Faculty - Photography

Spenational; Bridgeton (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Louis Community College at Meramec invites applications for an Instructor II / Assistant Professor in photography.

The role includes teaching foundational and advanced courses, developing curricula, and maintaining studio spaces, with opportunities to collaborate across fine art and design disciplines. Ideal candidates bring formal training in photography, a strong teaching background, and active involvement in exhibitions.

Qualifications

• MFA in Photography or related field from an accredited institution.
• Ability to teach courses in photographic practice, history, and theory at the college level.
• Preferred: active exhibition record and supervision experience.

Responsibilities

• Teach a range of photography courses from foundational to advanced levels.
• Develop and update program curriculum to align with four-year schools.
• Maintain and manage studio, computer, and darkroom spaces.
• Recruit and mentor adjunct faculty and supervise student workers.
• Advise students and participate in program assessment and accreditation.

Skills

Teaching ability

Course planning

Portfolio development guidance

Education

MFA in Photography, or closely related field

Two+ years full-time college teaching

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Lightroom

Video editing software

Job description

Location: Bridgeton, MO
Posted: September 29, 2026
Application Deadline: December 31, 2037

This is an onsite position located in the St. Louis, Missouri area. Candidates should apply only if they are able to be physically present and available to work onsite by the start date.

The position will remain open until a sufficient pool of qualified candidates is established.

The first round of reviews will begin October 23, 2026.

St. Louis Community College at Meramec seeks a full-time Instructor II / Assistant Professor to teach and oversee an AFA degree program in photography within a NASAD-accredited art & design department. Individuals with a teaching background and working expertise in analog and digital photographic formats, the history of photography, and alternative media are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will teach both foundation digital and darkroom photography courses, more advanced and specialized classes, and maintain a wet lab and digital classroom. This position offers an opportunity to interact and collaborate with students and educational colleagues across a range of fine art and design disciplines, providing formative instruction and experiences that can lead to success in a variety visual media. Applicants with additional background in video, interactive design, and new media formats are encouraged to apply. This faculty member will also contribute to curriculum development, maintain equipment, advise students, collect and report assessment data, serve on committees, and support continuing institutional accreditation efforts.

Primary Duties Performed

• Teach a range of courses across the photography curriculum, including beginning, intermediate, and specialized courses.
• Develop and update program curriculum, to maintain a degree that meets the needs of four-year schools and the current rigors of the discipline.
• Maintain and anticipate the material needs of both a studio classroom, a computer classroom and a large darkroom space.
• Repair equipment, as necessary.
• Create academic schedules and assign faculty to courses.
• Recruit and support adjunct faculty members within daytime and evening assignments.
• Undertake short-term and long-term departmental and discipline planning.
• Maintain a budget line.
• Participate in student advising.
• Encourage and support students during their academic journey.
• Recruit new students to the program.
• Provide guidance to students in portfolio development, exhibition preparation, and career development.
• Train and oversee the activities of student lab workers.
• Approve required and recommended course materials.
• Maintain an active personal creative and/or scholarly practice that informs teaching.
• Serve on department, campus, and/or institutional committees.
• Undertake annual program assessments, regular program reviews, and contribute to departmental accreditation activities.
• Maintain a relationship with the professional photography community and local businesses.
• Collaborate with other faculty within and across disciplines to widen learning opportunities.

Qualifications/Experience

• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Photography, or a closely related field in visual art from an accredited institution.
• A demonstrated ability to teach courses in photographic practice, history, and theory at the collegiate level.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of full-time college-level teaching experience (or equivalent)
• An active exhibition record in photography-based media
• Experience in supervising other faculty and student workers
• In-depth experience in both analog and digital printing practices
• Proficiency with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom
• Experience with video editing or motion media software

Working Conditions: N/A

Physical Requirements: N/A