Visiting Assistant Professor - Costume Technology (#34732)

Position Details

Position Information

Working Position Title Visiting Assistant Professor - Costume Technology (#34732) Classification Title Visiting Assistant Professor Position Number 00034732 Posting Date 05/12/2026 Closing Date Priority Review Date 06/05/2026 Business Unit Description Faculty Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time FTE 1.00 Position Status Temporary FLSA Exempt Job Code 2090 Union Representation Non-Union Union Code N/A Unit/Department Theatre & Dance College/Unit College of V & P A Dean Division Academic Division Location SB 221 Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page School of Theatre and Dance

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

The School of Theatre and Dance at Northern Illinois University seeks applicants for a Visiting Assistant Professor position in Costume Technology, joining a collaborative and production-focused academic environment.

Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a comprehensive research university offering programs from the Baccalaureate through the Doctorate. Colleges include Business, Education, Engineering and Engineering Technology, Law, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Health and Human Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts. On-campus enrollment is approximately 15,000 students. The university also offers more than 200 off-campus courses each semester to students in communities throughout northern Illinois.

The main campus is located in DeKalb, 65 miles west of Chicagos Loop and 40 miles southeast of Rockford with education centers in Rockford and Naperville. DeKalb/Sycamore, with a population of about 60,000, is a modern paradox, a rural/urban community. It is simultaneously recognized for its manufacturing and rich farmlands. The site of the first manufacturing of barbed wire and the development of hybrid seed corn are evidence of its diversified history. The blend of industry and agriculture, coupled with the cultural and recreational facilities of the university and supplemented by easy access to Chicago and Rockford, provide an enjoyable environment in which to live.

Position Summary

The NIU School of Theatre and Dance costume shop works to maintain industry design and production standards while teaching students of varying skill levels from first year college students, to final year graduate students. The Visiting Assistant Professor of Costume Technology will work with other faculty to support university productions and help maintain costume stock.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate with other costume faculty to stay on production schedules and budgets.
• Work with costume faculty to ensure production designs are executed on time and on budget.
• Communicate project needs to Costume Shop Manager.
• Execute basic patterning, construction, and alterations for mainstage productions to ensure all costumes are wearable at first dress and complete by opening night.
• Work with other costume faculty to support production and performance process including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Attend all production meetings and dress rehearsals for mainstage productions.
• Work with Costume Shop Manager to maintain a large costume stock inventory for internal use (no rentals).

Course Instruction

• Teach undergraduate and graduate-level costume technology courses including but not limited to basic textile sciences, hand and machine sewing, commercial pattern assembly and manipulation, patterning/draping, fabric dyeing/painting, costume crafts, and millinery.

• THEA 210, THEA 330, THEA 435/535, THEA 436/536, & THEA 437/537

• Work with other theatre technology faculty to execute team taught classes.

• THEA 210 & THEA 330

• Supervise all Costume Technology Lab Sections.

• THEA 210A, THEA 330A, THEA 295, & THEA 395

General Faculty Responsibilities

• Mentor undergraduate and graduate student designers, assistants, drapers and technicians of various skill levels through the production process.
• Participate in yearly student portfolio reviews and assessment.
• Attend all Faculty and Design/Technology meetings
• Participate in unit/department committees as assigned by Director of School

Minimum Required Qualifications

• MFA in a costume-related discipline or commensurate professional experience

• Minimum 2 years of teaching experience (academic, professional training, or equivalent)

• Minimum 3 years of experience in costume shop management

• Advanced knowledge and experience in:

• Flat-patterning and/or draping

• Alteration and repair for historical and contemporary theatrical costumes

• Experience operating and troubleshooting:

• Domestic and industrial sewing machines

• Overlock (serger) machines

• Experience with fittings and pinning alterations on a persons body

• Experience sewing challenging fabrics, including stretch, slippery, and delicate materials

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required for productions, including dress rehearsals and work calls

Additional Requirements

• Experience with theatrical and dance alterations, including:

• Quick rigging

• Alterations to ensure mobility for dance and acrobatics

• Working knowledge of wardrobe care, costume cleaning, and maintenance

• Experience working in a production intensive academic environment

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with construction and maintenance of classical ballet costumes.
• Knowledge in wigs and hair styling for theatre and dance.

Physical Demands Summary

Ability to meet physical requirements of the position, including, but not limited to:

• Sitting and standing for extended periods of time
• Moving and transporting items weighing up to 30 lbs. unassisted
• Tolerance for exposure to metals, common laundry detergents, and materials such as wool or latex

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date 8/16/2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date 05/15/2027 Percent of Staff Year 0.75 Standard Hours Per Week Monday - Friday 8am-4:30pm; evenings and weekends as required for productions, including dress rehearsals and work calls Salary Commensurate with experience and qualifications, starting at $60,000; NIU offers a robust benefits package. Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range Commensurate with experience and qualifications, starting at $60,000; NIU offers a robust benefits package. Earn Type Salary

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the Visiting Assistant Professor Costume Technology posting to establish an application profile and submit the following required materials by June 5, 2026.

• Letter of intent
• Curriculum vita or resume
• Names and contact information of three professional or academic references
• Transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable for initial review of application; official copies required to confirm appointment)

Special Instructions Quick Link to Applicant https://employment.niu.edu/postings/92082 Is Background Check Required Yes EEO Statement Summary

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator

Health Services Building Room 230

TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu

815-753-5560

Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a persons disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu.

Safety Information

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.

Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• List of at least 3 Professional References
• Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).