Artistic Director; Assistant Professor of Theatre, Acting and Directing

George Fox University is seeking a full-time professor and Artistic Director of campus theatre to begin in the Fall of 2027. This person will be tasked with cultivating a vibrant, excellent, Christ-centered theatre environment that aligns with the University's goals of student-focused Christian formation. Together, the Program Director and Artistic Director will direct the vision and execution of the University's co-curricular theatre program and academic minor. In addition, the Artistic Director will oversee the direction of the summer community engagement programs. This person will work closely with the Performing Arts Department Chair and the Program Director of Theatre to envision the role of theatre within the broader campus atmosphere of Christian worship and the arts.

About the Job:

The Artistic Director is a full-time, 9-month faculty member in Theatre with a concentration in acting and directing. The position may be Tenure-Track or Teaching-Track, depending on the candidate's qualifications. Additional stipend work may be available for summer community engagement programs. The position is expected to begin Fall of 2027, with a potential for a part-time summer show contract for Summer of 2027.

The Artistic Director collaborates with the Theatre Program Director and Performing Arts faculty and staff to cultivate a vibrant, excellent, Christ-centered theatre experience for the entire George Fox University campus and local community. This person contributes to the continued growth and success of the Theatre program through teaching, directing, and administrative responsibilities.

The Artistic Director leads an ensemble of theatre minors and co-curricular students, teaches courses in acting and directing, and directs two main-stage productions each year. In addition, the Artistic Director develops and directs a summer community engagement program, extending the Theatre program's work and presence into the broader community.

Job Responsibilities Include, but Are Not Limited To:

• Working with the Performing Arts Department Chair, Program Director of Theatre, and Theatre faculty and staff to envision theatre's role in cultivating a rich campus atmosphere of worship, the arts, and Christian formation.
• Leading an ensemble-building program for theatre minors and students from all majors.
• Collaborating with other theatre faculty and staff to facilitate Theatremakers, a weekly gathering each semester focused on community building and the co-curricular experience and designed to promote student engagement and involvement in theatre productions.
• Directing two main-stage shows per year, typically including a musical.
• Teaching one or two additional courses per semester within the theatre curriculum of the Performing Arts Department, such as acting fundamentals, contemporary scene study, directing, and dramatic literature.
• Developing and running a summer community engagement program, including activities such as camps, workshops, and a community/alumni production.
• Leading the season planning process in collaboration with Performing Arts faculty and the administration.
• Producing scholarly and/or creative works or participating in professional Theatre, as defined by the faculty member's scholarly plan and the Faculty Handbook.
• Actively participating in the Theatre program's budgeting and scheduling.
• Assisting the Theatre Program Director in advising and mentoring students pursuing a theatre minor or interdisciplinary major.
• Coordinating and attending scholarship auditions.
• Participating in university service, attending departmental meetings, and fulfilling other duties as assigned.
• Communicating effectively and courteously with others, including employees, students, and the public, in a spirit of teamwork, respect and customer service.
• By actions, words, and lifestyle, be a Christian role model to students, whether through casual contact or in a formal supervisory role.
• Demonstrated experience working cross culturally with respect, appreciation and humility.
• Other duties as assigned.

We're Looking for Candidates Who Have:

• A Master's degree or equivalent in Acting, Directing, or a related field.
• Demonstrated excellence in directing and teaching.
• Musical performance skills (vocal or piano) commensurate with those required to direct a musical when working with an external Music Director and/or vocal coach.
• A commitment to collaboration with a spirit of servant storytelling.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to speak to coworkers, guest artists, managers, and students with good judgment, kindness, and clarity.
• The ability and desire to engage in external outreach for the University throughout the community and region.
• A commitment to the University's Theology of Racial and Ethnic Diversity.
• A desire to work with a diverse community of students and employees who represent various cultures, backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, political views, and expressions of Christian faith.
• A personal commitment to Jesus Christ and express their Christian testimony in a church. In addition, employees agree to live in agreement with the Community Lifestyle Statement and affirm the theological commitments expressed in the Statement of Faith.

