About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

About the Department of Theater

The Department of Theater produces high-caliber, artistic creations on stage, telling human stories that connect audiences and performers in our increasingly media-centric world. We model and practice professional theater-making at every level of our teaching and production process. The Department offers a BA major, a minor, and a Multicultural Theater Certificate, as well as MFA programs in Directing, Dramaturgy, and Design. Our productions are a laboratory for our students, and we welcome campus community members to be artists and audiences with us. 

Job Description

The University of Massachusetts Amherst Department of Theater seeks a full-time non-tenure track Lecturer of Lighting Design, with the position slated to begin September 1, 2026.  This is a two-year initial appointment with the possibility of renewal. Specializing in lighting design, the successful candidate will be a committed teacher and an impressive professional practitioner who will bring experience and vision to the Department. The successful candidate will be an excellent collaborator with the expertise and knowledge to teach lighting design at the graduate and undergraduate level.

Responsibilities: Develop and teach foundation and advanced courses in lighting design and drafting; contribute other specialties to complement departmental offerings; oversee the lighting design of the department’s main stage season, which includes the mentoring and supervision of student designers; collaborate with all production areas and work closely with the lighting shop staff including the Stage Lighting Supervisor. 

Requirements

MFA in Lighting Design or terminal degree in related field by time of hire; demonstrated excellence in teaching lighting design at the college level; substantial experience as a professional lighting designer at the regional and/or national level; evidence of ongoing creative achievement; an ability to collaborate across disciplines and build community partnerships; a working knowledge of the technical aspects of lighting.  Projection and/or video design experience are desirable.

Salary Information

The University of Massachusetts Amherst expects to pay within an approximate range between $65,550 and $77,473 for this position. The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on consideration of all relevant factors, including faculty rank and required or relevant certifications, when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.

Please note:

• The low-end of the pay range in all faculty searches at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is the minimum salary for the rank included in the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Massachusetts Society of Professors, UMass Amherst/MTA/NEA.
• The high-end of the pay range reflects an increase above the median of salaries at this rank within the department for faculty who may have multiple years of faculty experience.

Application Instructions

Please upload your cover letter, resume and/or curriculum vitae and a link to your online portfolio, along with a completed application and 3 professional references who will be willing to supply letters of reference upon request. 

Priority Deadline: December 15, 2025

Applications will be accepted until position is filled. Applications received after the priority deadline may not receive full consideration.

Additional Information

This position will start on September 1, 2026. The initial appointment period will be two years. Reappointments in the first four years are at the Dean’s discretion and will be contingent upon both funding availability and satisfactory performance.

This position is a 9-month academic year appointment at 100%FTE with full benefits.

For more information on living, working, and learning in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts please visit:

https://www.umass.edu/faculty-development/prospective-faculty

Position is dependent on available funding.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.