What are the responsibilities and job description for the Instructor/Assistant Professor of Theatre - Department of Fine Arts position at Northwestern Oklahoma State University?
Position Available: Full-time, nine-month, Instructor or Assistant Professor of Theatre. Salary, based on qualifications and experience, is determined by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and University President and approved by the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO).
Available: August 2026
Job Summary: Northwestern Oklahoma State University invites applications for a dynamic and collaborative theatre artist-educator to join the Reichenberger Department of Fine Arts. This position offers the opportunity to shape, sustain, and advance a vibrant, production-driven program with a strong tradition of student achievement, mentorship, and creative excellence.
This position will be based on the Northwestern Alva campus location, teaching courses on site. Teaching responsibilities of this position consist of offering 27 credit hours per academic year. Production responsibilities of this position include producing, directing, designing, and technical directing for four productions per academic year (two per semester). This position calls for extensive experience and knowledge in theatre and basic knowledge of technical theatre management. Expectations for this position also include active engagement in recruitment.
Duties and Responsibilities: Remain current in the methods and materials of the theatre discipline, from employing theoretical underpinnings and conveying practical applications in the classroom, to cultivating fine arts professionals and demonstrating proficient use of technology. Courses typically assigned include Theatre Appreciation, Musical Theatre Production, Theatre Participation, Acting, Script Analysis, Stage Makeup, and Principles of Directing.
Additional responsibilities include assistance with university, regional, and theatre contests; student advisement; mentoring students in academic and production settings; guiding senior capstone projects and productions; participation in program assessment and curriculum development; and other committee and university service as assigned.
Qualifications: Terminal degree in theatre is required for rank of Assistant Professor (MFA is considered a terminal degree). ABD and non-terminally prepared faculty hold the rank of Instructor until completion of a terminal degree.
Preferred Qualifications: Versatility in teaching across multiple areas of theatre; evidence of sustained creative or scholarly activity; ability to work effectively within a collaborative, production-based program; college teaching experience; and experience fostering student leadership and production independence.
Closing Date: Review of applications will begin immediately. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Preliminary individual interviews will be held via videoconference.
Send information to (electronic submissions preferred):
Dr. Steven Maier
Dean of Faculty
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Email: sjmaier@nwosu.edu
Applicants should provide a cover letter, a teaching statement, curriculum vita that includes contact information for at least three (3) professional references, the NWOSU application for faculty (https://www.nwosu.edu/uploads//exempt-employee-app-fillable.pdf), and academic transcripts. Unofficial transcripts are sufficient for application; official transcripts will be required before appointment. Email submission of application materials as PDF attachments is preferred.
Only applicants who are authorized to be employed in the United States need apply. Northwestern Oklahoma State University is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome candidates who bring unique insights, backgrounds, and voices to our campus community.