"Assistant Professor, Costume Design, Tenure-Track, UC College-Conservatory of Music"

Job Details

Job Title: Assistant Professor, Costume Design, Tenure-Track, UC College-Conservatory of Music
Posting Start Date: 1/6/26
Work Arrangement: Onsite

Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors

About The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)

The Theatre Arts and Production division produces 8 to 12 productions each school year including plays, musicals, operas, and dance concerts. The CCM Costume Department includes two full-time faculty and three professional costume shop staff. An additional faculty staff member supports Wig, Hair and Makeup design and technology. Design faculty members mentor both graduate and undergraduate students on designs for CCM productions. Graduates of the program have gone on to work as professional designers, drapers, wardrobe heads, and instructors at theaters and live entertainment venues around the world. The ideal candidate for this position will have a diverse portfolio of professional work across theater, opera, and dance.

CCM values excellence in teaching, innovation in curriculum, and the ability to connect with a diverse group of students seeking to explore a range of opportunities and careers in a rapidly changing marketplace. CCM faculty are committed to recruiting, mentorship, career preparation, and student support. CCM encourages an inquisitive, collaborative spirit and expertise in a broad and diverse range of subjects and repertoire.

Job Overview

The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), a nationally prominent comprehensive college for the performing and media arts, seeks an experienced teacher and professional designer for a full-time tenure-track appointment in Costume, intended to begin August 15, 2026. Salary will be commensurate with credentials. Initial appointment is three (3) years, after which the faculty member is eligible for reappointment.

This position is not eligible for H-1B or perm sponsorship.

Essential Functions

• Teach in-person undergraduate and graduate classes in costume design and wardrobe that reflect current and emerging practices in professional theatre and media.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate costume design students on CCM productions, including plays, musicals, operas, and dance productions.
• Attend and participate in key production meetings and dress rehearsals.
• Design up to one CCM production annually, depending on the season.
• Work with existing faculty to recruit undergraduate and graduate students of exceptional promise.
• Adjudicate annual Board Reviews of all costume students.
• Work with existing faculty to represent costume students and the costume department in key division processes, including season planning.
• Maintain regional, national, and international visibility through outside research, design work, and professional activity.
• Participate in departmental activities including recruitment, committee work, and student advising.
• Serve the college and university community through activities such as committee membership, academic advising, and mentorship of students.

Minimum Requirements

Prior to the effective date of the appointment, the successful candidate must have:

• An M.F.A. in Costume Design or related field and a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience.
• Three (3) academic years of teaching experience at the collegiate level.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.

Application Process

Review of applications will begin on January 20 and continue until the position is filled.

Applicants should submit their materials electronically by accessing the University of Cincinnati’s Recruitment site https://jobs.uc.edu and searching for position 100852. Applicants should submit a letter of application, a current CV, a 300 – 500-word statement on Teaching and Pedagogy, Links to portfolio showing examples of produced design work and renderings, and three (3) letters of recommendation that address teaching and performative experience. We will not accept DVDs, tapes, or other forms of non-electronic media. References will be requested later in the search process.

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. (UC Benefits Link)

Salary Information: $67,000 - $73,000

Comprehensive Tuition Remission
UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

Robust Retirement Plans
As a UC employee, you won’t contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you’ll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary based on position.

Real Work-Life Balance
UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:
Vacation and sick time
11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)
6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents

Additional Benefits Include:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
• Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
• Professional development & mentorship opportunities