Title: F0046 Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Drama & Theatre — Lighting & Sound Design

State Role Title: Assistant Professor

Hiring Range: Commensurate with credentials and experience

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Norfolk State University

Location: Norfolk State University

Agency Website: www.nsu.edu

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Norfolk State University’s Department of Visual and Performing Arts invites applicants for a
full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor of Drama and Theatre in Lighting and Sound Design; the selected candidate begins August 2026. Applications must be submitted by November 31, 2025, for full consideration. The position will remain open until it is filled.

This position will have 50% release time and will serve as the Master Electrician and Audio
Engineer for the state-of-the-art proscenium and studio theatres at NSU. This position will render professional lighting designs, to include lighting plots, instrument schedules and channel lists; patching and programing instruments into lighting consoles; leading the focus and hang for all lighting designs, programing lighting cues, and providing cue sheets. Additionally, the successful candidate will render professional sound designs as assigned, to include creating, collecting, recording, editing and mixing sounds; programing digital and analog audio consoles; programming playback software for recorded sound. Setting up all audio and speech reinforcement devices, speakers and monitors for productions and events are expected for the successful candidate. This position will service and inventory all lighting and sound equipment, materials, and supplies. The candidate will supervise and train production crew and student workers in lighting and sound design and technology and be available for student supervision as needed during evening and weekend rehearsals and performances. Occasionally required to move and transport materials and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.

Minimum Qualifications

1. M.F.A. in Lighting Design or related field
2. Demonstrated proficiency in digital and analog sound reinforcement devices and consoles
3. Knowledgeable of OSHA and industry safety compliance rules and possess extensive
knowledge of safe use of equipment

How to Apply
Candidates should submit:
1. State of Virginia application.
2. A cover letter of interest including courses taught.
3. Current Curriculum Vitae.
4. Philosophy of Teaching.
5. Provide a link to online portfolio of design work.
6. Transcripts of highest degree conferred (unofficial transcripts are accepted; however,
official transcripts are required of finalists).
7. Three letters of reference.
8. Some requirements must be saved into one file and attached as other to the state
application.

Additional Considerations

1. Proficiency in Projections Design
2. Evidence of proficiency in utilizing moving, intelligent and LED lighting instruments
3. Membership in professional organizations such as IATSE, USA, USITT, etc.
4. Earned, current OSHA 30-Hour Training Program Certificate & DOL Card
5. Serve as a Safety and Compliance Specialist for lighting and sound equipment.
6. Commitment to diversity

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Application and/or résumé for this position must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date through the Commonwealth of Virginia's Job Board/Recruitment Management System (RMS). Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of Virginia Employees Only), must attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or résumé. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from either the electronic application and/or resumé. RMS provides a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your RMS account to check the status of your application for this position.
Norfolk State University conducts background checks on all candidates identified as a finalist for employment consideration. The type of background check(s) performed are dependent upon the type of position for which you have been identified as a finalist and may include criminal history, including sexual offender registry checks, reference checks, degree validation, DMV (driving) records, license verification, and credit report reviews. The results of background checks are made available to university employing officials. As a finalist, you will be required to sign an Authorization to Release form. Norfolk State University utilizes Form I-9 and E-Verify in the verification of eligibility for employment. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.

EEO Statement
NSU is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons and applicants, without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, genetic information, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy) or veteran status. NSU encourages and invites minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.

Contact Information

Name: no name provided

Phone: no phone provided

Email: no email materials accepted

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.