ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF DANCE

We seek a scholar–practitioner specializing in Critical Dance Studies, with a particular focus on the historical, anthropological, and/or ethnographic study of African diasporic dance cultures and traditions. The ideal candidate’s research and pedagogy will also engage embodied practice and may include additional expertise in areas such as dance wellness (physical therapy and dance therapy), historical dance practices, or other related fields.

Candidates should demonstrate the ability to teach the Dance Program’s core Dance History curriculum, while also offering courses that reflect their areas of specialization. A secondary capacity to teach in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable: dance technique, creative process, pedagogy, somatics, dance science, wellness, dance and technology, or theatre curation.

We are especially interested in candidates whose teaching and scholarship engage Afro-diasporic aesthetics alongside popular, vernacular, and concert dance forms including contemporary dance, West African dance, ballet, and Hip-Hop, and whose approaches are informed by Black queer and feminist theoretical frameworks, critical race theory, culturally responsive pedagogy, and social justice practices.

The successful candidate will hold a terminal degree MFA or Ph.D. in Dance or a related field and demonstrate a record of accomplishment as a performing artist, scholar, and dance pedagogue.

The vision for the Department of Theatre Arts is to become a hub for the Black dramatic arts intelligence, a haven for its legacy and a pre-eminent training ground for its aesthetic and cultural activism. As a historically Black, private university committed to educating leaders capable of driving change and solving world problems, the Department of Theatre Arts is dedicated to the continued growth and development of the African Diasporic experience through the study and practice of the theatre arts. Employing research, experimentation, production, performance and the education of emerging professionals, we nurture holistic, multi-hyphenate, collaborative, interdisciplinary dramatic arts creatives prepared to pioneer and lead aesthetic/cultural activism on the national and global stage.

The successful candidate is expected to be able to:

• Teach at the undergraduate level in areas assigned by the Department Chair.
• Keep abreast of relevant technological innovations and collaborate across college units to integrate them seamlessly and in an ongoing manner into the classroom.
• Engage with the broader scholarly and professional communities to continue a commitment professional development.
• Supervise, mentor and advise high-level undergraduate students.
• Contribute to the development, planning and implementation of a high-quality curriculum.
• Provide service to the college, profession and community.
• Actively follow and promote Howard University’s policies.
• Teach dance major courses in topics such as Dance History, Dance Senior Seminar, Dance Internship, Dance Administration, Dance Technical Production, Methods of Teaching Dance, and Dance Composition, depending on the needs of the program.
• Choreograph or restage works for student performers in on/off-campus concerts.
• Recruit and Contribute to the continued development and success of the program through leadership in teaching and service.
• Support and promote the continuing growth and development of outstanding academic curricula in undergraduate programs.

Duties:

The instructional duties for this role include a maximum teaching load of 15–18 credit hours per academic year. Responsibilities encompass teaching undergraduate courses within the Dance Program curriculum; directing senior undergraduate dance concerts; mentoring and advising students; and contributing to departmental, college, and university service. This includes active participation on committees and engagement in shared governance at the departmental, college, and university levels.

In addition, the role carries expectations for research, scholarship, and creative activity. This may include pursuing funded research, producing scholarly writing, engaging in advanced study, and/or presenting original creative work aligned with the discipline of dance.

Department: https://finearts.howard.edu/departments-centers/department-theatre-arts

College: https://finearts.howard.edu/

QUALIFICATIONS

Required qualifications (at time of application)

• A terminal degree MFA or PhD in Dance or related discipline completed by date of employment (or equivalent international degree) with an emphasis in Dance Studies;
• A minimum of 6 years of college teaching experience, and demonstrated excellence in teaching Dance Studies courses and whose pedagogy is informed by Black queer and feminist theoretical frameworks, critical race theory, culturally responsive pedagogy, and social justice applications;
• Who maintain an active creative/research agenda, and who can demonstrate an ability to help build the national and international profile of the department.
• Administrative experience at the university/college level;
• Commitment to engaging with best practice initiatives in instruction and pedagogy, mentoring, curriculum design, and development;
• Commitment to advancing equity in dance and dance education, and to promoting diverse points of view through a global perspective;
• A significant record of professional achievements and commitment to advancing research activities appropriate to the discipline.

Preferred qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates:

• With graduate teaching experience and professional industry experience are highly desirable, such as experience with teaching using a learning management system for course content, assignments, grading, attendance, and student communication.
• With a demonstrated secondary specialization in teaching technique, creative process, pedagogy, somatics, dance science, dance and technology, or curation.
• Who possess a strong track record as a choreographer and movement researcher/practitioner.
• With demonstrated administrative, artistic mentoring, and producing experience.
• With extensive professional experience in the field of Dance in popular and vernacular dance forms, contemporary dance, West African, ballet, and Hip-Hop;

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae/Resume – Your most recently updated C.V./Resume
• Cover Letter – Letter addressing the listed qualifications, pedagogical/andragogical philosophies, administrative experience and a statement regarding any personal alignment with the mission of Howard University.
• Writing sample –recent publication

Reference requirements

• Provide contack information for three recommenders.

Send your letter of application, CV, and links to: Search Committee Chair Finearts-search@howard.edu SUBJECT: Associate Professor Dance- [NAME]

APPLICATION WINDOW

Open date: Until the position is filled

Next review date: Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

Salary range: The current salary range is commensurate with market value and candidate’s experience.

Anticipated start: July 2026

JOB LOCATION

Washington, D.C.