What are the responsibilities and job description for the Visiting Technical Director & Assistant Professor of Theatre position at Knox College?
Visiting Technical Director & Assistant Professor of Theatre
Knox College invites applications for the fall term 2025 sabbatical replacement in the role of
Visiting Technical Director & Assistant Professor of Theatre. The Visiting Technical Director
will be responsible for supervising the activities in the Department of Theatre scene shop and
supervising the build for the 2025 fall faculty-directed production. This is a 13-week
employment engagement commencing September 1, 2025 and ending November 23, 2025.
This full-time, 13-week position provides a competitive salary. The position reports to the Chair
of the Department of Theatre and the Provost & Dean of the College.
Knox College is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse staff at all levels of the College who
not only reflect the demographics of our students, but also fully embrace the ideals of inclusivity.
Our campus is committed to the ongoing work of creating an equitable and inclusive community.
We encourage applications from those individuals who are enthusiastic about and dedicated to
exceeding the expectations of our diverse student population.
Key areas of opportunity for the Technical Director include: creation and implementation of a
robust professional mentoring program to assist our students in realizing their potential; service
as a strategic partner within the Department of Theatre as appropriate to ensure that our practices
best support our people; development of meaningful strategies to build a diverse workforce and
to identify talent within the student body for positions of responsibility; implementation of a
work environment that provides motivation, incentives, and rewards for effective performance;
and oversight of student employee relations and protocols to address workplace harassment and
strengthen intercultural competencies.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Oversight Student Training and Support
- Facilitate New Student Orientation events at the start of the year, leading up to and including
Opening Convocation.
- Supervise the inventory of the scene shop and lighting rigs.
- Maintain the scene shop and all equipment, stock, and inventory.
- Manage the scenery, lighting, and properties budgets for the Fall Term production(s).
- Purchase all materials and supplies related to realizing physical productions.
- Materials and construction research.
- Transport or arrange materials transportation.
- Reconcile the monthly credit card bill for expenditures.
- Create working drawings of the set design of the fall faculty directed play (title TBA).
- Teach paid student workers and volunteers skills needed to execute the build.
- Schedule and execute after hours work calls as needed (i.e. paint calls).
- Attend weekly production meetings.
- Coordinate the lighting design with senior Grace Dinges.
- Attend technical and dress rehearsals.
- Organize and implement strike of the production.
- Work with the student Facilities Management Assistant to maintain the workflow of repairs,
- Be available to mentor student designers/technicians for student directed productions.
- Attend department meetings.
- Keep regular office hours.
The successful candidate will be committed to developing an inclusive and equitable work
environment that embraces students and employees of all backgrounds and enhances the full
development and performance of all employees and volunteers. We seek an energetic, forward
thinking, and creative individual with high ethical standards, who can connect a strategic vision
with sound technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment, strong operational focus, and
strong communication skills. The ability to be self-directed while working in a highly
collaborative environment is expected.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in theatre and MFA in Technical Direction or equivalent professional
experience.
Proficiency and demonstrated success in hand and power tools, rigging, carpentry, stage craft and
construction, scene painting, finish work, drafting, production planning, leadership, CAD, and
communication skills.
Candidates with set design experience are encouraged to apply.
Application:
Candidates should submit:
1. A cover letter that addresses the qualifications listed above
2. Curriculum Vitae or Resume
3. A portfolio of professional works
4. Contact information for three professional references. (Finalists’ references will be
contacted)
Submission via Interfolio: http://apply.interfolio.com/165008
Review of applications will begin March 16, 2025 and continue until the position is filled.
Questions should be addressed to Liz Carlin Metz, Chair, Department of Theatre:
emetz@knox.edu.
Knox Notice of Non-Discrimination
In keeping with its commitment to equal rights since it was founded in 1837, Knox College
particularly welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups. Knox College
does not discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, race, color,
creed, national or ethnic origin, religion or religious affiliation, sexual orientation or preference,
age, marital or family status, disability, veteran status, or other status protected by applicable
federal, state, or local law in admission, financial aid, employment, athletics, or any other aspect
of its educational programs or activities. In addition, Knox College is prohibited by Title IX of
the Education Amendments of 1972 and its accompanying regulations from so discriminating on
the basis of sex.
The College official responsible for coordinating compliance with this Notice of
Non-Discrimination is the Director of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance. Any inquiries
regarding Title IX or the College's policies that prohibit discrimination and harassment should be
directed to the Director of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance identified below. The
coordinator will be available to meet with or talk to students, staff, and faculty regarding issues
relating to this Notice of Non-Discrimination and the College’s policies and procedures.
Director of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance
Old Jail 12 | Campus Box K-209
337 South Cherry Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: 309-341-7751
Email: cultureofrespect@knox.edu
Inquiries about the application of Title IX to Knox may be referred to the Director of Title IX
and Civil Rights Compliance, the United States Department of Education’s Assistant Secretary
for Civil Rights, or both. Individuals may also contact the U.S. Department of Education's Office
of Civil Rights for additional information.
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education-Chicago Office
500 W Madison St., Suite 1475
Chicago, IL 60661-4544
Phone: 312-730-1560
Email: ocr@ed.gov
Inquiries regarding the College’s policies regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
(“ADA”), or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) should be directed to
either the Human Resources Manager or Director of Disability Support Services identified
below.
For Employees:
Human Resources Manager
Shannon Lewis
Administrative Services Bldg - 112 | Campus Box K-200
368 South Prairie
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: 309-341-7474
Email: shlewis@knox.edu
For Students:
Director of Disability Support Services
Stephanie Grimes
Umbeck Science and Math Center E111 | Campus Box K183
340 South West Street
Phone: 309-341-7478
Email: sgrimes@knox.edu
Learn more about our policies and procedures.
