Kansas State University's School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is seeking an experienced and dedicated Costume Designer to join our esteemed faculty as a Professor of Practice at a Full time, 9-month Regular position. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to our dynamic program by supporting a collaborative performing-arts environment. The Costume Designer will mentor students, collaborate with faculty and staff, and bring innovative costume design concepts to life for our productions.
Duties and Responsibilities
The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance has been one of the fastest-growing units at Kansas State University over the past four years, achieving 80% growth during this time. We’re accredited by NAST, NASM, and NADTA and is housed within the College of Arts and Sciences, the “intellectual and academic core of the University” with 23 academic units. A land-grant institution, Kansas State University is a Carnegie “very high research” and “engaged” university with more than 7,000 students who participate in curricular and co-curricular activities offered through the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance.
The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance currently has 337 graduate and undergraduate Music majors pursuing the B.M., B.A., B.M.E. and M.M. degrees; 86 Theatre graduate and undergraduate majors pursuing the B.A., B.S., and M.A degrees; 51 secondary majors in dance; and hundreds of students enrolled in minors and certificate. The school has 72 faculty and staff, is supported by a Director and 4-Associate Directors, a full-time academic advisor, and four full-time administrative staff members.
Kansas State University is a distinguished public, land-grant institution renowned for the excellence of its faculty, students, staff, academic programs, research, and service. It is a three-campus system with the main campus located in Manhattan and the other campuses in Olathe and Salina. Online degree programs, professional development conferences and workshops, and enrichment classes and programs are offered through the K-State Global Campus. The university has over 20,000 students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. K-State was recognized by the Princeton Review as one of America’s best colleges and U.S. News & World Report lists the university among the top 75 public universities in the U.S. The mission of K-State is to foster excellent teaching, research, extension, and service that develop a highly skilled and educated citizenry necessary to advancing the well-being of Kansas, the nation, and the international community.
K-State is centered on a 664-acre campus in Manhattan located 50 miles west of the state capital of Topeka and 125 miles west of Kansas City in the rolling Flint Hills. Manhattan provides access to a wide range of educational, cultural, medical, and recreational programs and facilities. The local economy is bolstered by K-State and its proximity to Fort Riley, a large U.S. Army installation, and is the home of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF).
Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits
This position is On-site.
Minimum Qualifications:
The degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.
Preferred Qualifications:
Sponsorship eligibility:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship
Please submit the following documents:
1. Cover letter highlighting your interest in the position and qualifications.
2. Resume or CV detailing relevant academic and professional experience.
3. Digital portfolio showcasing your costume design work.
4. Contact information for three professional references.
Applications close on: January 18, 2026
$55,000 - $60,000 annually
Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements. An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.
Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.
Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.
The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.
*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.
To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.
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