Lecturer of Sculpture

Critical Playground LLC; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 4,800 - 5,900; Part time

Job summary

University of Colorado Denver is seeking a Lecturer of Sculpture in the College of Arts & Media (CAM). The position entails teaching one or two 3-credit courses per term, with in-class hours around 5.5 per week per course and additional prep time.

The role reports to the Visual Arts Department Chair and collaborates with Sculpture and Art Practices areas. Minimum qualifications include MFA in Sculpture or related field and 1 year teaching experience; preferred candidates have 2–3 years

Qualifications

• MFA in Sculpture, Studio Arts, Digital Media or Architecture or relevant course of study.
• 1 year teaching experience
• Experience developing and enforcing safe studio practices
• Evolving personal art practice (1-5 years experience as a practicing artist)
• 2-3 years teaching experience (preferred)
• Multidisciplinary personal art practice (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Instructing students to use sculpture as a tool for creative expression
• Evaluating sculptural projects for conceptual and technical merit
• Introducing students to diverse processes, media and equipment to advance their creative practice and self-expression skills.

Education

MFA in Sculpture, Studio Arts, Digital Media or Architecture or relevant course of study

Job description

Position Details

University of Colorado | Denver

Faculty Level/Title: Lecturer

Working Title: Lecturer of Sculpture

FTE: .225 per 3 credit course

Salary Range: $5,371.19 per 3 credit course

Position #00660552 – Requisition #41603

Join the University of Colorado Denver

Millions of moments start at CU Denver, a place where innovation, research, and learning meet in the heart of a global city. We're the state's premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top-ranked bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learners—at any stage of their life and career—for transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work. As part of the state's largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment, visit ucdenver.edu.

Job Description

At the College of Arts & Media (CAM), we empower a diverse community of makers, scholars, and innovators to thrive in the rapidly evolving creative industries. Through a dynamic blend of critical inquiry, creative exploration, and real-world engagement, CAM prepares students for lives filled with opportunity, meaning, and purpose. Rooted in community and driven by a spirit of intellectual and artistic freedom, CAM embraces risk-takers, visionaries, and cultural disruptors by providing access to cutting-edge technology, global perspectives, and a nurturing environment where bold ideas flourish. CAM offers top-ranked degrees and programs in Film & Television, Media Forensics, Music & Entertainment, and Visual Arts.

Lecturer appointments are at-will and teaching assignments are determined on a semester by semester basis. Teaching assignments may fluctuate and are contingent upon the schedule of courses offered each term.

Lecturer of Sculpture

What you will do:

Teach one or two 3-credit courses

In class hours = 5.5 hours per week per course + other outside of class hours for preparation and planning, approximately 7-10 hours per week per course.

This position reports to the Visual Arts Department Chair and works closely with the Sculpture and Art Practices areas.

Examples of Work Performed:

• Instructing students to use sculpture as a tool for creative expression
• Evaluating sculptural projects for conceptual and technical merit
• Introducing students to diverse processes, media and equipment to advance their creative practice and self-expression skills.

Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• MFA in Sculpture, Studio Arts, Digital Media or Architecture or relevant course of study
• 1 year teaching experience
• Experience developing and enforcing safe studio practices
• Evolving personal art practice (1-5 years experience as a practicing artist)

Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)

• 2-3 years teaching experience.
• Multidisciplinary personal art practice.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of wood, metal, and or foundry practices through personal professional work and/or previous teaching experience.
• Experience working with a range of creative professionals and students.
• Skills in installation and immersive art, digital fabrication, and/or mold making as shown through personal creative work and/or previous teaching experience.
• Ability to teach and work with a diverse student body.
• Expertise in leading critiques of sculptural work.
• Ability to demonstrate sculptural techniques to students.
• Knowledge of historical and contemporary fine artists, genres, and styles.
• Knowledge of contemporary fine art practice in global context that links screen based technology with studio practice.
• Ability to convey complex artistic theories and concepts to students.
• Ability to foster professional connections for students.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills across multiple teaching modalities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, students, and community partners representing a wide range of perspectives.
• Ability to work autonomously, taking initiative on tasks, and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to outwardly contribute to a respectful, positive, and professional workspace.
• Knowledge of emerging trends and technologies in illustration education and practice.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [e-mail].

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $5,371.19 per 3 credit course.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training. The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

This position is not eligible for overtime compensation. This position is not eligible for benefits.

Application Deadline

Preference will be given to complete applications received by November 14, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Required Application Materials

• Letter of application specifically addressing the position requirements and outlining qualifications.
• Current CV or résumé.
• Link to website that includes a portfolio of 15-20 images of creative work.

Questions should be directed to Melissa Furness, [e-mail].

Background Check Policy

The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational, clinical, research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must, therefore, consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.