Tenure-Track Assistant Professor - Head of Lighting Design

Rutgers University, United States

Updated: 25 days ago
Location: New Brunswick, NEW JERSEY
Deadline: 25 May 2026

Position Details
Position Information


Recruitment/Posting Title Tenure-Track Assistant Professor - Head of Lighting Design
Department Theater Arts
Salary Details Minimum of $82,110
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
  • Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
  • Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
  • Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
  • Life insurance coverage
  • Employee discount programs
Posting Summary
The Department of Theater at the Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University, seeks a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor to serve as Head of Lighting Design in the BFA Theater Program. This faculty appointment blends teaching, artistic leadership, and departmental service\ within a nationally recognized conservatory-style training environment.
Mason Gross is a vibrant community of artists and scholars situated in a Research I university. Each year, the department mounts a season of theatrical productions, dance performances, and music collaborations, giving students hands-on experience alongside faculty and visiting professionals.
The successful candidate will bring a distinguished record of professional lighting design, a commitment to student-centered learning, and the ability to guide emerging designers through a curriculum that unites creative practice, technical innovation, design research, and collaboration.
The Head of Lighting will be responsible for the following:
  • Teach lighting design and related courses across the BA and BFA curriculum, employing current professional standards and emerging technologies.
  • Mentor and advise undergraduate design students, fostering artistic growth, technical mastery, and professional readiness.
  • Maintain an active portfolio of professional design work, creative research, or artistic scholarship consistent with tenure-track expectations.
  • Participate in departmental governance: hold office hours, attend meetings, contribute to curriculum updates, and serve on committees.
  • Participate in student recruitment initiatives, including events, interviews, campus tours, and portfolio reviews, while collaborating with faculty and admissions to recruit and retain a highly motivated and diverse student body.
  • Promote interdisciplinary collaboration within the Theater Department, Mason Gross, and across Rutgers University.
  • Stay current with lighting-design technology, best practices, industry standards, and digital innovation in performance design.
  • Perform other duties as outlined in department bylaws and the university faculty handbook.


The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Position Status Full Time
Posting Number 25FA1159
Posting Open Date 11/13/2025
Posting Close Date 05/25/2026

Qualifications


Minimum Education and Experience
  • MFA in Lighting Design or equivalent professional experience.
  • Significant professional experience designing lighting for theater, dance, opera, or related live-performance genres.
  • Proficiency with industry-standard, intelligent lighting consoles, Vectorworks Spotlight, Lightwright, 3D rendering, and digital visualization tools.
  • Working knowledge of LED and automated fixtures, networked control systems (DMX, sACN, Ethernet), and wireless dimming.
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership abilities suited to a BFA conservatory program.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience integrating lighting with projection, media, and emerging technologies.
  • Proven success in curriculum development and /or academic leadership.
  • Membership or affiliation with professional design organizations (e.g., USA Local 829, USITT, IALD).
  • History of mentoring emerging designers in educational or professional settings.
  • Collaborative work across theater, dance, film, installation, and performance art, as well as architectural lighting and live events.
  • Demonstrated teaching excellence, mentorship, and a clear commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the arts.
  • Familiarity with infrastructure, lighting vendors, and suppliers.
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Overview
As one of the nation’s leading public arts conservatories, Mason Gross offers programs in theater, dance, music, visual arts, film, and design. The school cultivates an inclusive community that values artistic excellence, innovation, and cultural exchange.
Statement
Rutgers University and the Mason Gross School of the Arts are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environment. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Rutgers is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Posting Details


Special Instructions to Applicants
Questions about the position may be directed to: Karin Anderson 
Email: kanderson@mgsa.rutgers.edu
Required Application Documents:
1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Teaching Philosophy (1–2 pages)
4. Artist Statement / Statement of Creative Practice (1–2 pages)
5. Names and Contact Information for Three References.
Quick Link to Posting https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/263401
Campus Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus Rutgers University - New Brunswick
City New Brunswick
State NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings


All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.



Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals , if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.



Equal Employment Opportunity Statement


It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement



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