Overview
The Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts (VCUarts) invites applications for the inaugural Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance, pending approval by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). The Chair reports to the Senior Director of the Performing Arts Group and the Dean, and is supported by academic and administrative staff. The Chair mentors faculty, collaborates with administrative leaders, and advocates for the department within the School of the Arts. The Chair leads curriculum development and supports the department’s research activities, while articulating the department and School missions to internal and external constituencies and fostering a welcoming, collaborative environment.
Pending SCHEV approval, the Department of Theatre and Dance currently occupies multiple spaces and will move to the CoStarCenter for Arts and Innovation (CCAI) in late 2027. Theatre and Dance enroll more than 300 students and are expected to obtain necessary approvals to function as a single department by the academic year. The programs include an MFA in Theatre with a pedagogy/performance concentration, BA and BFA degrees in Theatre with various concentrations, and a Dance program offering a BFA in Dance and Choreography with a Dance Minor.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Chair the Department of Theatre and Dance and lead with a focus on student learning, faculty development, and scholarly/creative activity.
- Articulate a strategic direction for the department aligned with School and university initiatives.
- Foster collaboration across VCUarts and other VCU schools and programs; manage department budget and resources.
- Develop partnerships with local, national, and international organizations to enhance reputation and student and faculty opportunities.
- Coordinate curriculum development and accreditation processes; oversee faculty mentoring, promotions, tenure reviews, workload planning, and hiring activities.
- Oversee day-to-day student affairs and plan community-engaged activities.
- Collaborate with the VCUarts recruitment and admissions team to support recruitment, admission, and retention, in consultation with the academic advisor.
- Coordinate interactions with alumni, donors, and visiting artists/scholars.
- Teach in the Chair’s area of expertise with a 1/1 teaching load to model scholarship and engage students in creative/academic contexts.
Qualifications
- MFA or PhD in a field represented by the Department of Theatre and Dance.
- Knowledge of the higher education landscape, research, and professional practices in performing arts.
- Minimum of five years of university-level teaching experience beyond TA/adjunct roles.
- Experience in academic administration or demonstrated leadership in institutional service or the field.
- Established research agenda with significant performance or scholarly record, external funding, and contribution to scholarship or creative practice.
- Experience leading in a highly ambitious and collegial team environment; effective collaboration and communication skills.
- Commitment to an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility for diverse faculty, staff, and students.
Application Process
- Submit application materials via the VCU Jobs website (electronic submissions only).
- Required documents: Cover Letter (overview of experience and research interests), Curriculum Vitae, Teaching statement (philosophy of teaching and mentorship), and a list of five professional references with contact information.
- References will not be contacted without candidate approval.
- For best consideration, materials should be submitted by November 24, 2025.
Salary and Benefits
Salary is commensurate with experience. Generous benefits are available to full-time university staff.
Additional Details
- Location: Richmond, Virginia
- FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt
- Restricted Position: No
- ORP Eligible: Yes
- Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite
- Rank: Open
- Tenure: Tenure Track
- Months: 10 months