Employment Opportunities

MASTER INSTRUCTOR OF DANCE  

Howard University   

Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts   

Department of Theatre Arts Search   

JOB DESCRIPTION   

TYPE: FULL-TIME  (9-month)

The Department of Theatre Arts at Howard University invites applications for a faculty position in the nationally renowned Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree program. This is a full-time, non-tenure-track appointment beginning for academic year (AY) 2024-25. The position will work with the faculty of the Dance Arts program, and faculty in the other five departmental concentrations, to continue to build on the Program's many strengths for the training of aesthetic cultural activists in the broad fields of Dance and Theatre Arts. 

The ideal candidate will also have a passion for remaining current in the field regarding evolving styles, techniques, technologies, trends, scholarship and andragogy of  dance and theatre arts. 

Duties primarily include: 

Administrative duties –  curriculum assessment and development; recommend course scheduling; academic advisement; student records maintenance; on-going academic performance assessment for the concentration; student academic advisement; season planning recommendations, including master-class recommendations; helping students with problems associated with registration, classes, rehearsals and performances; acting as spokesperson for the area; coordinating faculty around juries and other area-wide student assessments; consulting with faculty members about their ideas and suggesting solutions for area issues; student recruitment; student matriculation; area faculty management; and area faculty recruitment recommendations. 

Instructional duties – teaching courses Dance in the Department of  Theatre Arts with a maximum workload of 24 credit hours per academic year. 

• Dance Composition 
• Independent Study 
• Dance Tech  

Research Scholarship and Creative duties – pursuing professional growth through funded research, scholarly writing, advanced study and/or original creative production on-campus appropriate to the discipline of  dance and theatre arts. 

Departmental, College and University Service duties – serving on departmental, college and university wide  committees for the governance of departmental, college and university shared governance. 

Preferred Qualifications:   

• MFA in Dance or related discipline completed by date of employment 
• At least 3 years teaching experience and administrative leadership at the university/college level 
• Experience as a professional theatre practitioner (dramaturg, playwright, director, etc.) contracted to work for major national - or International – theatre companies, on the professional concert stage, and/or for Broadway theatre productions 
• Published scholarly writing 

Salary Range:  Commiserate with market value and candidate’s experience

To apply, please submit the following:

• 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   
• Theatre Scholarship Resume   
• Three letters of Recommendation emailed directly from the recommenders to Prof. Eric Ruffin, APT Search Commitee Chair with the following SUBJECT HEADING:  Letter of Recommendation - [CANDIDATE’S NAME]   
• Professional work samples - links to online websites, video and/or audio recordings and photographs, portfolios, etc. representative of the applicant’s career and body of work   

Send your letter of application, CV, and links to:   

Prof. Eric Ruffin, Search Committee Chair                            

finearts-search@howard.edu 

SUBJECT: Lecture of Theatre Arts - [NAME] 

Notes About the Candidate Review Process:  Applications will be accepted through May 1, 2024. 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, 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).   This position has an anticipated start date in August 2024.

The Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts Department of Theatre Arts seeks a Production and Operations Manager (POM) to join our Team. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, highly organized, and a talented communicator. The POM oversees all production and theater operational needs for the Department of Theatre Arts (DoTA). Reporting to the Artistic Director, this position is an integral part of the team within the DoTA. The POM works in collaboration with and maintains key relationships with the Department Chair, Technical Director, Designers, Directors, Producer, Production Stage Managers, technical staff, students and Office of the Dean.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY

Responsible for orienting and training others, assigning and reviewing their work, monitoring budgets and business affairs. Incumbents typically work with general direction and supervision received from the Artistic Director and/or Department Chairperson.

NATURE AND SCOPE

Internal contacts include administrators, faculty, students and staff of the department and the University at large. External contacts include consultants, vendors, representatives from other colleges and universities, visitors and the general public.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Duties for the POM includes collaborating with all production and artistic personnel to ensure top quality and safety for productions and operations; supervising production, front of house and box office student workers; creating a positive working environment, and is a positive role model/mentor for students; creating and maintaining production schedules; facilitating production meetings to ensure clear and accurate communication between creative teams, production staff, and administrative support; monitoring design budgets and facility management.

