About This Role

Kansas State University's School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is seeking an experienced and dedicated Costume Designer to join our esteemed faculty as a Professor of Practice at a Full time, 9-month Regular position. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to our dynamic program by supporting a collaborative performing-arts environment. The Costume Designer will mentor students, collaborate with faculty and staff, and bring innovative costume design concepts to life for our productions.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Costume Design & Production: Design costumes, hair, and makeup for productions in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. Oversee and actively participate in the design process from concept through completion.
• Collaboration & Mentorship: Collaborate with directors, designers, and production staff to realize artistic visions. Foster a collaborative and supportive environment that prioritizes student learning and professional best practices. Mentor and supervise students in costume design.
• Teaching: Teach Costume Design and other courses based on the candidate’s expertise and program needs.
• Service & Engagement: Participate in departmental activities, production meetings, recruitment efforts, and student mentorship.

About Us

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance has been one of the fastest-growing units at Kansas State University over the past four years, achieving 80% growth during this time. We’re accredited by NAST, NASM, and NADTA and is housed within the College of Arts and Sciences, the “intellectual and academic core of the University” with 23 academic units. A land-grant institution, Kansas State University is a Carnegie “very high research” and “engaged” university with more than 7,000 students who participate in curricular and co-curricular activities offered through the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance.

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance currently has 337 graduate and undergraduate Music majors pursuing the B.M., B.A., B.M.E. and M.M. degrees; 86 Theatre graduate and undergraduate majors pursuing the B.A., B.S., and M.A degrees; 51 secondary majors in dance; and hundreds of students enrolled in minors and certificate. The school has 72 faculty and staff, is supported by a Director and 4-Associate Directors, a full-time academic advisor, and four full-time administrative staff members.
Kansas State University is a distinguished public, land-grant institution renowned for the excellence of its faculty, students, staff, academic programs, research, and service. It is a three-campus system with the main campus located in Manhattan and the other campuses in Olathe and Salina. Online degree programs, professional development conferences and workshops, and enrichment classes and programs are offered through the K-State Global Campus. The university has over 20,000 students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. K-State was recognized by the Princeton Review as one of America’s best colleges and U.S. News & World Report lists the university among the top 75 public universities in the U.S. The mission of K-State is to foster excellent teaching, research, extension, and service that develop a highly skilled and educated citizenry necessary to advancing the well-being of Kansas, the nation, and the international community.

K-State is centered on a 664-acre campus in Manhattan located 50 miles west of the state capital of Topeka and 125 miles west of Kansas City in the rolling Flint Hills. Manhattan provides access to a wide range of educational, cultural, medical, and recreational programs and facilities. The local economy is bolstered by K-State and its proximity to Fort Riley, a large U.S. Army installation, and is the home of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF).

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• A minimum of a Master of Fine Arts degree, or equivalent professional experience in costume design.
• A strong portfolio that demonstrates professional, creative, and varied costume designs.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to mentoring students and fostering a collaborative learning environment.

The degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in costume construction, fabric selection, and wardrobe management.
• Experience with historical research, period costuming, and new technology in costume design.
• Teaching Experience: Ability to effectively teach and mentor students, using various pedagogical approaches. 
• Professional Engagement: Active participation in professional organizations, conferences, and networks related to Costume Design. 
• Experience in dance costuming.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

   1. Cover letter highlighting your interest in the position and qualifications.
   2. Resume or CV detailing relevant academic and professional experience.
   3. Digital portfolio showcasing your costume design work.
   4. Contact information for three professional references.

Application Window

Applications close on: January 18, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$55,000 - $60,000 annually