Programme Supervisor MFA: Set and Costume Design

Programme Supervisor MFA: Set and Costume DesignStart Date: 4 January 2027

Employment Type: Full-timeClosing date for applications: 31 October 2026Scope of the JobReporting to: Executive Director of University of the Arts SharjahResponsible for: Set and Costume Design provision within postgraduate programmes; Supervising MFA Student Set and Costume Design students for productions; Set and Costume Design for UAS productions (under consideration)Works closely with: Programme Leaders: Production Arts, Acting, Musical Theatre, and Dance.

Also working with the Production Manager and Programme Supervisor Producing.Role Purpose and Strategic ScopeThe Programme Supervisor MFA: Set and Costume Design position (equivalent to an Assistant Professor) at University of the Arts Sharjah (UAS) is a full-time role focused on teaching Set and Costume Design at the postgraduate level. The successful candidate will be expected to supervise postgraduate students in the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programme (Theatre and Live Performance Creation: Set and Costume Design) and participate as a member of thesis supervisory committees. The faculty member will mentor postgraduate students as necessary and teach a mix of skills in the postgraduate Set and Costume Design concentration classes (e.g., design foundation, history, and design genres/forms). Additionally, they may take on the roles for Set and Costume Design on UAS productions (to be confirmed), and supervise MFA student designers working during UAS productions. The Programme Supervisor MFA: Set and Costume Design has a key role in overseeing the dynamic and safe practice within the delivery of set and costume design-related teaching. This lead role requires a skill set where the candidate has extensive practical experience in their field, and a successful record of accomplishment in course management, leading assessment/feedback, budgeting and effectively leading a team. S/he will work collaboratively alongside the other departments within the Acting, Musical Theatre, Dance and Production Arts programmes and the wider faculty at UAS. The successful candidate will also demonstrate the potential to meet UAS’s expectations for Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity, Teaching, and Service as defined in UAS’s Research and Scholarly Activities policy and Faculty Policies. Maintaining professional engagement at the local, national, and international levels will be encouraged.Duties and ResponsibilitiesReport directly to the Programme Leader Postgraduate Studies, and ultimately the Executive Director, to ensure they are kept well-informed in their areas of responsibility. Implement the development and delivery of all Set and Costume Design courses within the postgraduate programme. Prioritising safe practice will be fundamental alongside developing and inspiring innovative teaching that connects with multidisciplinary training that remains dynamic and relevant to the industry. Organise and facilitate the faculty pertaining to all activities within the Set and Costume Design concentration classes.Collaborate with the postgraduate faculty to administer course assessments to deliver structured feedback that supports and enhances learning and development for Set and Costume courses. Assist the Programme Leader Postgraduate Studies with timetabling and scheduling for Set and Costume Design courses. Assist the Programme Leader Postgraduate Studies in the interview and selection process for hiring additional Designers for productions (as required). Assist the Programme Leader Postgraduate Studies in outreach and student recruitment efforts to ensure sustained high levels of enrolment. The Programme Supervisor MFA: Set and Costume Design may take on additional teaching responsibilities related to the postgraduate programme, including managing curriculum documentation, course files, and course administration to adhere to the institution's quality assurance standards.Key Interactions Working as an integral part of the UAS team, this role involves close collaboration with Programme Leaders, other Supervisors, and Lead Tutors to ensure the highest level of teaching and learning support is provided to students throughout their studies. This collective effort guarantees that courses are executed effectively and efficiently, benefiting students and the broader Sharjah arts community.Qualifications & ExperienceEssentialApplicant must have a Terminal Degree (MFA or PhD) or demonstrate and verify equivalent industry or professional experience, or additional qualifications in professional performing arts education. Applicant must have 8 - 10 years minimum professional theatre experience as a Set and Costume Designer.Must be trained in specialist knowledge of Set and Costume Design (including current design software suites). Previous experience providing feedback. Knowledge and insight into student performance evaluation. Experience with research and scholarly activity, including practice as research. Capable of working autonomously and as an integral part of a diverse, multinational team, while exhibiting the emotional intelligence necessary for such environments. Ability to work on a flexible schedule, which may include evening and weekend work. Excellent organisational, verbal, and written communication skills. Ability to work with Office365 Suite (especially Excel). Flexible approach to curriculum development and andragogy to suit the Academy’s dynamic needs, cultural considerations, and to enhance collaborative education delivery. Must be willing to relocate to the UAE.DesirableDirect industry experience; connections within the theatre and live performance industry for outreach and collaborative purposes. Documented success teaching MFA: Set and Costume Design (or similar course content), and related courses at a post-secondary institution and/or mentoring design students and emerging designers. Documented success in MFA: Set and Costume Design (e.g., industry awards). Clear understanding of schemes of work and preparing classwork while adhering to course and marking systems. Experience working within a multinational, multilingual educational environment. Ability to adapt to a wide range of age groups. Experience writing and delivering courses for postgraduate education. Experience with educational software (e.g., Moodle, Blackboard, Canvas). Experience with additional MFA design areas (i.e., Lighting, Sound, Projection). Ability to work with students from varying cultural backgrounds and abilities. Energetic, driven, creative and dependable. Openness to adapting and developing teaching and creative practices. Second or third language.Core CompetenciesDelivery through: Decision-making and solving problems with the Programme Leader Postgraduate Studies Building teams and communication with students Facilitating change: curriculum development, community culture of creativity and innovation. Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities. Development through: Resilience Driving resultsContextUniversity of the Arts Sharjah (UAS) brings together the creative communities of the performing and visual arts under one academic institution. Established under the vision and commitment of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, UAS further advances Sharjah’s dedication to art, culture, and education.The University comprises two academies, the Academy of Performing Arts and the Academy of Visual Arts, each located on its own campus in University City, Sharjah. It offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the fields of performing and visual arts. UAS is positioned to redefine the performing and visual arts, reflecting cultural identity while promoting artistic excellence and global engagement.University of the Arts Sharjah specialises in preparing graduates for professional practice in the international performing and visual arts industries. Faculty members at UAS are highly experienced practitioners within their respective fields. The University’s focus is practical as well as academic, with an emphasis on equipping graduates with advanced practical skills and the tools to generate their own work or practise successfully.ComplexityUniversity of the Arts Sharjah encompasses both the performing and visual arts and operates with a high level of organisational complexity. Effective coordination across departments and academic programmes is essential to ensure the efficient sharing of resources and the consistent delivery of high-quality teaching and learning across the University.Salaries and BenefitsSalaries in the UAE are tax-free and disbursed monthly in United Arab Emirates dirhams. Staff members receive a competitive benefits package that includes: private medical insurance, a residency visa, and an annual return ticket to their home country. Additionally, eligible staff members, subject to role and salary grade, may receive education allowance support and annual return tickets to their home country for eligible dependants.Additional InformationThe individual in this position is responsible for ensuring compliance with all UAS policies and procedures, including the Workplace Health and Safety and Confidentiality policies. This position is full-time based at the University of the Arts (UAS), University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.The Staff Handbook is an important resource and sets out the expectations and conditions of employment. Selected candidates for this position may request the Staff Handbook, which will be sent to them by email.How to ApplyPlease send a cover letter of no more than two pages and a current CV to careers@uas.ac.ae. Please place ‘Programme Supervisor MFA: Set and Costume Design 2027’ in the email subject line.Applicants should ensure that their cover letter explicitly addresses the required qualifications and experience detailed in this job description. Note: Candidates offered positions at UAS are required to undergo comprehensive background screening and a police check before their employment is finalised.