Visiting Assistant Professor in Scenic and Lighting Design

Earlham College is a Top 100 National Liberal Arts College located in Richmond, IN, a small city that's just a short drive away from several major metropolitan areas including Dayton, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Chicago.

Richmond and Earlham have a symbiotic relationship. Through research, studies, internships and volunteering, Earlhamites offer Richmond expertise and service as Richmond offers our students the chance to gain valuable, real-world experience. Our community assumes no religious affiliation but follows Quaker principles and practices, which include respect for persons, integrity, a commitment to peace and justice, simplicity, and consensus-based community decision-making. Earlham is committed to and proud of being a diverse and inclusive place most clearly visible in our student body: 20% of our student body are international, coming from 60+ nations in 2022, and 24% are domestic students of color. Faculty and staff also bring tremendous diversity to the College; many have lived and worked outside the United States, and they make a point of drawing on those experiences in their interactions with students. Additionally, Earlham makes it a priority to serve as a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ+ communities and has a four-star rating on the Campus Pride Index. Our community is characterized by respect for every person and a commitment to social justice. Equity and inclusion are central to Earlham's institutional priorities and our leadership is committed to widening the path to an Earlham education.

Earlham College is seeking a Visiting Assistant Professor in Scenic and Lighting Design to join our team.

Job Summary:

Earlham College seeks to hire a Visiting Assistant Professor in Theatre Arts with a focus on Scenic and Lighting Design, who also has a passion for teaching the young, enthusiastic student- artists (majors and non-majors) in our small, vibrant, and diverse Theatre Arts program. This position starts July 1st, 2025 and will be contracted through December 2026.

Responsibilities:

This position is well suited to applicants with an MFA in design/technology with an emphasis on scenic design and/or lighting design; the successful applicant will be eager to work with enthusiastic student-artists (majors and non-majors) in our small, vibrant, and diverse Theatre Arts program. The teaching load includes two, 3-credit academic courses, co-supervision of 2 applied theatre labs, and production responsibilities each semester. Production work may include lighting, props, and/or scenic design. While we have a part-time TD, additional responsibilities include overseeing set construction and paint application, light hang/focus, props acquisition, and sound engineering support. Recruiting and mentoring responsibilities include participation in high school, collegiate, and professional theatre conferences; this includes a scouting trip to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August of 2025 to support development of an original production that we will tour to the 2026 festival.

• MFA in scenic design and/or lighting design or equivalent experience.

• At least a year of teaching or mentoring experience.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• At least 3 years working in scenic, lighting, and/or prop shops.

• Ability to lift over 50 pounds.

• Be a positive example and resource to all Earlham Students

Benefits Working at Earlham:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance*

• Company paid Long-Term Disability after 1 year of full-time service*

• Basic and Voluntary Life insurance*

• Employee Assistance Program*

• Campus Store Discount

• Free ticket vouchers for Richmond Symphony Orchestra

• Wellness Center Free Membership or Discount for eligible employees

• Athletic Games-Free entry to all home games

• Free entry into most Theatre/Music shows

• Tuition Benefits for Immediate Family for eligible employees*

• 403(b) Retirement* – For eligible employees, Earlham will contribute a non-elective contribution equal to 5% of gross pay after 2 years of service. After 3 years of service, this non-elective contribution increases to 8%. Vesting credit is available for new employees with previous service in the education sector with required documentation.

• Many Wayne County Chamber of Commerce member businesses offer discounts to anyone with an Earlham ID

*All employee benefit offerings are subject to employee eligibility per plan documents.

Please Note: This position will remain open until filled 

To Apply:

• Please submit the following application materials through our Earlham Careers Portal:

• Curriculum Vitae

• Unofficial transcripts

• Cover letter - Address your interest in the opening explaining your relevant work history as it pertains to this position.

• Statement of DEI – Submit your thoughts and experience with matters of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, as it relates and specifically pertains to this position, in a 300 – 1000 word statement.  (Examples of helpful topics include: your understanding of DEI principles, past experiences with DEI, and/or future plans to contribute to DEI at Earlham.)

• Statement of your Teaching Philosophy.

• Research statement addressing your research history, and your expected timeline and plans for establishing a research program at Earlham.

• List of Three Professional References with Contact Information

Earlham College is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse community, one that reflects the makeup of society at large and that particularly welcomes and supports individuals from groups that have been historically marginalized because of factors such as race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic class, and physical ability. The College strongly encourages applications from women and people of color. As an institution with a Quaker identity, the College also solicits applications from members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).

Earlham's Work Authorization Policy

Earlham utilizes E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility for all newly hired employees within the United States.