Job Description

Position Title:

Adjunct Instructor 3 – Theatre Tech

Location:

Big Rapids (Main Campus)

Department:

33500 - Humanities

Advertised Salary:

$50,000 to $55,000 - Salary commensurate with qualifications pursuant to the FSU and FNTFO/AFT Agreement

Benefits:

Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.

FLSA:

Exempt

Temporary/Continuing: 

Temporary

Part-Time/Full-Time:

Full-Time

Union Group:

Ferris Nontenure-Track Faculty Organization (FNTFO) (AFT)

Term of Position:

9 Month

At Will/Just Cause:

Just Cause

Summary of Position:

• This is a 9-month Adjunct Instructor, multifaceted position encompassing the roles of Theatre Adjunct instructor, Technical Director/Designer, and Auditorium Manager.
• As a Theatre Adjunct Instructor, you will teach one course per semester.
• In the role of Technical Director/Designer, you will be responsible for designing the set, lighting, and sound for the University Theatre productions (one per semester), overseeing set construction and prop creation, managing the Theatre scene shop, collaborating with the Production/Performance Director on show selection, scheduling technical rehearsals and performances, and oversite of the budget.
• As the Auditorium Manager, you will manage the operation and administration of the University’s Williams Auditorium. This includes scheduling events, coordinating with both University and external groups using the space, supervising student workers to assist with event setup and execution, and managing event budgets.
• Courses are to be taught in person on one of Ferris State University's Campuses. The candidate(s) selected for the position must reside in Michigan after acceptance of employment
• This is a 9-month appointment with the possibility of renewal.
• The start date is August 2025.

Position Type:

Faculty - Temporary & Continuing

Required Education:

• MFA in Theatre or Technical Theatre/Design, or MA in a related area.

Required Work Experience:

• Two years teaching college-level Theatre and/or Technical Theatre/Design courses.
• Experience in set, light, and/or sound design, technical direction and scene shop management at college and/or professional level.

Required Licenses and Certifications:

Physical Demands:

• Office Environment
• Bending
• Carrying
• Electrical Hazards
• Inclement Weather
• Moving
• Reaching
• Sitting
• Twisting
• Balancing
• Climbing
• Driving
• Heights
• Lifting
• Pulling/Pushing
• Repetitive movement
• Standing 

Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Teach one course per semester in technical theatre.
• Be present at all events taking place in the auditorium and remain in the auditorium as a stage manager during events.
• Working evenings and weekends as needed.
• Coordinate and manage technical and event services for all Williams Auditorium events produced by campus entities and public users.
• Recommend for Hire, train, supervise and evaluate part-time and student technical and event staff.
• Maintain inventory, schedule and perform maintenance of sound, lights, fly system and audiovisual equipment. Responsible for obtaining necessary items for the theater, this may include picking up items from available sources.
• Oversee the business functions including maintaining the operating budget for Williams Auditorium, to include, purchasing, invoicing, accounting and technical functions.
• Review all technical rider contracts for events scheduled in the auditorium and coordinate incoming show requirements and house capabilities with road manager.
• Be a resource person to various producing entities on campus.
• Carry out responsibilities in accordance with university policies and applicable laws.
• Provide set, light, sound designs/plans for University Theatre productions, including; ground plans, work drawings, and props schedule.
• Demonstrates an understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
• Serve as Technical Director for University Theatre productions that includes; recruiting, organizing, and training production run crews.
• Actively participate in the scene shop and its management, including; building scenery, painting, gathering props.
• Oversee student employees and students enrolled in technical theatre courses.
• Attend and engage in production meetings and providing research and/or drawings.
• Participate in development and distribution of University Theatre publicity.
• Faculty members also have professional responsibilities that may include; continuing professional development; participation in curriculum development and university committees; orientation, recruitment, and registration of students; keeping regular posted office hours (which are scheduled at times convenient for students), and participation in traditional functions which have academic significance (i.e. reporting initial student participation data and submitting final grades on time). Faculty may be required to teach off-campus or in an on-line environment.
• Operates university motor or personal vehicles safely while carrying out job responsibilities.
• Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.

Marginal Duties/Responsibilities:

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to lead an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups.
• Build and paint scenery.
• Demonstrated commitment, experience, and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Create a functioning set, light and sound for Theatre Area productions.
• Create working drawings, ground plans, light plots, and prop schedules.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbally.
• Effective interpersonal skills.

Required Documents:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Unofficial Transcript 1
• Teaching Philosophy

Optional Documents:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

• Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript of MFA/MA degree. Transcript must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded.
• Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript.

Initial Application Review Date:

March 28, 2025

Open Until Position is Filled?:

Yes

Posting Close Date:

EEO Statement:

Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence.  Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at  ferris.edu . The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit:  Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement .

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About Ferris State University

Ferris State University prepares students for successful careers, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning. Through its many partnerships and its career-oriented, broad-based education, Ferris serves our rapidly changing global economy and society.

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Job Tags

Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Work experience placement, Weekend work, Afternoon shift,

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