Specific Responsibilities (including, but not limited to):

1. DESIGN PROCESS AND ANALYSIS

Guide all director/design teams through the design process to guarantee the timely completion of all designs. With the input of appropriate technical staff, analyze all designs submitted to determine feasibility of execution within the allotted time, budget and personnel available.

2. SCHEDULE

In collaboration with the Artistic Director and Department Chair, develop production calendars for respective productions, showcases and special programming; maintain production calendars and design deadlines for each production/event. Determine load-in and tech schedules for the productions, as well as strike and restore; schedule and attend all design and production meetings.

3. FINANCES

Monitor production budgets and track production costs; keep the Artistic Director and Procurement designee apprised of the status of the production budget on a regular basis.

4. MANAGING PERSONNEL

Coordinates the assignment, scheduling, and training of students working in operational, administrative and support positions. In consultation with the Artistic Director, manages all production staff and contractors including, but not limited to: designers, technical staff, running crew, artistic consultants and any additional personnel required for specific production needs.

5. PRODUCTION LIAISON

Facilitate clear communications throughout the production process, and act as a liaison between directors, designers, stage managers, Artistic Director, Department Chair and administrative staff. Coordinate and conduct all design and production meetings. Attend read-thru, rehearsals (periodically), designer run, technical rehearsals, previews, performances and strike.

6. FRONT OF HOUSE and BOX OFFICE

The POM is responsible for training, scheduling and overseeing students serving in front of house roles (managers and ushers), as well as box office support. The POM organizes the box office system and activities; manages all front of house and box office operations; suggests and implements policies and procedures to maintain efficient processes; creates a pleasant experience for our patrons; addresses concerns of our patrons and the general public. The POM works with the stage manager and production staff to ensure that performances begin promptly and the house is cleared after curtain call, in a timely manner. The POM oversees the count and allocation of box office funds. The POM is responsible for ensuring that reports for front of house and box office are shared and archived.

7. DEPARTMENT SUPPORT

As necessary, supports special events and programming at the request of the Artistic Director, Department Chair or the Office of the Dean.

8. FACILITY OVERSIGHT

The POM is also responsible for facility oversight. Duties include (but not limited to) securing rehearsal and production spaces; serve as onsite faculty/staff supervisor for student classwork and group showing rehearsals. The POM will liaison with the Building Manager, Physical Facility Management team, and the Office of the Dean.

9. SAFETY COMPLIANCE

The POM is responsible for overseeing the maintenance of a safe workplace in compliance with TITLE X, OSHA, ADA and Building Fire Codes. During this current climate, the POM will enforce policies and procedures per the University regarding COVID. The POM addresses any safety hazards or safety infractions and follows up on any hazard reports. The POM is also responsible for ensuring that the full production team is familiar with Safety and Emergency procedures.

Perform other related duties as assigned. These duties and responsibilities are not exhaustive and are subject to review and shift according to future changes/developments.
 

CORE COMPETENCIES

Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply policies and procedures. Excellent organizational and time-management skills. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a diverse population. Advanced knowledge of office and administrative practices and principles. Skill in the operation of computers, related software applications (Microsoft Office Suite) Strong leadership skills to lead a team. Models accountability and encourages others to succeed. Ability to evaluate teams and set performance goals and objectives. Strong commitment to current best Health and Safety practices. Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities. Must be available to work extended work hours at times, including nights and weekends. The ability to establish and maintain effective harmonious work relations with faculty, staff, students and the general public.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree and/or five (5) years of related experience including at least 5 years of managing a staff. Broad background in theater and management; knowledge of all areas; preference for experience managing a production, theater or other performing arts projects.

Note: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not to be construed as a contract for employment.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Pay Range: $75,000 - $80,000

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The Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts seeks an Associate Director of Bands to join our team. The successful candidate will work with the Director of Bands to develop a comprehensive program, assist with the marching band, arrange and write marching band music. They will be responsible for rehearsing the Howard University Marching Band, teaching marching band techniques, and conducting the University Pep band. The incumbent will also work with the Director of Bands to serve as a liaison with the athletics department, cultivating positive relationships with faculty, athletic staff, university administration, and high school band directors.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:    

Responsible for orienting and training others, assigning and reviewing their work. May also be responsible for acting in a “lead” or “senior” capacity over other positions performing essentially the same work, or related technical tasks and reporting to a higher level on a formal basis.

