Scope of Job:
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and the College of Fine Arts is seeking applications for the Academic Director of the Dance Program to start Fall 2019. The ideal candidate will combine an established record of academic and creative achievement with demonstrated administrative skills to serve as a leader in this program. The heart of the UTRGV Dance Program is its singular commitment to Ballet Folklorico, Flamenco, and Mexican and Spanish traditional dance as well as a commitment to the foundations of dance in ballet and modern dance. The ideal candidate will possess a willingness to chart a strategic direction for the department given the above context in the next 3 to 5 years and engage in curriculum planning. The successful candidate for Academic Director will promote excellence in the program within the university, serve as an active member of the arts community, and mentor faculty in the Dance Program.
UTRGV faculty will be expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to student success and to advancing the university, college, and program missions, as well as a commitment to UTRGV’s guiding principles (http://www.utrgv.edu/strategic-plan/strategic-plan/index.htm), which include promoting access to postsecondary education to a diverse student body and to become one of the largest and most successful Hispanic-serving emerging research institutions in the U.S.A.
Preferred Qualifications:
The successful candidate will be a forward-thinking leader with the demonstrated ability to develop a nationally competitive Dance Program and cultivate an environment conducive to growth.
Other preferred qualifications include:
-Previous experience as a department chair
-A proven track record as a qualified administrator
-Demonstrated experience with recruitment at a undergraduate level
-Demonstrated experience in development of new degree plan
-Minimum of 6+ years of experience teaching full-time in an institution of higher education
-A commitment to promoting excellence in research, art practice, and teaching across the undergraduate program
-Ability to contribute to UTRGV’s bilingual, biliterate and bicultural mission with competencies in both English and Spanish language and scholarship.
Minimum Qualifications:
The successful candidate must possess a terminal degree (MFA, PhD or EdD) in dance from an accredited institution. He/she must also possess at least 3 years of substantial administrative experience in higher education. Also required is a demonstrated and active record of scholarly and/or creative achievement on a national and/or international level respective to the candidate’s discipline. Demonstrated commitment to working successfully with a diverse student population.
