Visiting Faculty – Master of Fine Arts

Job description: This is a nine-month visiting faculty position (3/3 load - 2 of these courses are released for administrative duties) with opportunity for renewal (up to, but not exceeding three academic years total) at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design Master of Fine Arts Program.

COMPENSATION: $46,920, benefits eligible, a private office/studio space in the MFA building, solo exhibition available at MCAD MFA Gallery

POSITION DUTIES: The MFA Program at MCAD seeks applications for the position of Visiting Faculty for academic year 2020/2021. This position is full-time and begins August 2020 and is a nine-month appointment with opportunity for renewal (up to, but not exceeding three academic years total). We are seeking a candidate that has a studio art, design, or community-based practices background (preference to those with interdisciplinary emphasis) and higher education teaching experience. To see the range of media supported by the MFA Program, please visit https://www.mcad-mfa.com/about/ .

This position involves teaching two courses per semester, most of which will be selected from the MFA Program’s required courses (there could be an undergraduate course as needed); read more at https://www.mcad-mfa.com/curriculum/ . In addition to teaching, this position also administers various MFA program series and is responsible for a variety of miscellaneous administrative responsibilities (studio visits, professional practice workshops/event planning, etc.), serves on college committees related to the MFA Program, and assists in recruitment (travel to portfolio days, hosting student groups, outreach, etc.).

The appointment includes a private office/studio and the opportunity for a solo exhibition during summer 2021 in the MFA Gallery. Successful candidates will supply evidence of their capacity to create new and engaging work. This position reports to the Director of the MFA Program. This is a benefits eligible position. If you have questions about the position, please do not hesitate to reach out to director Ellen Mueller at emueller@mcad.edu .

People from underrepresented identities are encouraged to apply. The college is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through their research, teaching, and/or service. Candidates should be able to describe how diversity, equity, and inclusion issues have been and will be brought into courses. Candidates should be able to describe previous activities mentoring members of underrepresented groups.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required: MFA degree or equivalent, higher education teaching experience.

Preferred: Strong record of achievement; comfortable working in a very interdisciplinary environment; excellent interpersonal communication skills for working with a broad range of students across varied art and design practices, and cultural backgrounds.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT: MCAD’s master of fine arts in visual studies program is a community of makers, thinkers, researchers, and creative professionals working in a mentor-based, interdisciplinary environment. Our four-semester curriculum is designed to expand your thinking as you take advantage of the Twin Cities’ vibrant art and design scene. The diverse student body—one with a robust international presence—explores and fulfills social, cultural, and professional needs, as well as entrepreneurial opportunities stretching across practices. Students are encouraged and supported in exploring wide-ranging processes and histories via rigorous studio practice, individual mentorship, research, and intense discourse.

MCAD/TWIN CITIES

Founded in 1886, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a private, nonprofit teaching institution which educates individuals to be professional artists and designers, creative thinkers, cultural leaders, and engaged global citizens. Located in the Twin Cities, MCAD is an independent, accredited institution with 14 undergraduate degree programs, with BFAs in Fine Arts, Media Arts, Design, and BS in Entrepreneurial Studies, and an established MFA program and two online MA degrees. MCAD also offers five minors anchored in the Liberal Arts, Arts Entrepreneurship, and Fine Arts departments. Dedicated to the creative and professional success of its students, MCAD is also an important participant in the Twin Cities' thriving cultural community. The state of Minnesota has long enjoyed and valued a rich cultural life that is furthered by the generous support of numerous private foundations. Ranked as the 16th largest metropolitan area in the nation, the area hosts 18 Fortune 500 Companies and seven of the largest private companies in the country. In 2014, CBRE rated Minneapolis as the greenest city in the nation. Notable cultural institutions include the Walker Art Center, the Guthrie Theater, the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Weisman Art Museum. In addition, the Twin Cities are well known for the quality of their live theater, musical venues, galleries, art film houses and festivals, as well as a full array of professional sports teams.

MCAD’s community of staff and faculty enjoy a dynamic, creative, and inclusive work environment. MCAD offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes: medical, dental, 403(b) retirement plan, commuter benefits, as well as generous time off plans. In addition, after six months of service, full-time employees and their eligible dependents can receive free tuition at MCAD, as well the potential to receive reduced tuition at more than 600 colleges nationwide. MCAD faculty are represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

The mission of MCAD is to transform the world through creativity and purpose. Support that mission through working at MCAD!

Deadline: Screening of applications will begin immediately, and continue until the position is filled. Priority will be given to those who respond by January 6, 2020.

To ensure full consideration, complete application materials must be received by 1/6/20. Interviews will be conducted via GoToMeeting. A background check will be made prior to employment.

Applications should include:
  • PDF cover letter
  • PDF CV
  • PDF 1-page teaching philosophy with emphasis on diversity issues
  • PDF 1-page artist/designer/research statement
  • 15-20 images/work-samples. If submitting any videos or audio recordings, please provide URLs to online sources (do not send files for video or audio). Works will be screened via monitor.
  • PDF work description list (title, date, medium, size/duration for each piece)
  • PDF Contact information for three professional references (no letters at this time), including names, institutional affiliations, email addresses, and phone numbers.
  • Copy of degree transcript showing coursework appropriate to position (official transcripts required prior to employment).

  • Electronic application procedure:
    • Submit all materials in a single PDF file in the order as listed above (1-8).
    • Limit PDF file to size 15MB or less and title the file as follows:
      last name_first name_MFAVF.pdf
    • Email complete application file to position19-36@mcad.edu with applicant’s last name in the subject line
    • All correspondence regarding the search will be conducted via email. Please send any inquiries to position19-36@mcad.edu and include job FAS Faculty Search in all correspondence.
    • Only complete applications will be eligible for consideration.

    EOE