"Tenure-Track Assistant Professor - Head of Lighting Design"

The Department of Theater at the Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University, seeks a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor to serve as Head of Lighting Design in the BFA Theater Program. This faculty appointment blends teaching, artistic leadership, and departmental service within a nationally recognized conservatory-style training environment.

Mason Gross is a vibrant community of artists and scholars situated in a Research I university. Each year, the department mounts a season of theatrical productions, dance performances, and music collaborations, giving students hands-on experience alongside faculty and visiting professionals.

The successful candidate will bring a distinguished record of professional lighting design, a commitment to student-centered learning, and the ability to guide emerging designers through a curriculum that unites creative practice, technical innovation, design research, and collaboration.

The Head of Lighting will be responsible for the following:

• Teach lighting design and related courses across the BA and BFA curriculum, employing current professional standards and emerging technologies.
• Mentor and advise undergraduate design students, fostering artistic growth, technical mastery, and professional readiness.
• Maintain an active portfolio of professional design work, creative research, or artistic scholarship consistent with tenure-track expectations.
• Participate in departmental governance: hold office hours, attend meetings, contribute to curriculum updates, and serve on committees.
• Participate in student recruitment initiatives, including events, interviews, campus tours, and portfolio reviews, while collaborating with faculty and admissions to recruit and retain a highly motivated and diverse student body.
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration within the Theater Department, Mason Gross, and across Rutgers University.
• Stay current with lighting-design technology, best practices, industry standards, and digital innovation in performance design.
• Perform other duties as outlined in department bylaws and the university faculty handbook.

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

As one of the nation’s leading public arts conservatories, Mason Gross offers programs in theater, dance, music, visual arts, film, and design. The school cultivates an inclusive community that values artistic excellence, innovation, and cultural exchange.

Rutgers University and the Mason Gross School of the Arts are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environment. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Rutgers is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Questions about the position may be directed to: Karin Anderson
Email: kanderson@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Required Application Documents:
1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Teaching Philosophy (1–2 pages)
4. Artist Statement / Statement of Creative Practice (1–2 pages)
5. Names and Contact Information for Three References.