Academic Year Lecturer in Modern/Contemporary Dance

Santa Clara University • Santa Clara, CA

2d • $54,650 - $58,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Theatre and Dance at Santa Clara University, a Jesuit, Catholic university, invites applications for a Lecturer and dance choreographer (one-year, non-tenure-track) within the Modern/Contemporary dance genre, with preference for someone with expertise in any regional, place-based, spiritual, or culturally-specific dance form that originates outside of U.S. concert dance forms of ballet and jazz. Courses may include beginning to intermediate levels in dance technique, and Rehearsal and Performance for creation of an original dance, preferably hip hop or a non western dance form including a modern/contemporary fusion form. Specific assignments will be made according to the academic qualifications of the individual and programmatic need. The successful candidate will teach the equivalent of 5 courses, with at least one course in each quarter, fall, winter and spring. Each quarter is 10 weeks long, with an 11th week set for final examinations. This position starts September 1, 2026. This is an in-person position.

Requirements

• Terminal degree (Ph.D./MFA) in Dance or a closely-related field. Applicants who are ABD or possess a Master’s degree, accompanied by commensurate academic experience in Dance or a closely-related field (5-7 years of college or professional teaching) will be considered.
• Demonstrates excellence in teaching Dance at the college level.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Commitment to teaching theatre and dance within a liberal arts context.
• Must be able to provide evidence of identity and legal authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Teaching experience at a four-year university environment within the liberal arts context yet with rigorous professional training.
• Choreographic experience in a university environment.
• Preferred prior experience choreographing in a non-Western style, i.e. Indian Classical or Contemporary, African, Middle-Eastern, Asian or Pacific-Islander at the university level or commensurate professional experience.
• Ability to choreograph in Hip Hop or hybrid forms and fusion techniques are also of interest i.e. K-Pop, Bollywood.
• Ability to carry out professional duties of position, working with department directors, designers, technical director and student dancers.
• Experience with inclusive pedagogical practices that promote access and academic success for all students.
• Experience teaching and mentoring a diverse population of undergraduate students.

Responsibilities

• Teach a 5 course load total: Teach Rehearsal and Performance – Original choreography for Images Dance Concert (1 course load over two quarters), two courses of Dance for All (1 course load each), three Level I - I/II courses of Modern/Contemporary Dance technique (0.5 course load each); and Hip Hop (0.5 course load), according to approved syllabi.
• Conducting and appearing at all assigned class meetings in a timely and prepared manner that demonstrates a command of the discipline and skill in presenting it effectively
• Assigning and evaluating assignments that align with the course description and course learning outcomes, and providing timely feedback to students
• Holding regular weekly office hours
• Submitting student grades that are appropriate, accurate and fair measures of student performance to the Office of the Registrar by the designated deadline
• Administering numerical and narrative evaluations for all courses
• Where applicable, teaching from an approved syllabus for the University Core courses assigned
• Serving as an advisor to a reasonable number of students, commensurate with the full-time equivalency of the appointment, by providing informed advice to those students
• Create an original dance, preferably hip hop or a non western dance form including a modern/contemporary fusion form, on 10 or more Intermediate/Advanced dancers for Images 2027
• Participate in Images audition (tentatively scheduled for late afternoon/evening of September 29) and conduct all assigned rehearsals.
• Communicate with Images Director for all logistical needs and, after performance, assess and report student performance to Images director.
• Fostering and advancing the mission and goals of the department, the University, or the profession through contributions other than teaching and scholarship or creative work such as service on committees, participation in professional organizations and activities, and community service performed in virtue of their professional expertise or association with the University.
• Attending department meetings, serving on committees, advising student organizations and honor societies, taking part in student recruitment/orientation efforts, and contributing to the accreditation or program assessment.

Benefits

• benefits eligible
• comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees with programs and resources designed to promote and sustain personal health care, well-being, and the financial objectives of our employees and families.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level