Preference Will be Given to Those Who Have the Following Attributes:

• An MFA or PhD in a related field.
• Three or more years of college-level teaching experience.
• Directing and/or performance credits at the professional level.
• A demonstrated record of community development or extracurricular engagement.
• Experience and familiarity with curriculum development, advising, recruitment, and season planning.
  

Salary and Rank:

• Appointment at the Assistant Professor level is anticipated, though candidates with significant teaching experience at previous institutions may be considered for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor. Salary and benefits are competitive with comparable institutions.
  

Job Information:

• Primary Work Location: Newberg Campus
• Working Conditions: Working conditions are typical of a university theatre and office environment, including regular office work and time spent in rehearsal, performance, and instructional spaces
• Supervisor: Performing Arts Department Chair

Application Procedure:

• Kindly apply through the Careers at George Fox University webpage.
• When completing the online application, please upload the following as Word or .pdf documents in the section marked Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, and Essay Requirement:
  • Letter of Interest
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Statement of teaching philosophy
  • Concise description of research plans
  • Integration of Faith and Learning Essay
    • George Fox University is committed to the idea that one of the primary responsibilities of Christian higher education is to help students develop a uniquely Christian worldview. As teachers and mentors, it is important for George Fox University faculty members to integrate Christian faith and principles in all aspects of their lives. As an essential part of the application process, the University will carefully consider your response to the following: In a one-page essay (about 300 words) describe your personal Christian faith, as well as how your faith informs your teaching, scholarship, and service (including service and leadership in your church and/or in Christian ministries)
  • Other supporting materials may be requested at a later stage of the review process.

Contact Information:

• Have questions or need assistance with our application process? Contact [email protected]

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply at once. Review of applications will begin on November 1st and continue until the position is filled. Please note: This position is subject to close at any time, regardless of the date on the posting.

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George Fox University has been transforming student's lives for over 125 years. We are a Christ-centered community that prepares students spiritually, academically, and professionally to think with clarity, act with integrity, and serve with passion. Our vision is to be the Christian university of choice known for empowering students to achieve exceptional life outcomes. We put students first, with Christ at the center of our work, embracing change in order to improve. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in creating transformational experiences for our students.

Being a part of our community means a commitment to faith and to a lifestyle that is consistent with the university's mission as described in the Statement of Faith and Community Lifestyle Statement on our website.

As a Christ-centered community, George Fox University is an institution that values diversity as an essential dimension of God's design for human communities.

What is most appealing about working at George Fox University?

• Faith-centered: Our culture is unique for higher education. At George Fox you can pursue academic excellence while integrating Biblical scriptures, praying with staff members and students at work, and helping to make an impact on the world in a way that promotes Christian values.
• Unapologetically Christian: As a university, we have an enduring commitment to Christ, his kingdom and the truth of God's Word.
• Live out your calling: You are able to use your God-given talents and abilities while having a profound influence on students as they deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Equip students for kingdom work: You can be a part of helping students discover their callings, at which they will be able to glorify the kingdom of God just as they have seen you do.

For your personal well-being we offer:

• A strong Christian vision and mission-led organization with opportunities for your growth and contributions.
• Wonderful Christian peers and a vibrant student population.
• A beautiful, peaceful campus environment with areas to walk and coffee shops and restaurants close by.
• Free Fitness Center membership.
• Free parking.
• Rich employee benefit package.
• Flexible work arrangements available.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The university is an equal-opportunity employer. Every employee has the right to work in surroundings free from all forms of unlawful discrimination. It is our policy to make decisions about applicants and employees without regard to sex, age, race, color, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status to the extent prohibited by applicable local, state, or federal law. This prohibition applies not only to the recruiting and hiring process but to all facets of the employment relationship, including promotion, pay, training, classification, performance reviews, discipline, and termination.

George Fox is owned by the Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends Church and its mission is distinctly Christian. Employees are required to agree with and abide by the university's faith statement and its statement of community responsibilities. Within the context of this agreement and commitment, employment opportunities are otherwise available to all persons on the basis of their experience and skills.

In the recruiting process, the university may make special effort to solicit applicants from underrepresented groups. This is done as an affirmative step to increase the representation of these populations in the university's workforce to better match their availability in the labor market. Hiring decisions are based on the applicants' qualifications as they relate to the needs of the position.