Chair of Theatre Arts at InsideHigherEd

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth. Here is what we offer: Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health supportWork-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangementsFinancial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement pathsAdditional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture Join Howard University and thrive with us! https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellnessThe Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University is excited to announce an opportunity for a visionary, collaborative, and accomplished leader to serve as Chair of the Department of Theatre Arts. The Chair serves as a mentor to faculty colleagues, collaborates with administrative leaders and staff members, and leads faculty in important processes that shape curriculum and inspire vision for theatre arts throughout the African Diaspora. The Chair strives to effectively articulate both the department and the College’s missions to internal and external constituencies and establishes an inclusive and welcoming academic environment that encourages engagement, participation, collegiality, and respect. The chair supervises all employees in the department and administers yearly performance evaluations, recommends faculty candidates for vacant positions, and makes recommendations regarding faculty reappointment, tenure, and promotion. The position is a 12-month appointment reporting to the Dean of the college. The Chair is expected to serve on elected and appointed committees and to accept other duties as assigned by the Dean. With 44 full and part-time faculty, the Department of Theatre Arts serves over 150 students and offers BFA degrees in acting, dance, musical theatre, theatre arts administration, and theatre technology, and minors in theatre arts. Through research, experimentation, production, performance, and the education of emerging professionals, our faculty nurture holistic, multi-hyphenate, collaborative, interdisciplinary artists and scholars prepared to pioneer and lead their fields on the national and global stage. As the only College of Fine Arts in a historically Black, private university, our faculty are committed to educating leaders capable of employing the arts to drive change and solve world problems. The Department of Theatre Arts is dedicated to the continued growth and development of the African Diasporic experience through the study and practice of theatre and dance.Leadership and Administrative ExpectationsThe Department Chair holds responsibilities invested in ensuring the success of the department’s faculty, staff, and students. This broad range of responsibilities includes (but is not limited to):• Articulating a direction and goals for the department that align with college and university-level initiatives.• Visioning and participating in cooperative collaboration efforts between CAB CoFA departments and across other colleges, schools, and programs at Howard University. • Managing and optimizing department budget and resources (facilities, faculty, etc.).• Developing partnerships with local, national, and international organizations, institutions, and industry stakeholders to enhance the department's and the college’s reputation and provide opportunities for students and faculty.• Coordinating the activities of curriculum development and discipline-specific accreditation.• Overseeing all faculty mentoring, service assignments, promotion and tenure reviews, work plans, workloads, hiring activities, and annual reviews.• Managing day-to-day student affairs, including the planning of community-engaged activities and events.• Collaborate with the recruitment and admissions team to support student recruitment, admission, and retention activities (e.g., new student orientation, department onboarding) and in consultation with the academic advisor.• Coordinating interactions with alumni, donors, and visiting artists/scholars.• Teaching in the Chair’s area of expertise will be expected, providing a forum for direct interaction with students in creative/academic contexts and affording opportunities to model scholarship within the department. It is expected that the Chair will have a 1/1 teaching load.Qualifications• MFA or PhD in one of the areas represented in the Department of Theatre Arts• Knowledge of the higher educational landscape, research, and professional practices in performing arts.• A minimum of five years of University-level teaching experience beyond the TA and/or adjunct level.• Experience in academic administration or demonstrated leadership in institutional service or service to the field.• A well-established research agenda with evidence of a significant performance record and/or scholarly record, external funding, and contributing to scholarship or creative practice that enhances and extends college/department expertise.• Effective collaborative and communication skills are essential.• The Chair will have demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students.Consideration Process and Instructions.The following documents should be submitted:• Cover Letter that includes an overview of professional experience and creative research interests.• Curriculum Vitae• A philosophy statement addressing leadership, teaching, and approach to student Mentorship.• List of five professional references, including names with titles and contact information. References will not be contacted prior to a candidate’s approval.Salary Range: $145,000 - $150,000 with 30K Stipend for Chair role. ABOUT HOWARD UNIVERSITYEstablished in 1867, Howard University is a leading private research university based in Washington, D.C. Howard’s 14 schools and colleges offer 140 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs and lead the nation in producing African Americans with professional doctoral degrees. Howard is the top-ranked historically Black college or university (HBCU) according to Forbes, the only HBCU with an R1 research institution designation, and the only HBCU ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Top 100 National Universities. Renowned for its esteemed faculty, high achieving students, and commitment to excellence, leadership, truth and service, Howard produces distinguished alumni across all sectors, which have included the first Black U.S. Supreme Court justice and the first woman U.S. vice president; a Noble Prize laureate; Schwarzman, Marshall, Rhodes and Truman Scholars; prestigious fellows; and over 170 Fulbright recipients. Learn more at www.howard.edu.Benefits OfferedHealth & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health supportWork-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangementsFinancial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company matchProfessional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement pathsAdditional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company cultureJob location: Washington, D.C. Compliance Salary Range Disclosure