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: $47,858, benefits eligible, a private office/studio space in the MFA building, and 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 2022/2023. This position is full-time and begins August 2022 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, illustration/comics, 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 2023 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. 

Please Note: As with all MCAD MFA teaching positions, while we're excited to welcome alumni as applicants, we ask that you please wait at least three years after graduation before applying to teach within the MFA Program. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required: MFA degree or equivalent, higher education teaching experience and comfortable working in a very interdisciplinary environment 

Preferred: Strong record of achievement; excellent interpersonal communication skills for working with a broad range of students across varied creative 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 student thinking as they 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 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.

About 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.

MCAD’s community of staff and faculty enjoy a dynamic, creative, and inclusive work environment. MCAD offers a comprehensive benefits package. 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 10, 2022.

To ensure full consideration, complete application materials must be received by 1/10/22. Interviews will be conducted remotely. A background check will be made prior to employment.

Applications should include: 

  1. Cover letter
  2. CV
  3. 1-page teaching philosophy with emphasis on diversity issues
  4. 1-page artist/designer/research statement
  5. 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 computer monitor.
  6. Work description list (title, date, medium, size/duration for each piece)
  7. 1-page with contact information for three professional references (no letters), including names, institutional affiliations, email addresses, and phone numbers.
  8. Copy of degree transcript showing coursework appropriate to position (official transcripts required prior to employment).