Art Department: Visual Art Theory and Writing Lecturer Pool

University of California - Santa Cruz; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 8,872 - 10,912; Part time

Job summary

A local community college in Santa Cruz is seeking a Pre-six Visual Art Theory and Writing Lecturer. The successful candidate will teach courses in visual art theory and writing, focusing on diverse student backgrounds and socially engaged work. The role requires an M.F.A. or Ph.D. and preference is given to candidates with substantial exhibition records. This position offers competitive compensation based on course load and is valid for appointments made during the academic years 2025-2026.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to work with students of diverse backgrounds.
• A broad understanding of visual art practices.
• A multidisciplinary orientation in art practice, history, and theory.

Responsibilities

• Teach visual art theory and writing at lower and upper division levels.
• Develop course content for various topics in visual art.
• Contribute to the inclusive excellence of the academic community.

Education

M.F.A. or Ph.D. in a relevant field

University or college teaching experience

Job description

Art Department: Visual Art Theory and Writing Lecturer Pool

Position overview

Position title: Pre‑six Visual Art Theory and Writing Lecturer
Salary range: A reasonable estimate for an appointment to teach a standard five‑credit course is $8,872–$10,912 (based on salary points 1–8). Compensation for Summer Session courses may vary from courses taught during the academic year.
Percent time: Variable, based on the course load assigned.
Anticipated start: Appointments are contingent on the hiring unit’s instructional need and the availability of funding. This recruitment is valid for initial appointments made in fall quarter 2025 through fall quarter 2026. Initial appointments with effective dates outside of this recruitment period will require an alternative open recruitment.
Position duration: Appointments are typically made during one or more quarters of the regular academic year (fall, winter, and spring quarters), but they may also be made during Summer Session.

Application Window

Open date: June 16, 2025
Next review date: Thursday, Dec 4, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Tuesday, Jun 16, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position Description

The Art Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for an ongoing pool of lecturers who may be appointed to teach visual art theory and writing at the lower and/or upper division level. Possible course topics include writing for artists, environmental art, ars erotica, and document and culture.

The department seeks to add to its current strength in the creation of socially and environmentally engaged work. Selected candidates should have a notable exhibition record and professional experience with a contemporary approach to visual art practice. Preference will be given to candidates with any of the following qualifications:

• Proven ability to work with students of diverse backgrounds.
• A broad understanding of the scholarly fields of visual art practices such as performance, social practice, emissive environments, and convergences of design, art, science, and technology.
• A multidisciplinary orientation that engages relevant areas of art practice, art history, and art theory.

Candidates who can contribute to the inclusive excellence of the academic community through their teaching are strongly encouraged to apply.

Internal candidates will be given priority consideration.

Art Department: https://art.ucsc.edu

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at the time the application is submitted)

• M.F.A. or Ph.D. (or equivalent foreign degree) in a relevant field of study (e.g., art, art studies, fine arts, etc.); or four years equivalent professional experience in artistic and creative work consisting of national and/or international record of performances, exhibitions, or installations in museums, galleries, festivals, or alternative venues engaging the general public.
• University or college teaching experience.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter – Letter of application that briefly summarizes your qualifications, areas of expertise, and interest in the position.
• Teaching Statement – Teaching statement appropriate for the students that enroll at UC Santa Cruz. Candidates are urged to review the statement guidelines before preparing their application.
• Description of a Course or a Course Syllabus – Provide a description of a course or course syllabus (large lecture and/or studio) that you have taught or would propose to teach.
• Art Sample – Artwork sample must be submitted in PDF format. Each PDF submission is limited to one image/art sample or a URL link to a single image hosted online (not a gallery page).
• Student Work Sample – Optional.

Reference requirements

• 3–5 letters of reference required. Applications must include confidential letters of recommendation. All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law.

Apply link: https://recruit.ucsc.edu/JPF01956

Help contact: [e-mail]

About UC Santa Cruz

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct. “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at [e-mail] or [phone].

Job location: Santa Cruz, California

To apply, visit https://recruit.ucsc.edu/JPF01956