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Southwest Minnesota State University

Assistant Professor of Entertainment and Theatre Arts - IFO

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Working Title:

Assistant Professor of Entertainment and Theatre Arts - IFO

Institution:

Southwest Minnesota State University

Classification Title:

State University Faculty

Bargaining Unit / Union:

209: Inter Faculty Organization

City:

Marshall

FLSA:

Job Exempt

Full Time / Part Time:

Full time

Employment Condition:

Unclassified - Unlimited Academic

Salary Range:

$64,066.00 - $186,015.00

Job Description

Design or oversee the design of scenery, lighting, props, and sound for the Entertainment and Theatre Arts Program productions (typically 2-3 per year).
Serve as Technical Director and Scene Shop Manager, overseeing the work of student crews to construct and paint sets and install and run lighting, sound, props, and special effects.
Serve as the primary safety officer for all theatre spaces, enforcing safety polices, maintaining safety equipment, and responding to deficiencies, infractions, and injuries.
Teach a variety of courses for the major, minors, and MnTC, possibly including but not limited to:
- THTR 100 Theatre Appreciation (MnTC Goal 6 course)
- THTR 140/340 Stagecraft I and II
- THTR 220 Film and Television Appreciation
- THTR 245/445 Scenic Design I and II
- THTR 250/450 Lighting and Sound Design I and II
- THTR 265/365 Stage Management I and II
- The person in this position may also teach LEP 101 First Year Seminar, Special Topics courses, and Independent Studies in Theatre as needed.

Provide safety oversight and technical support for other SMSU and non-SMSU events taking place in the Fine Arts Theatre or Black Box (music concerts, touring performers, orientation events, community events, etc.)
Provide safety oversight, as well as technical advice and guidance, for 2-3 student-produced Drama Club productions and additional events each academic year.
This position may also include the opportunity to direct Theatre Program productions, and/or to work with the SMSU Children’s Theatre and High School Musical Theatre Workshop summer programs.
The regular total credit-hour (or equivalent) load for this position is 24 credits per academic year.
Duties also include recruitment, student advising, participating in program assessment, contribution to student growth and development, evaluating student performance, creative/scholarly activity, and service to the University community (including regional service, education, or study).

Minimum Qualifications

A minimum of an MFA in Scenic Design, Lighting Design, Scenography, or closely related field.
Experience designing scenery and lighting for at least three (3) university or professional productions.
Experience as a Technical Director or Scene Shop Supervisor for at least three (3) university or professional productions.
Experience teaching university-level theatre design and technical courses, using current industry standard equipment, technology, and software.
Demonstrated commitment or proven strategies for fostering a diverse and inclusive environment; demonstrated ability or proven strategies to teach and work with persons from diverse backgrounds.

Student-centered approach and a commitment to helping grow the Entertainment and Theatre Arts Program.
An understanding of and appreciation for liberal education.
Abilities/competence in instructional technology, including online instruction.

Priority will be given to those who apply by 1/15/2026.

Required Documents to submit for consideration: Transcript, Cover Letter, Vita, and Teaching Philosophy should be attached to your application.

Other Considerations: The successful candidate must be authorized to work in the United States by the first day of employment. The University will not give consideration for H-1B sponsorship. Employment or Visa sponsorship, other than H-1B status, must be pre-approved by the University prior to offer acceptance.

Telework (Yes/No)

About

Southwest Minnesota State University is one of seven universities in the Minnesota State system. SMSU gives highest priority to excellence in teaching and preparing students to be lifelong learners through quality undergraduate teaching/advising and close student/faculty relationships. Its mission, dating back to 1967, provides access to university-level programs in liberal arts & professional studies. The University has a special commitment to the educational needs of the people in its service region reflected through its curricula, cultural programs, diversity of staff and students, cooperative relationships with the public and private sectors, and regional institutions. The 216-acre campus encompasses 24 modern, interconnected, and accessible buildings. Marshall (pop. 13,000) is the hub of a rich agricultural area and offers a variety of cultural, recreational and educational opportunities. The position is an opportunity to be part of a vibrant, dynamic and growing institution that is searching for exceptionally talented people.

Southwest Minnesota State University complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. You can find our Annual Security and Fire Safety Report online at

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (smsu.edu)

. This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Southwest Minnesota State University. If you prefer a hard copy, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 507-537-7252.

We are committed to responding to the educational needs of our changing communities and to providing opportunities for enhancing knowledge, skills, and values in a supportive learning environment. We recognize and assert the value of inclusion as an ethical imperative and as a necessity for academic rigor, student success, and lifelong learning. Our goal is to strive for inclusive excellence in our commitment to preparing all students and employees for success.

Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota

Southwest Minnesota State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and/or gender in education programs and activities. SMSU maintains compliance with the federal Title IX law, Minnesota statute § 135.A.15 (Campus Sexual Misconduct Policy), and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustee’s, 1B.3 Sexual Misconduct policy and 1B.3.1 Response to Sexual Violence and Title IX Sexual Harassment procedure. For a comprehensive review of the aforementioned federal, state, system, and university policies, please go to

https://www.smsu.edu/administration/titleix/index.html

Southwest Minnesota State University is a member of the Minnesota State system and is an equal opportunity educator and employer. SMSU is committed to equal employment opportunities for all applicants and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. SMSU does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. Women, diverse populations and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States. Requests for reasonable accommodation of a disability during the application and/or interview process should be made to the Affirmative Action Office, 507-537-6208. For TTY communications, contact Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529. This vacancy notice is available in alternative format upon request.

Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we have a GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! Our generous benefits include 11 paid Holidays, Vacation Time, Sick Time, six weeks of Paid Parental Leave, low cost medical and dental insurance with low deductibles ($250 - $1500), a Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement plans and other retirement investment options, pre-tax medical and dental expense (with roll-over option) and dependent care accounts, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, as well as professional development and a tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents, etc. We promote the health and well-being of our employees and take work/life balance seriously.

Desired Start Date:

08-17-2026

Position End Date:

08-18-2026

Open Date:

11-19-2025

Close Date:

08-16-2026

Posting Contact Name:

Bailey Johnson

Posting Contact Email:

bailey.johnson.2@smsu.edu