Director of MFA Costume Design / Open Rank Faculty, 9 Month Salaried - School of Theatre

Department

School of Theatre

Responsibilities

The School of Theatre at Florida State University seeks a full-time nine-month, tenure-track open rank faculty position in Costume Design. We seek a dynamic and visionary artist-scholar to advance our graduate costume design program, mentor students, and engage in creative and research activities that elevate the School of Theatres profile.

• Teaching: Responsibilities include teaching three courses per semester, which may include costume design, costume rendering, and costume history.
• Creative/Research Activity: Maintain an active schedule of creative work and/or research in costume design.
• Service: This position requires active*departmental participation, including curriculum development, recruitment, student advising, and season planning.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with faculty and staff from both the school and the university on interdisciplinary projects and initiatives. Connect with industry professionals and maintain ties with the broader costume design community.
• Communication: The applicant must be able to communicate effectively with costume graduate and undergraduate students and collaborate successfully with directors, faculty, and staff.

Qualifications

• MFA in Costume Design or a closely related field by the time of appointment.
• Advanced expertise in rendering, costume design, and computer rendering
• Knowledge of historical period costume
• Experience in millinery construction, fabric modification, and costume crafts
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching at the university level.
• A strong portfolio of professional costume design work at a national level.
• Evidence of ongoing creative or scholarly activity.
• A record of successful collaboration in academic or professional settings.

Contact Info

Search committee chair: Jacki Armit, Associate Professor

University Information

One of the nations elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there's the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow's news!

Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses.

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How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific Faculty job opening as advertised, apply through the FSU Faculty Careers site (jobs.fsu.edu). If you are a current FSU employee, apply through myFSU Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include education details even if attaching a Vita.

Candidates should submit the following materials:

• A cover letter that outlines qualifications and experience.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• A digital portfolio or website showcasing recent work.
• A teaching philosophy statement.
• Three letters of recommendation.

Please submit all application materials through the university's online application system. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Confidential Letters of Reference: This position requires that you have three confidential professional letters of recommendation submitted on your behalf. Follow the steps below to request these letters through our system:

1. After submitting your application, click the Explore Jobs link;

2. Click the My References link;

3. Click the Send/View Reference Request button next to the appropriate position; and

4. Follow the steps on that page to send your references a system generated email requesting they submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf.

You may also return to the My References link and click on "Send/View Reference Request" to see if your references have responded, add additional references, or resend requests.

Candidates who currently hold tenure and are seeking appointment with tenure at Florida State University will need to submit the materials for evaluation if selected. These materials are required to support the tenure review process at the time of hire. Finalists may be asked to provide the below additional documentation as part of the evaluation.

• Examples of excellence in research or creative activity or excellence in teaching.
• CV
• One-page statement of their accomplishments over the last five years.
• Discussion of their teaching, research and service (no longer than six pages).
• Three outside letters of recommendation directed specifically to Florida State University. No professional relationships should exist between the candidate and the external reviewer. Relationships include, but are not limited to, student- teacher (including dissertation committee chairs and members), colleagues in graduate school, former departmental colleagues, collaborators, and co-authors. These letters should be sent to Megan Mellino, Administrative Specialist, directly from the external reviewer.

Considerations

This is a Faculty position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.

This position is being advertised as open until filled and will begin Fall 2027.

Applicant Review will begin November 30, 2026, and continue until filled.

The faculty rank associated with the appointment will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.