Description

Position Title:
Academic Year Lecturer in Modern/Contemporary Dance

Position Type:
Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Salary Range:

Salary will be between $54,650 and $58,000, based on the number of courses taught and years of teaching experience; benefits eligible.

Purpose:

The Department of Theatre and Dance at Santa Clara University, a Jesuit, Catholic university, invites applications for a Lecturer and dance choreographer (one-year, non-tenure-track) within the Modern/Contemporary dance genre, with preference for someone with expertise in any regional, place-based, spiritual, or culturally-specific dance form that originates outside of U.S. concert dance forms of ballet and jazz. Courses may include beginning to intermediate levels in dance technique, and Rehearsal and Performance for creation of an original dance, preferably hip hop or a non western dance form including a modern/contemporary fusion form.

Specific assignments will be made according to the academic qualifications of the individual and programmatic need. The successful candidate will teach the equivalent of 5 courses, with at least one course in each quarter, fall, winter and spring. Each quarter is 10 weeks long, with an 11th week set for final examinations. This position starts September 1, 2026. This is an in-person position.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

1)Terminal degree (Ph.D./MFA) in Dance or a closely-related field. Applicants who are ABD or possess a Master's degree, accompanied by commensurate academic experience in Dance or a closely-related field (5-7 years of college or professional teaching) will be considered.
2) Demonstrates excellence in teaching Dance at the college level.
3) Excellent communication skills.

4) Commitment to teaching theatre and dance within a liberal arts context.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

- Teaching experience at a four-year university environment within the liberal arts context yet with rigorous professional training.

- Choreographic experience in a university environment.
- Preferred prior experience choreographing in a non-Western style, i.e. Indian Classical or Contemporary, African, Middle-Eastern, Asian or Pacific-Islander at the university level or commensurate professional experience. Ability to choreograph in Hip Hop or hybrid forms and fusion techniques are also of interest i.e. K-Pop, Bollywood.

- Ability to carry out professional duties of position, working with department directors, designers, technical director and student dancers.

- Experience with inclusive pedagogical practices that promote access and academic success for all students.

- Experience teaching and mentoring a diverse population of undergraduate students.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
TEACHING (95%)
Duties include but are not limited to:

- Teach a 5 course load total: Teach Rehearsal and Performance - Original choreography for Images Dance Concert (1 course load over two quarters), two courses of Dance for All (1 course load each), three Level I - I/II courses of Modern/Contemporary Dance technique (0.5 course load each); and Hip Hop (0.5 course load), according to approved syllabi.

- Fulfilling all responsibilities associated with teaching assigned courses, including:

• a. Conducting and appearing at all assigned class meetings in a timely and prepared manner that demonstrates a command of the discipline and skill in presenting it effectively;
• b. Assigning and evaluating assignments that align with the course description and course learning outcomes, and providing timely feedback to students;
• c. Holding regular weekly office hours;
• d. Submitting student grades that are appropriate, accurate and fair measures of student performance to the Office of the Registrar by the designated deadline;
• e. Administering numerical and narrative evaluations for all courses;
• f. Where applicable, teaching from an approved syllabus for the University Core courses assigned;
• g. Serving as an advisor to a reasonable number of students, commensurate with the full-time equivalency of the appointment, by providing informed advice to those students;
• h. Create an original dance, preferably hip hop or a non western dance form including a modern/contemporary fusion form, on 10 or more Intermediate/Advanced dancers for Images 2027;
• i. Participate in Images audition (tentatively scheduled for late afternoon/evening of September 29) and conduct all assigned rehearsals.
• j. Communicate with Images Director for all logistical needs and, after performance, assess and report student performance to Images director.

SERVICE (5%)
Faculty Handbook section 3.6.3.3 defines service as "fostering and advancing the mission and goals of the department, the University, or the profession through contributions other than teaching and scholarship or creative work such as service on committees, participation in professional organizations and activities, and community service performed in virtue of their professional expertise or association with the University." Service may more specifically include attending department meetings, serving on committees, advising student organizations and honor societies, taking part in student recruitment/orientation efforts, and contributing to the accreditation or program assessment.
To respect the time and commitment of lecturers, service expectations must be commensurate with the full-time equivalency of the appointment. Additional service must be included through an assignment letter as part of the faculty member's formal written appointment.

