Chair of Theatre & Film

University of Mississippi • University, MS

2d

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 preference for Professor. The Chair reports to the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. The appointment is scheduled to begin July 1, 2027, and the initial Chair appointment is renewable following quadrennial review. 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. The role includes teaching one course per semester and maintaining an active program of research and/or creative activity. The Chair will foster a shared vision for the department’s future, strengthen collegiality and trust, lead through open communication and transparent decision-making, support shared governance, and pursue collaboration within the department and across campus. The department offers undergraduate degrees in theatre and film to more than 120 majors, including the BA in Theatre Arts, the BFA in Film Production, and the 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 of Mississippi is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre. Candidates from any discipline of theatre, film, or related fields are welcome.

Applicants should submit 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 their approach to leading a collaborative academic unit; and names, titles, 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. Candidates invited to interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing before the interview date of any reasonable accommodation needed. Employment is subject to a background investigation, including a criminal history record check and, when appropriate, a financial credit or driving history check.

Requirements

• PhD.
• A track record and experience commensurate with appointment as Associate Professor or Professor with tenure within the College of Liberal Arts; preference for Professor.
• A current or prior tenure appointment from an accredited university.
• Outstanding accomplishments in teaching, research and/or creative achievement, and 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 the field, and understanding of areas of growth and interest in theatre and film that may attract students.
• 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.
• Preference for appointment at the rank of Professor.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic, artistic, and administrative leadership and work collaboratively with faculty and staff to develop and advance a shared vision and strategic plan aligned with College and University strategic 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 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 the department’s theatre seasons and film productions in collaboration with faculty and staff.
• Build partnerships within the department, across campus, and with alumni, donors, and community 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