About the role
Title: Assistant Professor of Scenic Design
Employee Classification: Asst Professor
Division Name: Academic Affairs
College/Unit: Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts
Department: School of Theatre, Dance, and Film
Campus Location: Normal, IL
Job Summary
The School of Theatre, Dance, and Film invites applications for a tenure-track position to lead its Scenic Design program, which includes the MFA in Scenic Design. This position will teach, mentor, and recruit undergraduate and graduate students.
Responsibilities include scholarly research and/or creative activity, effective undergraduate and graduate teaching, and service. The successful candidate will teach scenic design and related areas of contemporary production design for live performance but may also include other professional interests such as production design for film and media, projection and media design, and other innovative approaches to visual storytelling. The normal teaching load is nine credit hours (3 courses) per semester and mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students. Occasional designing during the School’s season may also be available.
The School of Theatre, Dance, and Film and Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts are committed to fostering an environment of inclusion, belonging, and academic excellence in teaching, research/creative activity, and service. We value the contributions of faculty who support student success and cultivate collaborative learning environments that encourage curiosity, creativity, and professional growth. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to student-centered teaching and mentoring practices that engage and support students with diverse experiences, perspectives, and educational goals. Successful applicants will be prepared to mentor undergraduate and graduate students, promote student-driven artistic and scholarly inquiry, and contribute to a culture of collaboration within the School, College, and broader professional community. We seek a colleague who values partnership, interdisciplinary engagement, and shared governance in advancing the mission of the School and University. ISU is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from qualified candidates.
Illinois State University Benefits Highlights:
- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holidays and administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Break
- Paid benefit time (e.g., personal plus time and sick time)
Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/
Additional Information
The School of Theatre, Dance, and Film is one of four schools within the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts. The School has nearly 400 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in its programs, which include B.A./B.S.programs in Acting, Dance, Dance Teacher Education, Film, Musical Theatre, Production Design and Technology, Theatre Studies and Theatre Teacher Education; M.A./M.S. in Theatre Studies, and M.F.A. in Directing and Design (Costume, Lighting, and Scenic Design). Its current season consist of 6-8 theatre and dance productions in two facilities, a 525-seat proscenium space and a flexible space that can be adapted to a 125-seat thrust or 150-seat arena. The School is home to the Illinois Shakespeare Festival and maintains membership in URTA and accreditation by NAST. See https:/finearts.illinoisstate.edu/theatre-dance/
Illinois State University, IllinoisState.edu, was founded in 1857 as Illinois’ first public university. We enroll approximately 21,000 students in six colleges. Our new strategic plan, Excellence by Design: 2024-2029, lists our seven core values: Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship; Individualized Attention; Equity, Diversity, Access, and Belonging; Collaboration; Community and Civic Engagement; Respect; and Integrity. By acting on these values, we create a learning environment that results in our university being the first-choice public university in Illinois for high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized educational experience combined with the resources of a large university. Learn more about Illinois State’s Metrics of Excellence at IllinoisState.edu/PointsofPride.
Bloomington-Normal: Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a metro population of approximately 172,000. The community is also home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, COUNTRY Financial, State Farm Insurance’s International Headquarters, Central Illinois Regional Airport, and electric truck manufacturer Rivian Motors. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems, and its citizens’ high level of educational attainment, as well as its parks and recreation, health care, vibrant fine arts scene, job growth, economic opportunity, historic sites, and low crime rates. Bloomington made Livability’s top 100 Best Places to Live (2024) and ranked No. 3 on College Values Online’s list of Best Small College Towns in America (2024). Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about three hours from Indianapolis; two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis; and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield. Many of these locations are accessible from Bloomington-Normal via Amtrak, which is located one block from Illinois State’s campus. For more information on our community, visit visitbn.org.
Salary Rate / Pay Rate
$72,828-$74,285
Required Qualifications
- Hold an M.F.A. or another terminal degree with a focus in Scenic Design or a related field.
- Have demonstrated professional experience in scenic design at the regional, national and/or international levels.
- Have demonstrated ability to teach, mentor, and support students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences; evidence of effective collaboration with colleagues, students, and community partners; and a commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
- Be able to demonstrate oral proficiency in the English language as a requirement for this position as mandated by state law.
Work Hours
Varies
Proposed Starting Date
August 16, 2027
Required Applicant Documents
- Letter of application
- Portfolio
- Curriculum Vitae
- 2-3 page statement of teaching philosophy
- Names and contact information for three professional references
Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"
Special Instructions for Applicants
Review of applications will begin November 9, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.
Contact Information for Applicants
Natasha Warloe
nmwarlo@ilstu.edu
309-438-8785
Important Information for Applicants
This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.
Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.
If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.