Chair of Theatre & Film

University of Mississippi • University, MS

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Mississippi’s Department of Theatre & Film seeks a collaborative, visionary, and experienced academic leader to serve as Chair. This is a tenured, full-time, 12-month administrative faculty appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor, with a preference for Professor. The Chair reports to the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. The initial appointment is renewable following quadrennial review and is scheduled to begin July 1, 2027. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes an administrative stipend.

The Chair provides academic, artistic, and administrative leadership for the department’s faculty, staff, and students; teaches one course per semester; and maintains an active program of research or creative activity. The Chair will build trust and collegiality through open communication, transparent decision-making, and support for shared governance, while developing a compelling vision for the department’s future aligned with University, College, and departmental strategic plans. The department offers undergraduate degrees in theatre and film to more than 120 majors, including a BA in Theatre Arts, a BFA in Film Production, and a BFA in Theatre Arts with emphases in Design & Theatre Production and Acting for Stage & Screen. Students have access to three theatrical venues, two soundstages, and informal production spaces on campus and in the surrounding community. The University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.

Candidates may come from any discipline of theatre, film, or related fields. Applicants must have a current or prior tenure appointment from an accredited university and accomplishments commensurate with appointment as an Associate or Full Professor with tenure in the College of Liberal Arts. A PhD is required. The successful candidate will bring demonstrated excellence in teaching, research and/or creative achievement, service, and administration; leadership and personnel-management abilities; commitment to undergraduate education and professional development; and a strong vision for the continued development and collaboration of the department.

Applications are submitted online through the Faculty Career Site portal. A complete application includes a cover letter addressing leadership and administrative experience, research and/or creative achievements, and preparation for the role; a curriculum vitae; a leadership statement describing the candidate’s approach to leading a collaborative academic unit; and contact information for five professional references. Review begins January 11, 2027, and applications received by that date receive priority consideration. The search remains open until the position is filled. Interview candidates must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing before the interview of any reasonable accommodation needed. Background investigations are conducted for applicants under consideration for employment.

Requirements

• PhD.
• Current or prior tenure appointment at an accredited university.
• Track record and experience commensurate with appointment as Associate Professor or Professor with tenure within the College of Liberal Arts; preference for Full Professor.
• Demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in teaching, research and/or creative achievement, service, and administration.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including outstanding personnel-management and interpersonal skills.
• Strong commitment to undergraduate education, knowledge of broad curricular and academic issues in theatre and film, and understanding of areas of growth and interest that may attract students to the disciplines.
• Commitment to the professional development of faculty, staff, and students.
• Demonstrated commitment to the continued development of the Department of Theatre & Film, including a strong vision for collaboration within the department and across campus.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with fiscal management.
• Appointment at the rank of Professor is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic, artistic, and administrative leadership and work with faculty and staff to develop and advance a shared vision and strategic plan aligned with College and University goals.
• Foster a collegial, transparent, and respectful departmental culture; support shared governance; communicate openly with faculty, staff, and students; and address concerns and disagreements constructively and fairly.
• Direct faculty and staff hiring, annual reviews, mentoring, workload and service assignments, and reappointment, tenure, and promotion processes; support the professional development of faculty, staff, and students.
• Oversee curriculum development, course planning and scheduling, and assessment for the department’s undergraduate degree programs; identify and develop areas of growth that attract and retain students.
• Administer the department’s budget, facilities, and equipment, including theatrical venues, soundstages, and production spaces, and manage resources responsibly and transparently.
• Oversee theatre seasons and film productions in collaboration with faculty and staff.
• Build partnerships within the department, across campus, and with alumni, donors, community partners, and professional partners to enhance opportunities for students and faculty.
• Teach one course per semester and maintain an active program of research and/or creative activity.
• Represent the department within the College and University, serve on departmental, College, and University committees, and perform other duties as assigned by the Dean.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree