face-to-face.Essential Functions: Functions include, but are not limited to, training/educating students in appropriate skills and concepts, employing creative pedagogy that effectively teaches students with varying backgrounds and skill sets, providing feedback that is clear and actionable so the student can progress throughout the semester, maintaining attendance records, and submitting grades. They will also design for main stage productions and mentor students in roles of design leadership when appropriate. Additionally, this person will collaborate with the Director of the Program on the continued evolution of the program and how design can play a vital and vibrant role within the theatre program and NJIT overall. The ideal candidate is a curious and creative problem solver, organized, and highly communicative. Prerequisite Qualifications: – MFA in Theatre Design (or similar degree) or equivalent experience.– At least five years professional experience in multiple fields of design (scenic, costume, lighting, props, sound, etc) in the theatre.– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.– Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff.– Passion for teaching and mentoring students.
At the university's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.
Preferred Qualifications: –At least two years experience teaching and/or mentoring young designers and/or students. –Prior teaching experience at the collegiate level. –Demonstrated experience with current drawing, rendering, and drafting practices and software, including but not limited to: Hand drafting, traditional drawing & painting, Vectorworks. Adobe Creative Suite, Procreate, AutoCAD, and SketchUp. Bargaining Unit:PSAFLSA:ExemptFull-TimeSpecial Instructions to Applicants:Must include Full CV, Theatrical Design Resume, Portfolio, Cover Letter, and a brief (1-2 page) Philosophy of Teaching and Designing Statement attached.