Assistant Professor - Theatre & Costume Design

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Working Title:

Assistant Professor, Theatre & Costume Design (AA28023)

Institution:

Minnesota State University, MankatoState University Faculty

Bargaining Unit / Union:

209: Inter Faculty Organization

City:

Mankato

FLSA:

Job Exempt

Full Time / Part Time:

Full time

Employment Condition:

Unclassified - Limited Academic (Fixed Term)

Salary Range:

$64,963.00 - $193,146.00

Salary Type: Depends on qualifications

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin on November 12, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

Position: Nine Month Fixed Term Appointment*

Job Duties

The department of Performing Arts at Minnesota State University, Mankato invites applications for a fixed term Assistant Professor of Costume Design beginning August 16, 2027. Expected teaching responsibilities include Costume Design, Construction, and History.  Additional teaching responsibilities may include Stage Makeup, Basic Design, Drawing and Rendering, Portfolio Seminar, or other coursework dependent on expertise, experience and interest. The successful candidate would be expected to participate in creative research, design for productions in theatre and dance, academic advising and recruitment, and other department activities in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary theatre, music, and dance program. Student advising would include both undergraduate and graduate levels, and as a member of the graduate faculty, may include chairing and/or serving on graduate project or thesis committees.  We encourage candidates who have recently completed their MFA or PhD in Theatre. Candidates with demonstrated success in teaching and creating costume designs in racially, ethnically, culturally, and gender-diverse contexts are strongly encouraged to apply.

• A typical faculty workload responsibility may include up to twenty four (24) credits of instruction per academic year.
• The successful candidate may need to teach in other areas as assigned and qualified.
• May be expected to develop and deliver face-to-face, hybrid, and on-line instruction at the Mankato campus, online, and/or at the university’s additional locations, as assigned.
• The successful candidate will collaborate with colleagues in curriculum design, instruction and evaluation, conduct research productively and mentor students in research, help create innovative strategies for student recruitment, retention, and completion, and may be expected to develop external grant funding opportunities.
• This successful candidate will be responsible for teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses in Theatre.
• All faculty members are expected to engage in scholarly or creative activity or research, in continuing preparation and study, in contributing to student growth and development, and in providing service to the university and community (See Article 22 and Appendix G of the IFO Master Agreement)
• This position will advise majors in Theatre.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from a wide range of diverse backgrounds and to foster a professional environment that is inclusive, respectful, and equitable for all.
• Terminal Degree in Theatre with a Costume Focus or extensive costume experience.
• 2+ years of experience in Costume Design for theatrical productions at the university level.

• Evidence of appropriate professional creative and/or scholarly research in costume or theatre.

Preferred Qualification 

• Demonstrated experience fostering an inclusive, equitable, and respectful environment while working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated effective written, oral communication and presentation skills.
• 2+ years of experience teaching in a college/university setting.
• 2+ years of experience in Costume Design for dance concert productions at the university level.
• 4+ years of experience in Costume Construction/Technology for theatrical productions.
• Experience in film production
• Demonstrated experience in a professional theatre company and/or touring company
• Evidence of working with international IP and commercial theatrical productions
• Experience with advising and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students
• Experience in Stage Makeup
• Experience in wig making & styling.
• Experience in millinery or other advanced construction techniques.

Application Procedures:

• A complete online application will include the following attachments. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the search committee.
• Cover Letter
• Non-Photo Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Contact Information for three (3) references
• Unofficial Transcript(s) of your highest completed degree
• A brief (no more than one-page) response to the following: Provide a specific example from your professional or academic experience that demonstrates your ability to work effectively with individuals from a wide range of diverse backgrounds. In your response, describe the actions you took to foster an environment that was inclusive, respectful, and equitable for all. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from the experience?
• A one (1) page statement of your teaching philosophy

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Nick Wayne, Chair

Performing Arts

Minnesota State University, Mankato

Mankato, MN 56001

Phone: 507-389-1178

TTY: 800-627-3529 or 711

Email: [email protected]

Other Requirements

Please note that successful applicants must be eligible to work in the United States on or before the effective date of appointment. Eligibility includes being a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or a foreign national authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employer sponsorship. Employees must maintain work authorization without sponsorship for the duration of their appointment.

Work safely at all times, which includes but is not limited to, participating and completing all required safety trainings, as well as performing all job tasks in accordance with Minnesota State University, Mankato policies and procedures utilizing appropriate tools, equipment and personal protective equipment.

