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As the second-largest Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University's eight colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Computer Science & Engineering; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si' campus, stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change-in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 390 Colleges: 2025 Edition, and Best Business Schools: 2024 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre.
To apply
Only applications submitted through the official Careers at SHU site will be accepted for employment consideration. If you are viewing this job advertisement through a different site, please visit Careers at SHU to submit a formal application.
Qualified candidates are invited to submit a complete application and resume via our online application system. A cover letter or statement of interest is also preferred for all staff positions.
Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.
Position Summary
The Director of the Theatre Arts Program (TAP) will be responsible for the day-to-day oversight and guidance of TAP, with a strong focus on fostering student engagement and involvement. Key responsibilities include coordinating rehearsal schedules for all TAP productions, supporting and encouraging student participation across all aspects of theatre, and assisting with the artistic leadership and execution of TAP programming.
The Director will lead the development and implementation of a dynamic and inclusive student theatre program, ensuring opportunities for student-led productions and creative involvement.
A key goal of this role is to enhance the local and national visibility of the Theatre Arts Program.
Additionally, the Director will be expected to either direct, music direct, and/or serve as a piano accompanist for up to two shows.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a growing student theatre program and serve as the advisor to the student theatrical family in areas of theatre.
• Being available on an everyday basis to assist and advise students in the Theatre Arts Program and oversee the student involvement in the program.
• Full recruitment responsibilities, including interview and audition incoming students interested in obtaining a grant and inclusion in the program and all outreach into the high school theatre worlds.
• Preparing all material for the upcoming seasonal theatre programs.
• Engage in retention initiatives for the Theatre Arts Program by actively fostering a supportive, inclusive community that values artistic growth, collaboration, and belonging both within and beyond the ensemble setting. This includes hosting semester meetings with all members of the TAP to provide guidance and support.
• Create and maintain a library of music and material that is accessible to students.
• Accompany and/or musical direct at least two shows per year.
• Assist the Executive Director of Performing Arts in the creation and implementation of new programs and student activities, including student productions and performances.
• Theatre student liaison and support for TAP grant fulfillment obligations.
• Coordination of the rehearsal schedules of all TAP shows.
• Leading the artistic leadership of TAP programming implementation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes

• Minimum Bachelors degree and five years management experience in a performing arts or active live theatre setting. MFA preferred.
• Professional experience within the theatrical industry required.

Unusual Working Conditions
Varied schedule, including nights and weekends.
This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.
Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.