Senior Instructional Professor (open-rank), Director of Design Committee on Theater and Performance Studies Chicago, IL Oct 15, 2026 – Nov 16, 2026 The Committee on Theater & Performance Studies at the University of Chicago invites applications for a position as an open-rank Senior Instructional Professor and Director of Design, with an expected...

Senior Instructional Professor (open-rank), Director of Design

Committee on Theater and Performance Studies, Division of the Arts & Humanities
Position Type: Other Academic Appointee
Salary Range: $80,000-$115,000 (dependent upon appointment rank); base pay range is for a nine-month academic appointment paid over twelve months
Chicago, IL

Oct 15, 2026 – Nov 16, 2026

Description

The Committee on Theater & Performance Studies at the University of Chicago invites applications for a position as an open-rank Senior Instructional Professor and Director of Design, with an expected start date of September 1, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Teaching normally consists of four courses across three quarters. Other duties include evaluating and supervising unionized lecturers and staff teaching design-related courses in TAPS; participating in the selection of the TAPS-sponsored productions; designing or appointing designers for these productions and supervising designers in mentoring students; advising undergraduate and graduate students on the design of their performance projects; consulting with the approximately 20 active student theater and performance groups; developing design curriculum; overseeing the training and mentorship of students in design and production; and coordinating with TAPS production staff, Logan Center staff, and other arts departments on design resource distribution for students and productions. 

The selected candidate will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Senior Instructional Professor, Associate Senior Instructional Professor, or Senior Instructional Professor, depending on qualifications and educational background. The initial appointment is for a minimum of three years, with longer initial terms possible depending on qualifications and initial rank.

Salary Range or Pay Grade:

Assistant Senior Instructional Professor: $80,000 - $95,000; Associate Senior Instructional Professor: $91,000 - $105,000; Senior Instructional Professor: $98,000 - $115,000. This base pay range is for a nine-month academic appointment paid over twelve months. The position also includes a relocation allowance for qualifying expenses.

This position is benefits-eligible. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Qualifications

An MFA or comparable terminal degree is required; a PhD is preferred. Applicants must have professional design experience in the arts and arts administration and must have teaching experience at the university or post-secondary level. Experience in more than one design area preferred. Experience in arts leadership and management is preferred.

Application Instructions

Applicants must upload the following materials to the University of Chicago’s recruitment website at apply.interfolio.com/195746 by 10:59 PM Central Time/11:59 PM Eastern Time on November 16, 2026:

·      CV

·      Cover letter of no more than three pages that addresses professional experience, inclusive of previous administrative and teaching experience, and that offers a cohesive vision for design within the TAPS performance culture

·      Teaching statement

·      Sample syllabus

·      Arts portfolio (website portfolio is acceptable)
·      Contact information for three references

Applicants may be asked to provide additional materials following the initial review of applications. Questions may be directed to Vicki Walden at [email protected].

This position is contingent upon budgetary approval.

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email [email protected] with their request.

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.