The Minnesota State University, Mankato Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available for your review. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University. The policy statements address the school’s policies, procedures and programs concerning safety and security. Three years’ worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on-campus, or in other University affiliated locations. This report is available online at: http://mankato.mnsu.edu/safety/. You may also request a paper copy from University Security at 507-389-2111, or by emailing [email protected].

Additional Information

The Theatre Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato, housed within the Department of Performing Arts in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, offers both BA and MFA degrees. The Theatre program has been offered since 1966 and prepares students for professional work in the field. The curriculum provides extensive training in live theatre, history, theory, and criticism.

Additional information on Minnesota State University, Mankato can be found at: www.mnsu.edu

*The salary range denoted above is the contractual range; however, salary upon hire is dependent upon qualifications and experience.

University Demographics

Minnesota State University, Mankato is a member of the Minnesota State system. Minnesota State has established a strategic vision, Equity 2030, which aims to close the educational equity gaps across race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, ability, and geographic location by the end of the decade at every Minnesota State college and university and to provide an opportunity for all Minnesotans to create a better future for themselves, for their families, and for their communities. The focus of the work includes:
· Enhancing access and student success.
· Providing Minnesota with the talent it needs.
· Anchoring the communities and regions we serve.
Equity 2030 seeks to bridge efforts occurring within divisions and institutions, creating an intentional statewide culture of equity-minded collaboration and resulting in equitable practice embedded throughout our institutions. The full Equity 2030 plan is linked here: https://www.minnstate.edu/Equity2030/index.html.

Destination 2030, the University’s strategic plan announced by President Edward Inch in August 2023, commits the University to making transformative strides in four main areas: being a lifelong provider of access to an equitable and affordable education; being a leader in transformational learning generating inspired action; being a nimble and innovative steward of resources; and being a community of care built upon diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We seek to attract teacher-scholars who will be culturally and academically diverse faculty members, and staff with a demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment. Minnesota State University, Mankato, is student-centered and focuses on applied research that expands knowledge; improves learning; and serves the region, state, and nation.

Founded as a Normal School in 1868, Minnesota State University, Mankato is now the second largest university in Minnesota with a tradition of combining big-ideas with real-world thinking to find solutions for pressing problems in the state, region, and global society. Mankato, Minnesota, is a community of nearly 44,500 people, about 85 miles southwest of the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The University acknowledges the land and the tribal nations upon this land whose work is being accomplished. We acknowledge that we are on Dakota land. We also take the opportunity to recognize that we live, work, and learn in the homeland of the Dakota people, whose language frames our name—Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Serving approximately 17,900 students annually, the University is an applied research institution, with more than 200 academic programs, from bachelor’s through doctoral degrees. The University is a diverse and global campus with 18% students of color and1,175 + international students from 95 countries, cutting-edge information technology solutions and extensive partnerships, with 1,600 faculty and staff, including 700 teaching faculty. The University has additional locations and a growing number of on-line programs to accelerate educational access and opportunity. These locations include partnerships in northern Minnesota’s the iron range region. Fast facts about the university can be found here: https://mankato.mnsu.edu/about-the-university/fast-facts/.

*Employment for this position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement for the Inter Faculty Organization which can be found at:https://admin.mnsu.edu/human-resources/our-benefits/bargaining-units-and-personnel-plans/.

NOTICE: In accordance with the Minnesota State Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to MN State’s vehicle use criteria and consent to a Motor Vehicle Records check.

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications and is subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable bargaining unit agreement or personnel plan.

Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we take your well-being and work-life balance seriously. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that features low-cost medical and dental insurance with affordable deductibles, employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and pre-tax healthcare and dependent care accounts with a roll-over option. To further support your holistic health, employees also have access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, legal, and financial counseling. Detailed plan details, rates, and coverage choices can be reviewed directly via the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) website.

To support your life outside of work, our package includes 12 paid holidays, generous vacation and sick time, and six weeks of Paid Parental Leave. We also help you secure your financial future with a robust Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement accounts, and various investment options. Furthermore, we invest in your growth by providing dedicated professional development and tuition waivers for both you and your dependents. Please note that specific benefit eligibility and coverage levels may vary depending on the type of position, employee classification, and collective bargaining agreements.

Desired Start Date:

08-16-2027

Position End Date:

09-01-2027

Open Date:

10-22-2026

Close Date:

05-01-2027

Posting Contact Name:

Lacie R Mitchell-Garza

Posting Contact Email:

[email protected]