Professor, University Professor, Academic

Here Is What We Offer

• Health & Wellness:
  Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness:
  Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development:
  Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks:
  Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

The Chair serves as a mentor to faculty colleagues, collaborates with administrative leaders and staff members, and leads faculty in important processes that shape curriculum and inspire vision for theatre arts throughout the African Diaspora.

• Articulating a direction and goals for the department that align with college and university-level initiatives.
• Visioning and participating in cooperative collaboration efforts between CAB CoFA departments and across other colleges, schools, and programs at Howard University.
• Managing and optimizing department budget and resources (facilities, faculty, etc.).
• Developing partnerships with local, national, and international organizations, institutions, and industry stakeholders to enhance the department's and the college’s reputation and provide opportunities for students and faculty.
• Coordinating the activities of curriculum development and discipline‑specific accreditation.
• Overseeing all faculty mentoring, service assignments, promotion and tenure reviews, work plans, workloads, hiring activities, and annual reviews.
• Managing day‑to‑day student affairs, including the planning of community‑engaged activities and events.
• Collaborate with the recruitment and admissions team to support student recruitment, admission, and retention activities (e.g., new student orientation, department onboarding) and in consultation with the academic advisor.
• Coordinating interactions with alumni, donors, and visiting artists/scholars.
• Teaching in the Chair’s area of expertise will be expected, providing a forum for direct interaction with students in creative/academic contexts and affording opportunities to model scholarship within the department. It is expected that the Chair will have a 1/1 teaching load.

• MFA or PhD in one of the areas represented in the Department of Theatre Arts
• Knowledge of the higher educational landscape, research, and professional practices in performing arts.
• A minimum of five years of University‑level teaching experience beyond the TA and/or adjunct level.
• Experience in academic administration or demonstrated leadership in institutional service or service to the field.
• A well‑established research agenda with evidence of a significant performance record and/or scholarly record, external funding, and contributing to scholarship or creative practice that enhances and extends college/department expertise.
• Effective collaborative and communication skills are essential.
• The Chair will have demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students.

The following documents should be submitted:

• Cover Letter that includes an overview of professional experience and creative research interests.
• Curriculum Vitae
• A philosophy statement addressing leadership, teaching, and approach to student mentorship.
• List of five professional references, including names with titles and contact information. References will not be contacted prior to a candidate’s approval.

Salary Range: $145,000 – $150,000 with 30K stipend for Chair role.

Washington, D.C.

Established in 1867, Howard University is a leading private research university based in Washington, D.C. Howard’s 14 schools and colleges offer 140 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs and lead the nation in producing African Americans with professional doctoral degrees. Howard is the top‑ranked historically Black college or university (HBCU) according to Forbes, the only HBCU with an R1 research institution designation, and the only HBCU ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Top 100 National Universities.

Director

Full‑time

Education and Training

Higher Education