Assistant or Associate Professor – Costume Design (Theatre)

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Job description

Location: Main Campus

Job Number: 202600539

Org: Theatre

Closing Date: 10/1/2026 11:59 PM Central

FLSA: Exempt

Primary Contact: Cleo House-Keller

Department Phone #: (936) 468-4003

Department Email: [email protected]

Salary Grade: 99

Projected Start Date:
01/11/2027

SUMMARY

 

The Denard Haden School of Theatre & Dance at Stephen F. Austin State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of Costume Design, beginning Spring 2026.

Responsibilities

  • Teaches undergraduate courses in costume design, costume technology, stage makeup, and related areas based on expertise.
  • Serves as costume designer for departmental theatre and dance productions.
  • Provides artistic leadership and oversight for costume production and long-term planning of costume shop operations.
  • Collaborates closely with the Costume Shop Manager/Lecturer in supporting all departmental productions, including those designed by either faculty member.
  • Reviews, develops, and maintains protocols, operational procedures, production paperwork, and organizational systems related to the costume shop, costume production process, and associated student laboratory areas.
  • Assists in ensuring safe, efficient, and educationally effective practices within costume and related production spaces.
  • Fosters a collegial and collaborative production environment grounded in shared responsibility, communication, mentorship, and student-centered learning.
  • Participates in recruitment, advising, assessment, and service activities within the Denard Haden School of Theatre & Dance.
JOB DESCRIPTION
This is a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track faculty position responsible for contributing significantly to Stephen F. Austin State University’s undergraduate and/or graduate programs through teaching, scholarship/creative accomplishment, and service. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the chair.

QUALIFICATIONS
Assistant Professor:
Terminal degree in the field in which the individual will be teaching is required.

The rank of Assistant Professor is held by an individual who demonstrates the capability to produce research/scholarly/creative accomplishments, teach effectively, and provide service to the academic and general communities.

Associate Professor:
Terminal degree in the field in which the individual will be teaching is required.

The rank of Associate Professor is held by an individual with a proven record of research/scholarly/creative accomplishments, effective teaching, and service to the academic and general communities. The individual must demonstrate excellence in teaching and excellence in either research/scholarly/creative accomplishments or in service. An individual should have held the rank of Assistant Professor for at least three years.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  1. Performs an equivalent of twenty-four teaching load credits (TLC) for the combined fall and spring semesters; reduction of teaching load through reassignment of duties is possible under certain circumstances.
  2. Engages in research/scholarly/creative and service activities at levels that are appropriate to faculty rank and departmental tenure/merit criteria.
  3. Provides services to the university and the profession.
  4. Participates in promotion review of lower-ranked faculty members within the department.
  5. When tenured, participates in tenure review of candidates for tenure.
  6. May conduct supplemental instructional activities such as independent studies, internships, advising, and thesis/dissertation supervision.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  1. May receive course load reassignment when assigned administrative duties in support of the department/college/university.
  2. May receive course load reassignment when assigned to prepare course material during the first semester/year when included as part of initial contract.
  3. May receive course load reassignment when approved to conduct research/scholarly/creative accomplishment and service which exceed normal expectations.
  4. May supervise the work of student and/or graduate assistants.
  5. May serve on departmental, college, and university committees.
  6. Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Assistant Professor:

  1. Extensive knowledge in the field in which the individual will be teaching.
  2. Ability to effectively teach undergraduate and/or graduate students.
  3. Ability and commitment to conduct research and/or scholarly/creative accomplishments and service.
  4. Ability to work within a collaborative faculty environment.
  5. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
  6. Ability to work effectively and patiently with students.

Associate Professor:

  1. Extensive knowledge in the field in which the individual will be teaching.
  2. Skill in effectively teaching undergraduate and/or graduate students.
  3. Skill in conducting recognized research and/or scholarly/creative accomplishments and service.
  4. Ability and commitment to conduct research and/or scholarly/creative accomplishments and service.
  5. Ability to work within a collaborative faculty environment.
  6. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
  7. Ability to work effectively and patiently with students.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Safety Statement
Stephen F. Austin State University recognizes the potential for accidents in performing job-related tasks. SFA promotes a safe working environment. Employees will be responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently. Employee evaluations will include safe job performance.

This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record check.
This is an IT-sensitive position subject to Computer and Network Security policy.

SFA’s breathtaking campus is located in the heart of East Texas in historic Nacogdoches. Did you know that if you live in the Houston or Dallas areas, Nacogdoches may actually be closer than Austin? It’s true!

SFA’s salary grade table can be found in the pay grade structure section on the HR Manager’s page.

How to apply

Apply now

Stephen F. Austin State University, an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and Educator, is committed to excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, creed, color, age, national origin, religion or physical or mental disability as required by law. If, because of an impairment or disability, you need accommodation during any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at 936-468-2304.

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) is committed to providing a safe environment for its students and the broader campus community. SFA’s police department actively works to prevent and respond to criminal activity through various measures, including comprehensive reporting practices and emergency alert systems.The university’s Annual Fire and Safety Security Report details on-campus crime statistics, including incidents of forcible sex offenses, burglary, motor vehicle theft, and aggravated assault.

Stephen F. Austin State University is a comprehensive, regional institution located in Nacogdoches, Texas. The university enrolls approximately 13,000 students and offers 83 undergraduate majors and 120 areas of study within six academic colleges - business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, sciences and mathematics, and liberal and applied arts. SFA offers degree programs both online and on its beautifully wooded campus nestled in the heart of Texas Forest Country. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA is ranked a Tier 1 Regional University by U.S. News and World Report. SFA provides the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. With a student-to-faculty ration of 19:1 and an average class size of 26, professors get to know their students and provide classroom instruction tailored to each student's needs and goals. Smaller classes combined with hands-on study, internships and research opportunities give students valuable experience that translates to their chosen career paths.