Assistant or Associate Director of Theatre

Pacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close and nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse, sustainable, and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship, and practice.

At Pacific University, we thrive in an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest, with campus locations in Forest Grove and Hillsboro. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live, work, teach, and acquire and share knowledge.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

The Director of Theatre is a faculty member  overseeing all Theatre programs for the university. The Director will teach full-time in multiple subdisciplines of Theatre; produce the university’s Theatre season; oversee curriculum in all Theatre programs within the Department of Theatre & Dance; serve as advisor for Theatre students, and as capstone supervisor in Theatre and Applied Theatre; and supervise Theatre staff, instructors, and guest artists. 

Who we are:
The Pacific University Department of Theatre & Dance offers a traditional BA in Theatre, a BA in Applied Theatre, minors in both areas, and minors in Musical Theatre and Arts Administration & Advocacy, along with a major and minor in Dance.

Pacific is dedicated to re-imagining the future of the applied liberal arts by fusing interdisciplinary academics with robust experiential learning, empowering students to discover their purpose through learning by doing in authentic, applied contexts. Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, our campus is situated in the "silicon forest" near downtown Portland, offering unparalleled access to nearby vineyards, the Oregon coast, Mt. Hood, and surrounding mountain ranges. Join an accessible and inclusive academic community that empowers students to achieve social mobility and become catalysts for change.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Production Expectations

• Full responsibility for the university’s theatre season, producing two mainstage shows (including collaboration with Department of Music on production of musicals), one studio project a year, and occasional informal presentations, with an option to direct one or more shows a year. 

Teaching Expectations

• Teaching in areas of Acting (fundamentals and advanced, including styles and techniques); Directing; and Theatre History and Dramatic Literature, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary perspectives and broad global/cultural themes.

Service

• Service includes department, school, college, and university service, as well as academic advising. 
• We expect service at the college or university level prior to tenure, and pre-tenure faculty will be eligible for appointment or election to committees starting in their second year.  
• Recruitment and supervision of professional guest artists and adjunct faculty. 
• Service to the profession through attendance at professional academic conferences and participation in one or more of the discipline’s scholarly associations.

Scholarship

• For tenure and promotion, ongoing professional development is expected in the form of scholarship and/or creative inquiry. 

Department responsibilities

• Oversee curriculum in Theatre, Applied Theatre, and Arts Administration
• Collaborate with colleagues in Music in the administration of  Musical Theatre minor.
• Supervision of designers, instructors, guest artists, and staff. 

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS

• Support department or university recruitment events, guest lectures, and faculty searches.

JOB SCOPE

Faculty positions operate within the parameters of the University Faculty and Governance Handbook. The successful candidate will collaborate with colleagues to deliver a meaningful education to undergraduate students. Course development, scheduling, budget management, and assessment are required.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY

• Student Supervision: Minimal direct reporting of student workers to this position. 
• Staff Supervision: Supervision of department staff; regular review of faculty and staff (3-4 individuals in ongoing positions); hiring and supervision of adjuncts and guest artists (3-4 individuals/year).

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Required qualifications for the Director of Theatre:

• MFA in Directing or DFA with practical emphasis; PhD/MFA combination encouraged.
• Previous experience with college or university teaching.

Preferred qualifications for the Director of Theatre:

• Minimum of two years full-time college or university teaching. 
• Two or more years serving as artistic director, managing producer, or production manager of a professional theatre.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES & BEHAVIORS

• Instruction & Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication for diverse audiences.
• Collaboration & Problem Solving: Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and team-oriented collaboration skills.
• Operational Efficiency: Ability to manage complex projects and  handle confidential materials.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work Environment: Standard academic office, classroom, and performance facilities across campus locations.
• Schedule Expectations: frequent  evening, weekend, and holiday commitments in keeping with demands of theatrical production.
• This is an in-person position

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please upload your resume, cover letter and three professional references along with your Paycom application.  Persons who do not follow and complete the application process are not applicants and will not be considered for employment.

Only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. During the selection process, we will strive to provide timely notifications. The selection process may vary from recruitment to recruitment but typically includes multiple interviews and may take several weeks depending on the position. All qualified applicants will be notified once the selection process has closed.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and continue to work without employer visa sponsorship, now or in the future.

At Pacific University, we are dedicated to offering experiences that are authentic, holistic, equity-minded, and responsive. Our communal success rests on the recognition that complex problems and effective solutions are best approached by teams with a variety of diverse perspectives. and life experiences. As we continue to develop our equity practices, we actively promote access to opportunities and equitable pay for all employees.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs where they are unsure if they can perform every function in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may come from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about how your background and skill set may qualify you for the role.

We, who make up Pacific University, aspire to become a community of purpose where everyone is enabled to be wholly and comfortably who they are; accountable for inclusive behaviors and practices; built on trust, civility, care, openness, and honest conversations often around critical subjects. We know that these values are critical to prepare for a global world with complex problems, through an asset-based mindset so that everyone is afforded an opportunity to succeed. We believe in fostering a workplace where every employee is respected, their contributions are valued, and they are provided opportunities to succeed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for qualifying employees. Current benefits include:

• Generous paid time off (for vacation, holidays—including winter break—and sick leave)
• Medical coverage with alternative care options (with in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction)
• Comprehensive dental and vision plans
• Generous retirement contribution after one year of service with no match required
• Free mental health appointments
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependent child(ren) who meet eligibility requirements
• On-campus benefits, including free access to our sports facility and library
• Discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services.

ACCOMMODATIONS & INCLUSION

We welcome and encourage applications from neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities. If you need any accommodations or support at any stage of the application or interview process such as receiving interview questions in advance, alternative assessment formats, or extra time please let us know by emailing Catheryn Coupland [email protected] We are committed to providing an accessible process that allows you to demonstrate your strengths.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all applicable laws, including those concerning employment and workplace policies. We are committed to fostering a non-discriminatory and inclusive work environment. We are proud to encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

Pacific University makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. Applicable laws include, but are not limited to, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions or complaints may be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs at 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116 or via email at [email protected].