Job Details

Faculty - Assistant Professor of Modern/Contemporary

Position Number: 6638866
Location: Orem, UT
Position Type: Fine and Applied Arts - Theatre and Dance

Faculty - Assistant Professor of Modern/Contemporary

Salary: $63,000.00 - $67,000.00 Annually
Job Type: FT Faculty
Job Number: FY2604996
Closing: 11/19/2025 11:59 PM Mountain
Location: 800 W University Parkway, Orem
Division: VP Academic Affairs

Position Announcement

The Department of Dance invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Modern/Contemporary position, beginning August 2026. We seek an artist-educator with demonstrated strengths in teaching, choreography, and program leadership. Responsibilities include teaching multiple levels of modern/contemporary technique, dance education courses, and core curriculum courses, mentoring students, contributing to administrative duties, and participating in faculty meetings. This tenure-track position requires a sustained commitment to excellence in teaching, ongoing scholarly and/or creative activity, and meaningful service to the department, college, and university.

The mission of the Department of Dance is to foster academic and artistic excellence through an intensive technical and reflective study of dance. Connected through a common core curriculum with several areas of emphasis, our program provides a rich and stimulating environment where students cultivate their technical, aesthetic, creative, and scholarly potential. We value experiences with a variety of teaching methods and curricular perspectives that engage students and promote dance as an artistic and cultural expression with the power to enrich and transform the individual, community, and society.

UVU, located in Orem, Utah, is a comprehensive state institution of higher education with over 46,000 students. Orem is on the western front of the Wasatch Mountains and offers access to numerous outdoor activities including snow sports, hiking, mountain biking, and hunting. The Wasatch Front metropolitan area offers rich cultural opportunities in the arts including world-class music and professional dance companies. The UVU campus is served by a wonderful public transit system, including a rail line that runs along the entire Wasatch Front urban corridor. The UVU School of the Arts has strong ties with other universities and with professionals in the arts in Utah. UVU and the School of the Arts strongly supports undergraduate creative endeavors as well as service learning, offering many opportunities to engage, learn hands on, and make an impact on campus and in the community.

Summary of Responsibilities

Prepares and teaches studio and theory-based dance courses using engaging, diverse methods aligned with measurable objectives. Provides instruction through demonstrations, discussions, experiential learning, and multimedia tools. Choreographs original works and/or re-stages repertory for student performances, directs student performance groups, and coordinates informal and formal concerts. Develops and updates instructional materials such as syllabi, assessments, and course resources. Evaluates student learning through written, oral, practical, and performance-based assessments. Maintains a student-centered approach by holding regular office hours and providing academic advising. Keeps accurate records of student grades, attendance, and progress. Participates in curriculum development and departmental planning to ensure program relevance and effectiveness. Engages students through community projects, field trips, and digital learning platforms. Collaborates with faculty, staff, and administration to support a high-quality, inclusive educational environment.
Devotes time to creative/scholarly/professional activities. Engage in ongoing creative and scholarly activities to support professional growth in modern/contemporary dance and dance education. Stay current in the field by researching and integrating materials from academic and professional sources into teaching. Participate in workshops, residencies, and industry programs to maintain and enhance artistic and pedagogical skills. Contribute original creative work or research that advances the discipline and connects with the professional dance community.
Participates in service to the Dance Department, School of the Arts, and University through committee work and required meetings. Contribute to administrative duties and departmental initiatives. Contributes to the development of departmental goals and supports institutional service efforts.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications

M.F.A. or doctorate, or the foreign equivalent, in dance from an accredited institution. Evidence of professional experience in the dance field. The applicant must have two or more years of experience training and educating pre-professional or professional-level dancers.

Preferred Qualifications
Ideal candidates will have produced creative work and presented professional writing or research in refereed and/or other professional venues. Experience in instructing Laban/Bartenieff.

Documents Needed to Apply
Required:

Curriculum Vitae
Cover Letter
Work Sample (Web Link to Choreography, teaching, or published writing)

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Knowledge

Comprehensive understanding of modern and contemporary dance techniques, choreography, and performance practices
Knowledge of dance pedagogy, curriculum design, and learning theory applicable to K-12 and collegiate dance education.
Familiarity with production elements such as staging, lighting, costuming, and concert planning, including aspects of AI
Understanding of academic structures in higher education, including curriculum development, student advising, and licensure pathways.

Skills

Proficient in teaching modern/contemporary dance technique across all collegiate levels, with adaptability to diverse student populations.
Skilled in choreographing and directing student performances aligned with educational and artistic objectives.
Ability to design and deliver standards-based dance education curricula for various age and skill levels.
Strong organizational and collaborative skills for managing programs, coordinating events, and supporting department initiatives.

Abilities

Ability to inspire, mentor, and challenge students in both studio and academic settings to support artistic and professional growth.
Capacity to contribute to both modern/contemporary and dance education programs through teaching, service, and leadership roles.
Ability to assess student learning, provide constructive feedback, and support diverse learning needs.
Commitment to departmental, college, and university service, including program development, recruitment, and community engagement.
Ability to teach face-to-face and online courses.

EEO Statement:

UVU employment decisions are made on the basis of an applicant's qualifications and ability to perform the job without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or other bases protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/uvu/jobs/5105367/faculty-assistant-professor-of-modern-contemporary

jeid-af089138336f7c46b6846cbe8fa89845