About the role
Title: Assistant Professor of Scenic Design
Executive Area: Academic Affairs
College/School/MBU: Humanities & Fine Arts
Department: Theater
Work Location: Amherst
Schedule: Full Time
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Job Summary
The University of Massachusetts Amherst Department of Theater seeks a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor of Scenic Design, with the position slated to begin September 1, 2027.
The successful candidate will be an artist and teacher whose primary specialty is scenic design, and as a multi-disciplinary artist, has experience and expertise in some other area of theater (for example, other design areas, directing, puppetry, etc.). Reflecting the needs and advances of the industry, a candidate with experience in projection design or other technologies is desirable.
The strong candidate will be committed to a student-centered, mentorship model of teaching and learning, with the ability to teach foundational courses, advanced topics (such as computer assisted drafting), and courses that can appeal to the general UMass student body. They should also have significant industry connections that can be an important part of student learning and experiences.
The Department seeks a colleague who will contribute to the research and creative mission of a flagship R1 university through an active program of creative and/or scholarly achievement. The successful candidate will demonstrate outstanding potential to establish a sustained record of nationally recognized creative work, research, and professional engagement that will lead to a national and international reputation in scenic design and related fields. We seek an artist-scholar whose professional practice advances the discipline, contributes to contemporary conversations in theater and performance, and creates opportunities for collaboration, visibility, and impact beyond the university.
The Department depends on its faculty and staff being flexible, collaborative, communicative, and adventurous, and able to model these traits to the students. We are particularly interested in artists who have diverse expertise or experience in theater-making, adaptable to a range of budgets and spaces, as well as possible experience in other creative industries.
The Department of Theater desires a committed colleague who will balance excellence in teaching and mentorship with professional work appropriate for tenure and promotion at a major public research university.
Essential Functions
This position will teach a 2-2 courseload. In addition to the teaching responsibilities this position is responsible for the scene design, scenic art and properties design of the department's main stage season and the supervision of student designers and artisans. This includes attending design and production meetings as well as design and technical rehearsals. They will collaborate with all areas and work closely with scene shop faculty and staff.
The successful candidate will also be responsible for providing service to the department, college, and university; as well as maintaining a robust portfolio of creative achievement.
Minimum Qualifications
MFA in Design or terminal degree in related field by time of hire.
Demonstrated excellence in teaching design at the college level.
Substantial experience as a professional designer with evidence of impact in the field.
Evidence of a significant and growing record of creative and/or scholarly achievement, with clear potential to achieve national recognition and develop an international reputation appropriate for tenure at a research-intensive university.
An ability to collaborate across disciplines and build community partnerships
Working knowledge of current and/or emerging design technologies and software, such as digital media or projection design.
Additional Details
About the Department of Theater
The Department of Theater produces high-caliber, artistic creations on stage, telling human stories that connect audiences and performers in our increasingly interconnected, complex world. We model and practice professional theater-making at every level of our teaching and production process. The Department offers a robust undergraduate program, with a BA major, minor, and a Multicultural Theater Certificate, as well as an evolving MFA program. Our productions are a laboratory for our students, and we nurture a strong commitment to community engagement and participation.
This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.
Salary Information
The University expects to pay within an approximate range between $79,350 and $125,234 for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience. This position is a 9-month academic year appointment at 100% full-time equivalency with full benefits.
Please note: The low end of this range is based on the minimum salary for the rank included in the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Massachusetts Society of Professors, UMass Amherst/MTA/NEA. The high-end of the pay range reflects an increase above the median salaries at this rank within the department for faculty who may have multiple years of faculty experience. The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on consideration of all relevant factors, including faculty rank and required relevant certifications, when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.
Special Instructions for Applicants
Please upload your cover letter, resume and/or curriculum vitae, a teaching philosophy statement, a link to your portfolio, along with a completed application and contact information for 3 professional references who are willing to provide letters of reference upon request.
Review of applications will begin November 20, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Applications received after November 20, 2026 may not be reviewed.
If you have questions about this position, please contact the Chair of the Search Committee Professor Christopher Baker via email at cbake1@umass.edu.
Additional Information
For more information on living, working, and learning in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts please visit:
https://www.umass.edu/faculty-development/prospective-faculty
This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.
This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.