Hiring Department
UNIVERSITY of MISSOURI-KANSAS CITY
CONSERVATORY
Division of Theatre
The UMKC Conservatory is the designated performing arts campus forthe University of Missouri System. We are an educational communitythat advances creativity, performance, scholarship and learning inthe arts. We are a vital partner of Kansas City’s rich culturalenvironment, providing the highest level of professionalinstruction and an extensive array of performances. As a community,we collaborate to balance tradition, innovation, diversity andunity, as we seek to serve art and humanity.
The Division of Theatre is at a pivotal point in its history.Beginning in the 1960s, it has been known as a premiere trainingprogram for excellence in theatre in the Heartland. Recent changesat UMKC, including the Division’s move from the College of Arts andSciences into the Conservatory of Music and Dance, and shifts inits partnership with the UMKC theatre-in-residence KC Rep, haveopened opportunities for it to evolve its practices tostrategically maintain its historical momentum.
Job Description
The UMKC Conservatory seeks an Interim Chair and faculty member whowill help build the future of education and research in theperforming arts. ¿ We seek people who demonstrate a growth andcollaborative mindset, with an understanding that learning is anongoing process. We seek faculty who believe that art has the powerto help us understand ourselves, each other, and our culture whileempowering us to move that culture forward. We seek qualifiedcandidates will engage in work that appeals to, and positivelyimpacts, the global population. They will work strategically inways that adapt to the opportunities in their regions, and workwithin frameworks that embrace transdisciplinary possibilities.¿¿
To leverage these opportunities, the Interim Chair will collaboratewith the Dean of the Conservatory and the faculty to engage instrategic planning, while continuing ongoing curriculardevelopments. The selected candidate will also serve as the liaisonbetween the theatre faculty and Conservatory administration; managepersonnel and financial matters; oversee all theatre curriculum,lead student recruitment and retention efforts; advocate fordivision faculty members and their programs; coordinate divisionmeetings, performances, masterclasses, and guest artists; guide andsupport the production season and act as artistic liaison withproducing partners; contribute to the performance, academic, andservice environments characteristic of a Conservatory within auniversity; enrich the cultural environment of the Kansas Cityregion; other duties as assigned, based on the candidate’sstrengths and the needs of the institution.
This is a full time, unranked, non-tenure track, benefit eligible,nine-month faculty appointment with a 12-month interimadministrative appointment to begin August, 2024.
Qualifications
· Terminal degree in theatre, or equivalent professionalexperience;
· S ignificant creative scholarship and academic credentials;
· Successful and innovative experience as a theatre instructor in auniversity setting;
· Strong commitment to teaching and collaborative creativescholarship;
· Positive organizational leadership experience in a universitysetting;
· Significant professional experience and reputation at thenational/international level in a theatre discipline;
· Demonstrated ability to attract and mentor quality undergraduateand graduate students;
· Commitment to community service characteristic of a Conservatorywith an urban University.
Anticipated Hiring Range
Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications,experience, and internal equity .
Application Materials
For consideration, you must apply online at https://info.umkc.edu/hr/careers/academic-positions/, click in Academic Positions Job Opening ID 52394.
Please complete the online application form and provide:
· your cover letter highlighting your career achievements,leadership experience, and strategic aptitude which qualify you foran interim chair position
· curriculum vitae including educational background, creativescholarship experience, academic appointments, and artisticcredentials
· list of 3 professional references with current contactinformation
As practical, please combine all application materials into one PDFor Microsoft Word document and upload as your resume attachment.Limit document name to 50 characters and do not include any specialcharacters (e.g., /, &, %, etc.).
· If you are experiencing technical problems during application,please email umpshrsupport@umsystem.edu.
· For questions about the position, please contact umkcfacultysearch@umkc.eduincluding the Job Identification number _______ and name of theposition.
· Reasonable accommodations may be requested during the applicationand recruitment process. If you need an accommodation, pleasecontact the Office of Affirmative Action at (816) 235-1323.
We will contact references and request educational transcripts forapplicants who progress to the finalist stage.
Application Deadline
Review of application materials will begin upon receipt and willcontinue until a qualified candidate is hired.
Community Information
UMKC is the largest comprehensive, fully accrediteduniversity in the Kansas City area with award-winning academicprograms and faculty. Our university is committed to being a modelurban university that is recognized for our partnerships withdiverse communities to effectively foster a healthy, safe, moreeconomically secure quality of life. It is part of the largerUniversity of Missouri System (UMS).
Kansas City is a diverse and vibrant community with anaffordable cost of living. The city’s rich history and modern-day,innovative thinking are reflected in an eclectic group ofneighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. Withthriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, you willhave no problem making yourself at home. Our UMKC campuses arecentered in the hubs of business activity, cultural arts, (somegreat barbeque and ethnic cuisine!) and an engaged urban andregional community for both campuses. As one of the largest citiesin Missouri, we are home to national championship sports teams, arich history of cultural arts and music, NASCAR racing, and acommunity that is very engaged with and supportive of ouruniversity initiatives. Our beautiful state has rolling hills,rivers, lakes, and long bike/hiking trails for those that enjoytime in the great outdoors. Kansas City offers something foreveryone!
https://www.visitkc.com/visitors/things-do/arts-and-culture/kansas-citys-performing-arts-venues
Benefit Eligibility
This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of yourtotal compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefitspackage, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement,and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. Foradditional information on University benefits, please visit theFaculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.
Values Commitment
We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensureeach person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diversebackgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectualpluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek inlearning, research and engagement. This commitment makes ouruniversity a better place to work, learn and innovate.
In your application materials, please discuss your experiences andexpertise that support these values and enrich our missions ofteaching, research, and engagement.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees andapplicants for employment on the basis of their demonstratedability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basisof their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex,pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression,age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other statusprotected by applicable state or federal law. This policy appliesto all employment decisions including, but not limited to,recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits,disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visithttps://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call HumanResources at 816-235-1621.
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity& Title IX at 816-235-6910.
