Job description
Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts
Department of Theatre Arts Search
JOB DESCRIPTION
TYPE: FULL-TIME
Position title: Lecturer, Temporary Track
Position description
The Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University (www.finearts.howard.edu) seeks applications for a full-time Lecturer, temporary track faculty position in the nationally renowned Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Theatre Arts – Theatre Technology program to teach undergraduate courses in costume design for theatre and performance. We seek candidates with demonstrated success as a costume designer who possess expertise in the design field. The ideal candidate will also have interdisciplinary experience within academia, multi-hyphenate capacities within the fields of theatre arts and visual arts, and a passion for bringing current, evolving styles, techniques, technologies, trends, scholarship and pedagogy of costume design and design.
The vision for the Department of Theatre Arts is to become a hub for the Black dramatic arts intelligence, a haven for its legacy and a pre-eminent training ground for its aesthetic and cultural activism. As a historically Black, private university committed to educating leaders capable of driving change and solving 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 the theatre arts. Employing research, experimentation, production, performance and the education of emerging professionals, we nurture holistic, multi-hyphenate, collaborative, interdisciplinary dramatic arts creatives prepared to pioneer and lead aesthetic/cultural activism on the national and global stage.
Primary Responsibilities
Teaching
- Teach undergraduate courses in costume design, costume construction, and/or related areas based on departmental needs.
- Develop syllabi, assignments, and assessments aligned with program learning outcomes.
- Mentor and advise students in costume design for departmental productions.
- Support inclusive, student-centered, and practice-based learning environments.
Costume Shop Management
- Oversee the operation, organization, and maintenance of the costume shop.
- Supervise and train student workers and/or practicum students.
- Maintain costume inventory, storage, and tracking systems.
- Ensure safe working practices and proper use of equipment.
- Manage budgets related to costume construction, rentals, and supplies in coordination with production staff.
Production Support
- Serve as costume designer and/or design mentor for assigned departmental productions.
- Collaborate with directors, scenic designers, lighting designers, and stage management teams.
- Supervise costume construction, fittings, alterations, and strike for all productions.
- Coordinate costume rentals, purchases, and returns.
- Support production calendars and deadlines, including technical rehearsals and performances.
Service
- Participate in departmental college, and university meetings and production planning processes.
- Contribute to recruitment, retention, and student success initiatives.
- Support programmatic needs related to curriculum and production.
Duties:
The successful applicant will teach a 4 course per semester load with an initial contract of 1-year. Responsibilities will include teaching courses at the undergraduate level in the department’s program curricula; mentoring and advising undergraduate students; participating in departmental activities, and college and university administrative service.
Qualifications
Required qualifications (at time of application)
- MFA or terminal degree in Costume Design, Costume Technology, or a closely related field (or equivalent professional experience).
- Demonstrated experience in costume design and/or costume shop management.
- Teaching experience at the undergraduate level or equivalent mentorship experience.
- Strong organizational, communication, and collaborative skills.
Preferred qualifications
Preference will be given to candidates:
- Experience working in academic theatre production environments.
- Expertise in costume construction, patterning, draping, and/or crafts.
- Knowledge of costume history and contemporary design practices.
- Experience mentoring student designers and technicians.
Physical and Work Environment
- Ability to work in a costume shop environment, including lifting, standing for extended periods, and operating sewing and shop equipment.
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required by production schedules.
Department: https://finearts.howard.edu/departments-centers/department-th eatre-arts
College: https://finearts.howard.edu/
APPOINTMENT DETAILS SUBJECT TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS
Under the SEIU full-time Faculty Collective Bargaining Agreement unit, applicants will be invited to apply internally for the “Temporary” Lecturer position. The terms and qualifications are as follows:
TEMPORARY: Requires the candidate to serve a 1-year or 1-semester term, for which there is a 7-year time limit. The lecturer will instruct up to 12 credits per semester (typically 3 credits per class), with production assignments determined by the Department Chair. There is no Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL) requirement.
Compliance Salary Range Disclosure
Expected Pay Range: Incoming salary for a new faculty hire would be $63,705, with an adjusted salary of 2.75%, effective January 1, 2027.
Anticipated start: July 2026
Relocation expenses will not be covered.
Inquiries (not the application) should be sent to Dr. Khalid Y. Long, Interim Chair, [email protected]
NOTES About THE CANDIDATE REVIEW PROCESS
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. You will receive emailed confirmation of receipt upon the submission of your letter, CV, resume, letters of recommendation, and work samples. Upon review of your materials, you may be invited to apply for the advertised position via a link from the HU Office of the Provost. Once your application is submitted online, it will be reviewed by the Departmental Chair, Departmental Search Committee, Departmental Appointments, Promotions and Tenure (APT) Committee, College of Fine Arts APT Committee, the College Dean and the Office of the Provost for their recommendations and/or approvals regarding the advancement of your candidacy for the position in question. Final candidates will be invited to engage faculty, students and staff either in-person and/or virtually in a round of mandatory interviews. After all processes are complete according to the procedures outlined in the HU Faculty Handbook (2019), a formal offer will be made and, if accepted, your application will be advanced to the stage of hire. You can expect the process to take at least 12 weeks (about 3 months).
ABOUT HOWARD UNIVERSITY
Howard University, established in 1867, 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 Offered
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
- Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
- Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
- Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
- Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture
Job location
Washington, D.C.
Howard University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.
How to apply
Document requirements
- Cover Letter – Letter addressing the listed qualifications, pedagogical/andragogical philosophies, administrative experience and a statement regarding any personal alignment with the mission of Howard University.
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume – Your most recently updated C.V./Resume
- Portfolio of design work (if applicable)
Reference requirements
- Contact information for 3 references
Send your letter of application, CV, and links to:
Search Committee Chair
SUBJECT: Lecturer of Costume Design - [NAME]
Application Window
Open date: May 29, 2026
Next review date: Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.
