Description
Job Description:
The
Media Arts Department of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design seeks
dynamic and engaging candidates for a full time faculty position 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 a
passionate and energetic faculty member who is dedicated to art education and
creative practice. The successful candidate will teach a full-time load of
three classes per semester, advise students, provide administrative support,
and serve on college committees. Courses taught may include technical and
conceptual topics and issues over a broad
range of levels, from Intro to Animation to Advanced Animation Seminar. The
position begins mid-August 2017 and reports to the Chair of Media Arts. MCAD offers renewable, long-term contracts based on
a clearly defined peer-review process.
Candidate qualifications:
Applicants should hold a
Masters degree and/or demonstrate an equivalent level of professional
achievement. The
candidate will be conversant with the production of both traditional 2D character
and 3D animation. Production experience in the areas of character design,
storyboarding, concept development, lighting, 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 ideal candidate will have a
working knowledge of both Adobe Creative Suite software and Maya, although
those with a professional level of proficiency with either set of tools should
feel encouraged to apply.
Previous teaching
experience is preferred but not required, although the ability to communicate and
function within a highly collaborative environment is necessary.
Animation Program Description:
MCAD’s
Animation program is not a specialist’s program; students receive a broad
introduction to multiple conceptual, technical and material approaches. The
success of this approach is now reflected in the fact that Animation is the
largest of the four areas in the Media Arts department with 70 current majors. It
has slowly and steadily grown in popularity so that it is now the second
largest program 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.
The
successful candidates will also have:
- An ability to inspire and motivate students
- Enthusiasm for innovative teaching methods
such as experiential and interactive learning
- An interest in collaboration and experimental projects
with studio colleagues
- An
enthusiasm for building a strong program grounded in experiential and active
learning
- Support
for the liberal arts as an integrated curriculum with the studio program
- A
communication style that recognizes multiple and diverse points of view
MCAD/Twin
Cities
Founded in 1886, the Minneapolis College of Art and
Design is a private, nonprofit teaching institution located in the Twin Cities.
MCAD is an independent, accredited institution with 13 BFA degree programs in
Fine Arts, Media Arts, and Design, a BS degree in Entrepreneurial Studies, as
well as an established MFA program and online degrees. 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. 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, and are home to many celebrated international advertising and design
companies. Major sports teams in football, men and women’s basketball, baseball,
and hockey complement the arts. Bicycling Magazine recently named Minneapolis one
of the most bike friendly cities in America.
MCAD offers a flexible and comprehensive benefit
plan including medical, dental and 403(b) pension plans. After six months of service faculty receive
free MCAD tuition for themselves, spouse and dependent children, and dependents
may be eligible for free tuition at more than 600 colleges nation-wide.
Deadline:
Priority will be given to those who respond by Monday, January 09, 2017.
To ensure full consideration, complete application
materials must be received by January 09, 2017. Preliminary interviews will be conducted
by Skype. A background check will be made prior
to employment.
Applications should include:
1. Letter
of application stating how experience and credentials fulfill the requirements
for this position
2. Curriculum
vitae
3. Statement
of teaching philosophy
4. May
include URL of professional website
5. Complete
information for three professional references: names, institutional
affiliations, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers
6. Transcript
of degree, showing coursework appropriate to position (copies are acceptable);
official transcript required prior to employment.
7.
Salary
requirements
8. Reel
of professional and creative work submitted on a password protected Vimeo site.
Applicants can set up a Basic Vimeo account for free (vimeo.com). A Basic account
allows for 500mb of video uploads per week and password protection for
designated videos.
9. Five
examples of student animations (if applicable) on a password protected Vimeo
site
10. Include
Vimeo password
Electronic
application procedure:
- Submit all
materials in a single PDF file in the order as listed above (1-7).
- Limit PDF file to
size to 15MB or less and title the file as follows:
last name_first name_ma_faculty.pdf
- Only complete applications will be eligible
for consideration.
EOE