Job ID

FU9963-0013-1907

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 applicant’s 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 Mercy’s 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 papaam@udmercy.edu.

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 UDM’s School of Dentistry, discounted to you and your dependents

           o Option to purchase additional dental plan through Sun Life

· Vision - 

           o UDM’s School of Optometry, discounted to you and your dependents

o Option to purchase additional vision plan through Heritage

· 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 -

       o UDM provides matches up to 8%

Michigan’s 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 University’s 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.