The School for Classical & Contemporary Dance in the College of Fine Arts at Texas Christian University invites applications for the position of Director of the School for Classical & Contemporary Dance (SCCDance) and Associate/Full Professor of Dance. The Director serves as the senior administrator of the academic unit and reports to the Dean of the College of Fine Arts. This is an in-person on-campus tenured faculty position with an administrative appointment. The start date of the position is Summer 2027.
This leadership role offers an opportunity to shape the future of the performing arts at TCU by continuing our established record of creative and scholarly distinction, interdisciplinary collaboration, and national visibility for the School for Classical & Contemporary Dance. The next Director of the SCCDance will serve as an active steward of programs and initiatives, joining a collaborative faculty, dedicated staff, and motivated students in fostering a community of artist-scholars and a culture defined by care and excellence.
The Director will:
● provide academic and artistic leadership and contribute to TCU’s goal of becoming an R1 institution, ensuring that the strategic plans of the School, College, and University are aligned and effectively implemented.
● manage the SCCDance’s budgets, financial resources, and facilities; work with College of Fine Arts leadership on the renovation of Ed Landreth Hall as a shared performance space.
● oversee personnel matters including faculty and staff recruitment, retention, mentoring, evaluation, and the promotion and tenure process; make hiring recommendations to the Dean.
● develop and oversee activities related to student recruitment, auditions, admissions, and retention, including scholarships and awards, in collaboration with faculty and staff.
● coordinate faculty course loads, teaching assignments, and scheduling.
● facilitate program development, curriculum design, assessment, and university accreditation requirements; maintain accreditation from and serve as the Institutional Representative to the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD).
● collaborate with faculty and staff to produce SCCDance concerts and sustain the guest artist program.
● support and develop the health and wellness initiatives that distinguish the School; maintain and foster the SCCDance culture of collaboration, care, and community with all faculty, staff, and students.
● positively represent the School to TCU and the public; work with the Dean on fundraising initiatives, including cultivating relationships with alumni, donors, and community partners.
● work with faculty to strengthen and expand the SCCDance’s research/creative activity portfolio, with a focus on increasing externally funded research output that enhances Dance programs.
● teach a reduced load in the candidate’s area of specialty and maintain a record of scholarly/creative activity and service.
Required Application Materials & Application Instructions:
● Cover letter/Letter of Application including the following: administrative and leadership experience and philosophy, teaching experience and philosophy, research/creative activity highlights (3 pages maximum)
● Curriculum vitae
● List of three references with contact information for each
Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. All applications will be held in confidence.
After the initial review of applications, candidates advancing to the second round of consideration may be asked to submit supporting materials, including evidence of administrative, academic, and artistic leadership, and research and/or creative work. These may also include evaluations, observations, links to a website, and/or letters of recommendation. All materials are to be submitted online.
Questions regarding the application process may be directed to Human Resources at hrtalentacquisition@tcu.edu or 817-257-7790. Other questions may be directed to the search committee co-chairs, Dr. Jessica Zeller, Professor of Dance, at j.zeller@tcu.edu or Dr. Marc Reed, Director of the TCU School of Music, at marc.reed@tcu.edu.
