Assistant/Associate/Professor of Media Arts (Animation)

Job Description:

The Media Arts Department of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design seeks dynamic and engaging candidates for two full time faculty positions in the Animation Program, rank commensurate with experience. Positioned within Media Arts along with Photography, Film, and Web & Multimedia, MCAD’s Animation BFA provides students with a broad historical perspective, fostering an appreciation of animation as an applied and fine art. Given its commitment, the Media Arts Department requires passionate and energetic faculty members who are dedicated to art education and creative practice. The successful candidate will be committed to differentiated instruction to reach all learners. The department strongly encourages applications from candidates who possess an ability to inspire and motivate a diverse student population and who have demonstrated success meeting the needs of underrepresented student populations and/or engagement with diverse communities.

The position begins August 2022. Full-time faculty are required to teach three classes per semester, advise students, provide administrative support, serve on college committees, and maintain active research in the field of animation. Courses taught may include technical and conceptual topics and issues over a broad range of levels, from Introduction to Animation to Advanced Animation Seminar. The position offers renewable, long-term contracts based on a clearly defined peer-review process. The position reports to the Chair of the Media Arts Department.

Animation Program Description:

MCAD’s Animation program provides a broad introduction to multiple conceptual, technical and material approaches as well as a variety of advanced classes focusing on different disciplines and techniques for utilizing animation to tell stories. The success of this approach is reflected in the fact that Animation is the largest of the four areas in the Media Arts department and is currently the fastest and growing major at MCAD. Students are exposed to both 2D and 3D classical and experimental animation techniques. After completing foundation requirements, students are encouraged to collaborate as well as focus on their individual work through core curriculum courses, intensive workshops, experimental studios, client collaborations and internships. Graduates of the Animation program are ideally equipped to move into the professional world with conceptual and technical skills in the visual staging and communication of ideas.

Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD)

Recognized nationally and internationally for its innovative approaches to art and design education, Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) is home to approximately 800 students from 45 states and 15 countries. Offering a transformative education for creative practitioners of all backgrounds, MCAD prepares students to confidently lead and practice in an ever-evolving world. It’s where students find their personal and professional purpose as creative, cultural leaders.

Founded in 1886, MCAD is located in the heart of the rich art-and-design community of the Twin Cities. The college offers bachelor’s degrees in fourteen disciplines including arts entrepreneurship, design, fine arts, and media arts, one MFA, three online master’s degrees, and continuing education classes for all ages.

MCAD’s four-year graduation rate is among the highest of all art-and-design colleges. Through the core curriculum, students focus on their careers and craft by learning technical and professional skills and developing their creative, intellectual, and leadership capabilities.

Including Emmy-winning directors, Whitney Biennial artists, and Guggenheim fellows, MCAD alumni make an impact. They set new standards across a broad range of creative careers, from independent artist to corporate designer to entrepreneur.

Candidate qualifications:

Applicants must have an MFA or terminal degree in film, animation, gaming, art, or closely related field and/or demonstrate an equivalent level of professional achievement. The candidate will be conversant with the production of animation, and have experience with a wide range of mediums such as traditional, digital, 3D, and stop motion. Production experience in the areas of character design, storyboarding, layout, acting, timing, story and character development, solid drawing, lighting, composition, sound, and editing are desirable as well as the ability to teach conceptual and theoretical histories, readings and discussions related to the broadest definition of animation. The ability to integrate animation techniques with emerging technologies is a plus.

The ideal candidates will have a working knowledge of Toon Boom, Adobe Creative Suite, and Maya, although those with a professional level of proficiency with a portion of these tools should feel encouraged to apply.

Previous teaching experience is strongly preferred but not required, although the ability to communicate and function within a highly collaborative environment is necessary.

Successful candidates will:
  • Be able to inspire and motivate students
  • Possess an enthusiasm for innovative teaching methods such as experiential and interactive learning
  • Present strong interpersonal and collaborative skills
  • Aspire to build a strong program by collaborating with colleagues on pedagogy, curriculum design, and methods of expanding student creativity
  • Support the liberal arts as an integrated curriculum with the studio program
  • Exhibit a communication style that recognizes multiple and diverse points of view
  • Demonstrate knowledge of industry standard practices as well as proficient technical skills
  • Show evidence of artistic achievement in the field of animation
  • Maintain flexibility and have the ability to teach a wide range of classes

Background Check:

This position has been identified as security sensitive and will require a background check. At the discretion of the college, various background checks may be done during the course of employment.

Application:

Application Deadline: Priority will be given to those who respond by January 10, 2022. To ensure full consideration, complete application materials must be received by January 10, 2022. Preliminary interviews will be conducted via Google Meet. A background check will be made prior to employment.

Applications should include:
  • A cover letter that describes the candidate’s interest in the position, relevant qualifications, and a reflection on the candidate’s potential to contribute to a diverse and inclusive environment;
  • A resume or curriculum vitae;
  • Samples of work or related research/scholarship (may include web links);
  • Complete information for three professional references: names, institutional affiliations, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers.

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

MCAD is especially interested in candidates from under-represented groups as well as individuals who have experience with diverse populations who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the MCAD community. Members of the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community are strongly encouraged to apply.