Other minimal instructional or academic duties may be assigned by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences or the Chair of the Department.

REQUESTED APPLICATION MATERIALS:
Please submit the following documents by June 5, 2026
Applications must be submitted using the university's online application process. Letters of recommendation and additional documentation should be addressed to David Popalisky, Interim Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance.

1) A letter of interest specifying teaching experience, philosophy and choreography experience and
qualifications.
2) Curriculum Vitae - to include Choreographic record.
3) Samples of previous choreography either on DVD or available on the internet.
4) A two-paragraph statement outlining a proposed hip hop or a non western dance form including a modern/contemporary fusion form dance to be set on 10 or more SCU Intermediate/Advanced dancers. Please include possible themes and address your rehearsal creative working process.

Please contact David Popalisky [dpopalisky@scu.edu] with any questions.

Applicants will upload all of their information into Workday, with the exception of confidential letters of reference. Those letters must be emailed to Academic Department Manager Ruth Mikusko [rmikusko@scu.edu]. The department will upload them into Workday.

Please note that your employment is subject to the terms of a collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 ("Local 1021"); see https://www.scu.edu/provost/faculty-affairs/cba-ntt/).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Course Descriptions
Fall quarter 2026 (Sept 21-Dec 11, 2026)

DANC 9 Dance for All

MWF 2:15 - 3:20pm

An introductory level Dance class for all majors and levels of experience, Dance for All invites everyone to experience the healthy physical and emotional joy of dancing. Exploring historical, contemporary, social and folk dances from across times, genres and styles, students will create, practice, analyze, critique and reflect on the meaning, power and impact of movement. Primarily focusing on embodied learning (you will be moving in each class), the course concludes with an original dance creation in a "collision" of styles. (4 units)

DANC 47 Modern Contemporary Dance I/II

MWF 11:45am - 12:50pm

Introductory course in modern/contemporary dance fundamentals with no previous training required. Introduces the expressive potential of dance through modern/contemporary dance technique. Emphasis on technique, flexibility, coordination, strength, and alignment practiced through standing and floor exercises. Creative movement improvisation explores movement qualities of motion. (2 units)

DANC 29/129 Rehearsal and Performance - Fall and Winter quarter
Audition date and regular rehearsal times to be determined.
Active participation in the preparation and performance of departmental productions as actors, assistants to the director, dancers, and choreographers. Individual design/technical assignments. May be repeated for a total of 8 units. Prerequisite: Approval of director of production. (2 units)

Winter quarter 2027 (Jan 4 - Mar 19, 2027)

DANC 9 Dance for All

MWF 1-2:05pm

DANC 46 Modern/Contemporary Dance I

MWF 10:30-11:35am

Introductory course in modern/contemporary dance with no previous training required. Introduces the expressive potential of dance through modern/contemporary dance technique. Emphasis on flexibility, strength, and alignment practiced through standing and floor exercises. Movement improvisation explores qualities of motion. (2 units)

Spring quarter 2027 (Mar 29 -Jun 10, 2027)

DANC 39 Hip Hop

MWF 9:15-10:20am

Introductory course to street dance style performed to hip-hop music. Introduces the body to strong isolated movement, coordination, and dance combinations that will include floor work. (2 units)

DANC 47 Modern Contemporary Dance I/II

MWF 11:45am - 12:50pm

Telecommute

Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination

Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy or related conditions, reproductive health decisionmaking, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. For a complete copy of Santa Clara University's equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX website at https://www.scu.edu/title-ix/.

Clery Notice of Availability

Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please visit the Campus Safety Services website. To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at (408) 554-4441. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Consistent with its obligations under the law, Santa Clara University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources ADA Team at hraccommodations@scu.edu or by phone at (408)554-5750. Please note: This contact information is intended for accommodation requests only. Resumes or inquiries about application status sent to this inbox will not be reviewed or forwarded. For resumes or questions regarding application status, please contact hrservicedesk@scu.edu.

Work Authorization:

SCU does not sponsor any applicants for work visas for this position. The successful candidate must be able to provide evidence of identity and legal authorization to work in the United States.