NATURE AND SCOPE:                         

Internal contacts include executives, administrators, faculty, students and staff of the College and the University at large. External contacts generally include vendors, consultants, visitors and the general public.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:      

Assist the Director of Bands in planning, rehearsing and directing the marching band, wind symphony and various instrumental ensembles.

Arrange music for and rehearse the Marching and Pep bands.

Assist the Director of Bands with making travel arrangements for scheduled events away from campus in collaboration with the Office of Choirs and Bands.

Develop and implement a plan for the recruitment, auditioning, and retention of future and current university band students.

Assist the Director of Bands in planning and coordinating concerts, summer camps, festivals, and other instrumental events.

Assist the Director of Bands in managing the bands budget and scholarship allotments.

Assist with advising and registration of students.

Assume responsibility for band operations in the Director of Bands' absence.

Attend staff development workshops and clinics.

Assist the Director of Bands with supervision of coordinators, auxiliary coaches and student leadership of the band.

Perform other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:                     

Experience in arranging music for winds and percussion, and drill writing for marching band using computer assisted design software.

Experience working with collegiate bands.

Strong administrative skills, such as managing instrument inventory, working within the parameters of a budget, and assisting with logistical matters of large ensemble music groups and Summer Band Camps.

Demonstrated success in organization, communication, and effective collegial association with faculty and students.

Ability to implement policy and procedures

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:               

Advanced degree in Music, or a closely related field.

A minimum of three years of successful secondary teaching experience with concert bands and athletic bands.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Pay Range: $68,181 - $75,000

The Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts seeks a Teaching Assistant (woodwinds, brass, and percussion) to join our team. The ideal candidate is expected to assist the Director of Bands in the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts Office of Choirs and Bands in all band related activities, including rehearsals, marching band arranging, performance events and game day assignments, recruitment, and administrative duties. The assistant will also assist with team-teaching duties.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:                

Responsible for students in the band.

NATURE AND SCOPE:                                    

Internal contacts include administrators, faculty, students and staff of the department and the University at large. External contacts include representatives from other colleges and universities, visitors and the general public.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:                    

Aids in the instruction of students during marching pre-band camp and summer band camp in preparation for the marching band season.

Assist in directing the marching band, wind symphony and various instrumental ensembles.

Assist the Director of Bands with teaching field show designs.

Attend and conduct rehearsals for the marching and pep bands.

Conducts sectional/ensemble rehearsals for the unit, in addition to the scheduled marching band rehearsals, during the summer months in preparation for the football season, parades, and other community events.

Assist in securing all necessary equipment and materials for camp (i.e., flag poles, flags, batons, instruments, music, etc.).

Assist the Director of Bands in recruiting, auditioning and works toward retention of band students.

Assist with counseling and registration of students.

Chaperone, provide and assume responsibility for the supervision of students during rehearsal, breaks, downtime during pre- band camp and band camp, performances both on and off campus, and for away overnight travel.

Attending staff development workshops and clinics.

Assist in establishing a rapport and communication with band parents and auxiliary students to organize efforts supporting the unit.

Instruct students in the proper care and maintenance of instruments, uniforms, and equipment.

Be visible in the community and participate in community events.

Enforce guidelines/rules of conduct for governing students' behavior for on and off-campus events.

Assist with other activities and teaching assignments as determined by the Director of Bands.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:                                  

Experience with marching band sectional instruction or auxiliary performance/coaching required.

Experience in the skills in at least one of the various subgroups of an auxiliary unit (e.g., baton twirlers, flags, majorettes, drill team, dance team, etc.) required.

Experience choreographing routines for the various auxiliary unit is required.

Operates with a high level of personal responsibility and optimism.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:                          

High school diploma or equivalent

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Pay Range: $17 - $18 per hour