Assistant Professor of Costuming - 999447

  • Theater Arts
  • Faculty, tenure track

Title: Assistant Professor of Costuming - 999447

Position Number: 999447 

Unit/Department: Theater Arts

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience 

Department Summary:

The Department of Theatre Arts is comprised of 7 full-time faculty offering BFA degrees in Acting, Design/Technology, Musical Theatre and Theatre Education as well as minors in Design/Technology, Directing and Musical Theatre. In addition, the Department produces 6 theatrical productions each academic year in our Main Stage season.

Job Summary:

Drake University's Theatre Arts Department seeks applicants to fill a tenure-track position in Costume Design. Primary responsibilities include teaching costuming and costume related courses as well as stage make-up (2 courses/semester minimum). Additional responsibilities include supervising student costume design, construction and make-up work in the Costume Studio, and designing costumes for Main Stage productions (1 production/semester minimum). Other responsibilities include mentoring and advising student designers, managing costuming equipment and budget, participating in recruiting work for the Department as well as other committee and service work.
The search committee is particularly interested in candidates who, through their research, teaching, and/or service, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

Minimum Qualifications:

MFA in Theatre Design/Technology with experience teaching costume and make-up related courses as well as designing costumes.

Preferred Qualifications:

Significant teaching experience in costume design, construction and stage make-up at the undergraduate level, as well as significant professional experience designing costumes for theatrical productions.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please complete the online application and attach (1) a cover letter, (2) CV/Resume, (3) a statement about your experience in supporting the success of students from diverse backgrounds, (4) a teaching philosophy and (5) the contact details for three references.
Please do not attach additional documents at this time. Supplemental documents may be requested or required of semi-finalists and finalists.

Questions about this position can be directed to the search chair: Michael Rothmayer, Associate Professor of Theatre, Michael.Rothmayer@drake.edu.

Questions about the application process, working at Drake, spouse/partner support, reasonable accommodations, benefits, or additional information about Drake or Des Moines, Iowa may be directed to Drake Human Resources at jobs@drake.edu.

All job offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, satisfactory reference checks, and proof of authorization to work in the United States.

Due to the newly established $100,000 fee for new H1-B applications, Drake University is unable to provide new H1-B sponsorship at this time.

 


Review of Applications Begins:

Review of applications begins immediately. For full consideration, apply by January 1, 2026. The position will remain posted until filled.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary is competitive with peer schools and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the selected candidate

At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our digital benefits guide: Drake Benefits Guide.

One of our very popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. You can learn about both the tuition waiver policy and tuition exchange programs here: Tuition Benefits.


For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.


ABOUT DRAKE
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.

All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments. 


STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. As reflected in our Core Values, we embrace a diverse and inclusive community. 


EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Drake University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.  Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (p: 515.271.3133; e: jobs@drake.edu) and let us know how we can assist you.

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