Chair of Theatre & Film

University of Mississippi • University, MS

2d • 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 preference for a Professor. The Chair reports to the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. The appointment begins 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; teaches one course per semester; and maintains an active program of research and/or creative activity. The Chair will guide a shared vision for the department’s future, foster trust and collegiality through open communication and transparent decision-making, support shared governance, and advance collaboration within the department and across campus in alignment with University, College, and Departmental Strategic Plans.

The department serves more than 120 undergraduate majors in theatre and film. Its programs include 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 other 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 must have a terminal degree and a current or prior tenure appointment from an accredited university, with a record commensurate with appointment as Associate or Full Professor with tenure in the College of Liberal Arts. The successful candidate will demonstrate outstanding teaching, research and/or creative achievement, service and administration; leadership and personnel-management ability; commitment to undergraduate education and professional development; knowledge of curricular and academic issues and areas of growth in theatre and film; and a strong vision for the department’s continued development and collaboration across campus.

Applications should be submitted through the University’s 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 an 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.

Requirements

• Terminal degree.
• Current or prior tenure appointment from an accredited university.
• Record and experience commensurate with appointment as Associate Professor or Professor with tenure in the College of Liberal Arts.
• 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, film, or related fields, and understanding of areas of growth and interest that may attract students.
• Commitment to the professional development of faculty, staff, and students.
• Demonstrated commitment to continued development of the Department of Theatre & Film and a strong vision for collaboration within the department and across campus.
• Relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

• Preference for appointment at the rank of Professor.
• Ideally, experience with fiscal management.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic, artistic, and administrative leadership and work collaboratively 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; 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 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 assigned by the Dean.

What This Job Offers

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