Sweet Briar is a liberal arts college for women with a long history of forging female leaders. Sweet Briar College is repeatedly named by the US News and World Report as one of the most innovative liberal arts colleges in the nation. Sweet Briar College is growing rapidly, attracting students who are drawn to it for its excellent liberal arts program, coupled with distinctive programs in women's leadership, engineering, sustainability, arts, and its legendary equestrian program.
The College boasts a modern core curriculum focused on women's leadership in the 21st century and undergraduate programs in the arts, sciences, and humanities, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching. It is one of only two women’s colleges in the United States with an ABET-accredited engineering degree. The women’s leadership core curriculum is innovative and energizing.
When students graduate, they are persuasive communicators who know how to think on their feet and bring people together. No matter what they study or where they go, Sweet Briar women are prepared to lead. The campus community is a family of faculty, staff, coaches, and alumnae who support and encourage students and each other. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1, students lead research, ask questions, and forge supportive relationships with faculty that can last for decades.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Sweet Briar College is committed to enhancing our community and encourages applications from qualified individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints who would strengthen the College.
Job Title: Assistant Professor of Theatre
Classification: Full-time, benefits-eligible, tenure-track faculty position
Reports to: Arts Division Head
Job Summary/Objective:
Sweet Briar College invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position of Assistant Professor in Theatre, to begin either in the Spring 2027 or Fall 2027 semester. The successful candidate will be an engaged scholar-teacher and have a strong commitment to undergraduate education. The incumbent will be expected to teach a variety of performance and theory courses, typically three courses per semester, in theatre and drama that serves our major in Performing Arts which offers programs in music, dance. The position will also engage with students in our arts management certificate program. Additionally, the candidate will be expected to direct the mainstage theatre productions, and to participate fully in the service of the college, including student advising and recruitment, and maintain an ongoing program of research and publication or performance. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to make contributions to our women’s leadership core curriculum and engage undergraduates both in and out of the classroom. Institutional support for research and creative pursuits includes internal faculty grants and an honors summer research program.
Candidates ready to work with a diverse student body are especially welcome. Sweet Briar prides itself on creating a learning environment that encourages women to fulfill their highest potential. Leadership in all walks of life is fostered by the special connections our faculty make with their students, and Sweet Briar women translate their academic experiences into interesting and important lives.
Qualifications
Essential Responsibilities:
- Teach courses in Acting, Directing, Script Analysis, and Dramatic Literature;
- Direct Mainstage theatre productions;
- Guide students through their senior projects; and
- Prepare and plan a performance schedule with the faculty in theatre, music, and dance.
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. or M.F.A.
- Demonstrated excellence in teaching;
- Demonstrated interest in working across disciplines and engaging in collaborative scholarship, teaching, and service; and
- Excellent communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Two or more years of experience teaching in a college environment; and
- Two or more years of experience directing theatre productions.
How to Apply:
To apply, visit the Sweet Briar College Career Center: https://sbc.edu/human-resources/faculty-staff-job-openings/. All applications should include: 1) cover letter; 2) CV; 3) statement on teaching philosophy and research/creative interests; and 4) the names and full contact information for three professional references. Items should be in a single PDF file. Review of applications will begin on October 5, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.
The salary range for this position is $57,,000.00- $63,000.00 per year. This is commensurate with education and experience and will be determined in accordance with institutional guidelines.
Skills Required
- Ph.D. or M.F.A.
- Demonstrated excellence in teaching
- Interest in interdisciplinary and collaborative scholarship, teaching, and service
- Excellent communication skills
- Two or more years of experience teaching in a college environment
- Two or more years of experience directing theatre productions
What We Do
Sweet Briar College is a private liberal arts and sciences college for women located in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Its mission is to prepare women (and men at the graduate level) to be productive, responsible members of a world community, focusing on personal and professional achievement through a customized educational program that combines the liberal arts and career preparation.
