Instructor Communication StudiesPerforming Arts
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Job Location:
Detroit, MI - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
30+ days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Job ID
FU
Position Classification
Performing Arts
Position Summary
The Department of Performing Arts and Department of Communication Studies at the University of Detroit Mercy invite applications for a faculty position at the rank of Instructor in Communication Studies/Theatre to begin August 16 2026.
This position is an exciting opportunity to engage across both disciplines as a theatre and communication studies generalist with an ability to teach courses in speech introduction to theatre acting directing theatre history arts management and/or other performance-based and academic courses as needed. This candidate would also direct theatrical production(s) for the Detroit Mercy Theatre Company including musicals. Our brand-new state-of-the-art Detroit Mercy Black Box Theatre offers a cutting-edge space for teaching and learning.
The Departments of Performing Arts and Communication Studies are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for undergraduate students through engaged teaching advising and mentorship. We seek a dynamic instructor with demonstrated excellence in the classroom. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate through their teaching a commitment to an excellent student-centered education grounded in experiential learning for a diverse student body. We are particularly interested in candidates who would contribute to our efforts to provide support and opportunities for historically marginalized students across a range of academic disciplines.
We offer small classes and close collegial relationships. The Departments of Performing Arts and Communication Studies are housed in the College of Humanities Arts & Social Sciences whose faculty form a vibrant community of teaching scholars focused on student-centered teaching and academic mentorship of students. Reflecting these commitments the University of Detroit Mercy is ranked #2 Best College in Michigan and #36 Best College in the United States by The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Teach four courses each Fall and Winter semester for a total of eight equally distributed between the two departments.
- Restructure recruitment initiatives.
- Direct one production in the 2026-2027 season for the Department of Performing Arts.
Minimum Qualifications
- An MFA degree in Theatre. Alternatively an MA in Communication Studies or Communications-adjacent fields (Arts administration Strategic Communications etc.).
- Demonstrated excellence in teaching theatre and/or communication studies courses at the undergraduate level.
- Knowledge of and commitment to effective strategies for teaching and mentoring a diverse student body including first-generation college students.
- Demonstrated experience mentoring students with a particular emphasis on nurturing their development as oral speakers performers and technical/creative artists.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience directing theatrical productions the collegiate and/or professional levels.
- Experience with curriculum development.
- Record of additional forms of public dissemination of creative work (e.g. readings presentations performances etc.).
Physical Requirements
Job may require lifting light weight objects (1 to 10 pounds) with no repetitive bending or stooping. Occasionally lift average weight objects (1 to 10 pounds).
Work Environment
Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.
Salary/Pay Information
Commensurate with experience
Anticipated Schedule
TBD
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants apply by completing an application and uploading materials that must include:
- Letter of application that states the applicants interest in the position and shares their experience with and approach to teaching in comparable programs at other institutions of higher learning. The candidate should also reflect on how their teaching resonates with one or more aspects of Detroit Mercys mission and core values and our diverse student population.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Teaching portfolio that includes:
- A statement of teaching philosophy and practice that includes reflection on past experiences and potential future contributions to teaching and mentoring students with a wide range of academic and social backgrounds including first-generation college students.
- Selected course materials such as syllabi assignments and/or lesson plans.
- Student evaluations of teaching and/or observations of teaching by peers or mentors.
- The candidate may choose to include any other materials that speak to their teaching experience.
Questions regarding this position should be directed to Prof. Andrew Papa Chair Search Committee at
Deadline: Applications will be considered through March 6 2026.
Start date: August 16 2026
Employee Benefits
At the University of Detroit Mercy we continually strive to provide a high-quality comprehensive benefits package to our valued employees. We offer our employees the following:
Medical -
o Three health plans to choose from with a large national provider network
Dental -
o Option to purchase additional dental plan through Sun Life
Dental Care is available at the School of Dentistry to the employee the employees spouse or legally domiciled adult and dependents (dependents shall be as defined for Internal Revenue Service purposes).
The fee for such services shall be waived for the employee the employees spouse or legally domiciled adult and dependents up to a cap of $3000 per individual per calendar year. Beyond the $3000 cap amount employees will be responsible to pay 25% of any remaining fees for the balance of that year.
Vision -
o Option to purchase additional vision plan through Heritage
Vision benefits available at Detroit Mercy Eye Institute
$35 Comprehensive Eye Exam
Contact Lens Exam starting at $7o
50% off Optical Frames
25% off Sun Frames
30% off Prescription Lenses
20% off Prescription Contact Lenses
*Cannot be combined with insurance*
Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
Employee Assistance Program -
o Provided to everyone in your household
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
Life and AD&D -
o One times base salary up to a hundred thousand dollars
Option to purchase additional life insurance accident insurance and/or critical illness insurance
Tuition Remission Benefit for you your spouse and children
Retirement Plan -
Employees have a choice of the following:
Employees who contribute 3% shall receive an Employer contribution of 9% employees who contribute 5% in the plan shall receive an Employer contribution of 10%.
Michigans largest most comprehensive private University University of Detroit Mercy is an independent Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. Detroit Mercy seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the Universitys mission diversity and excellence of its academic community. University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer with a diverse student body and welcomes persons of all backgrounds.
Required Experience:
IC
