Instructor/Assistant Professor of Illustration (Full-time term appointment, non-tenure track)

Ferris State University; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 39,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

An established institution seeks a passionate Instructor/Assistant Professor of Illustration to join its dynamic faculty team. This role involves teaching a diverse range of courses, mentoring students, and contributing to the development of a robust illustration program. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in both traditional and digital illustration techniques, a commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment, and a dedication to continuous professional growth. This is a unique opportunity to inspire the next generation of artists and designers while engaging in meaningful community service and collaboration within a vibrant academic setting.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Professional Development Opportunities

Flexible Work Schedule

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field or significant professional experience.
• Minimum six years of professional-level practice in illustration.

Responsibilities

• Teach a range of courses in the BFA Illustration Program.
• Engage in student advising and curriculum development.

Skills

2D Design

Drawing

Painting

Illustrator

Photoshop

Procreate

InDesign

Digital Photography

Education

Master's Degree in a Related Field

Bachelor's Degree with Experience

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Procreate

Adobe InDesign

Job description

Position Title:	Instructor/Assistant Professor of Illustration (Full-time term appointment, non-tenure track)
Location:	Grand Rapids (Kendall)
Department:	92120 - KCAD Illustration
Advertised Salary:	Instructor: $39,000, Assistant Professor: $58,000 pursuant to the KCAD of FSU/KFA Agreement
Benefits:	Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position. KCAD Faculty Benefits
FLSA:	Exempt
Temporary/Continuing:	Temporary
Part-Time/Full-Time:	Full-Time
Union Group:	Kendall Faculty Association (MEA-NEA)
Term of Position:	9 Month
At Will/Just Cause:	Just Cause
Summary of Position:	Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University (KCAD) in Grand Rapids, MI prepares artists and designers to have impact through practice. Fulltime faculty members at KCAD teach 18 semester credit hours per academic year, typically 3 courses each fall and spring semester. As a KCAD term appointment faculty member, you will engage in three kinds of professional development: continuous improvement in teaching effectiveness, creative and/or scholarly contribution within your discipline, and a college service commitment that includes committee work and community engagement for the advancement of KCAD's mission. You will actively advise students regarding their academic plan and progress as well as their co-curricular and post-graduation opportunities. This is a full-time, term (temporary), non-tenure-track faculty appointment with the possibility of renewal. Courses are to be taught in person on KCAD's campus in Grand Rapids. The candidate(s) selected for the position must reside in Michigan after acceptance of employment. The Illustration Program challenges students to express ideas, engage the narrative, and communicate specifically and effectively both traditionally and digitally. A course of study emphasizing the history, technique, production, and critique of illustration prepares graduates for a wide variety of opportunities in illustration including natural science illustration, children's book illustration, comic book, editorial, and freelance work. Teaching assignments within the BFA Illustration Program include a full range of technical, aesthetic, and theoretical subjects from beginning to advanced level.
Position Type:	Faculty - Temporary & Continuing
Required Education:	Master's degree in a related field to content being taught or: Master's degree in unrelated field and additional minimum of 18 graduate credits in a field related to the content being taught or: A bachelor's degree in a related field to content being taught, a minimum of six years of experience working in the field of industry of the content area being taught, and a combination of: * Evidence of recognized accomplishment in area being taught, including awards, bibliography of publication referencing design or art work or scholarship or; * Evidence of scholarly/creative accomplishment in terms of completed design work, patents, exhibitions, presentations, publication, and juried recognition at the regional, national and international level or; * Evidence of service to the field in terms of memberships on committees or boards of professional organizations and other contributions to the field.
Required Work Experience:	Minimum of six (6) years professional-level practice in the field of illustration. Proficiency in both traditional and digital methods of creating illustrations. Experience working with clients, including but not limited to concept and narrative design.
Required Licenses and Certifications:
Physical Demands:	Office Environment Bending Carrying Sitting Standing
Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:	Prior teaching experience (adjunct or full-time) Knowledge concerning illustration history, contemporary market, research methods, and professional practices
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:	Participate in program and curriculum development and assessment Prepare and distribute syllabi according to college standards Teach an appropriate course load as assigned Assess and evaluate student learning and provide formative feedback Keep regular posted office hours Advise students for academic and professional development Participate in service to the college and in shared governance Participate in academic functions including commencement Contribute to the college's continuous improvement Maintain effective communication with students and colleagues. Work collaboratively with faculty, students and staff throughout the college Contribute to your discipline's discourse(s) Engage in scholarly, creative and professional development Engage in reflective self-assessment for improvement, renewal and promotion Demonstrate an understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion, especially in working relationships with students, faculty staff, and community members Support, promote, and develop University student enrollment and retention initiatives Perform any other duties assigned within the position classification area
Marginal Duties/Responsibilities:
Skills and Abilities:	Proficiency in 2D design, drawing and painting, using both traditional and digital methods Proficiency in illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate, and InDesign, as well as digital photography Evidence of ability to teach/engage in contemporary critical theory and criticism Demonstrated commitment, experience and understanding for diversity, equity and inclusion
Required Documents:	Cover Letter Curriculum Vitae Unofficial Transcript 1 Teaching Philosophy Portfolio 1
Optional Documents:
Special Instructions to Applicants:	Unofficial Transcript 1 (Required): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcripts of degree as described in the Required Education section. Transcripts must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, and degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript. Portfolio 1 (required): Portfolio of personal creative work (twenty images or link to personal website) and artist's statement.
Initial Application Review Date:	March 3, 2025
Open Until Position is Filled?:	Yes
Posting Close Date:
EEO Statement:	Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University's Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.
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