Photography-Assistant Professor

Western New Mexico University; Silver City (NM); On-site; USD 62,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Western New Mexico University in Silver City, NM invites applications for a photography faculty position. Lead the photography studio and laboratory, develop curriculum, and strengthen the art program through interdisciplinary partnerships with Graphic Design, Sculpture, Ceramics, and Painting/Drawing.

The role includes teaching a 12-credit-hour course load per semester, mentoring students, advising majors/minors, maintaining equipment, and collaborating across departments.

Qualifications

• MFA with an emphasis in Photography and demonstrated expertise.
• College teaching experience required.
• Strong active creative photography practice and exhibition record.
• Portfolio and examples of student work must be submitted with application.
• Bilingual Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach a 12-credit-hour course load per semester through lectures and studio instruction.
• Mentor students via meaningful critiques and guidance on artistic development.
• Develop and update syllabi, rubrics, and studio projects to meet program needs.
• Advise art majors/minors and mentor portfolios/exhibitions.
• Operate and maintain the photography laboratory and ensure safety compliance.
• Collaborate with faculty across studio areas on interdisciplinary projects.
• Lead educational art trips to galleries/museums and contribute to workshops/online content.
• Participate in program assessment to improve instruction and curriculum.
• Maintain an active creative photography practice and scholarly activity.
• Serve on committees and perform assigned duties as needed.

Skills

Teaching

Mentoring

Curriculum development

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Studio management

Art critique

Education

MFA in Photography

Tools

Canvas

Job description

Use appropriate teaching methods to facilitate student learning in photography and related courses. Lead the photography studio and laboratory, maintaining photography as the primary discipline while supporting potential curriculum development in contemporary lens-based, time-based, and interdisciplinary media. Strengthen the established art program and build connections with Graphic Design, Sculpture, Ceramics, and Painting/Drawing.

Duties

• Teach a 12-credit-hour course load per semester through lectures, studio presentations, demonstrations, and related instruction. Studio courses are 4 credit hours.
• Conduct meaningful one-on-one and group critiques of student work; mentor students in developing their artistic vision, studio habits, and personal work.
• Develop and update syllabi, grading rubrics, and studio projects; adapt instruction to departmental needs and contribute to photography and expanded media curriculum development.
• Advise students pursuing art majors and minors and mentor them in professional photographic practices, careers in art, portfolio development, and exhibitions.
• Operate and maintain the photography laboratory, equipment, and supplies; maintain a safe studio that complies with applicable state and federal safety regulations.
• Collaborate with faculty across studio areas to support interdisciplinary projects and student learning.
• Lead educational art trips to galleries and museums; contribute to summer workshops and Expressive Arts web content as appropriate.
• Participate in program and studio assessment and use findings to improve instruction and curriculum.
• Maintain an active creative photography practice and exhibition record; pursue scholarship and professional activities appropriate to a small teaching university, with opportunities for undergraduate participation.
• Participate in departmental and university committees, special projects, and professional contributions within areas of expertise.
• Perform assigned administrative and supervisory functions, including supervision of assigned staff under WNMU personnel practices; maintain effective communication, professional development, and professional standards and ethics.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Background

Required Qualifications

MFA with an emphasis in Photography, with demonstrated expertise in photography. College teaching experience and a strong, active creative photography practice and exhibition record are required. Applicants must submit a portfolio and examples of student work with their online application. Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Analog and darkroom photography
• Experimental or alternative photographic processes
• Expanded media practices, including time-based media and related approaches
• Installation and projection
• Interdisciplinary approaches to studio practice

Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is preferred.

Job Knowledge

Expert hands-on knowledge of the technical and aesthetic aspects of photography and design, with a broad knowledge of art history and contemporary art. Ability to critique artwork thoughtfully, engage a diverse student population at an open-enrollment university, and collaborate with students, faculty, and campus administration. Positive, supportive interpersonal and communication skills; ability to teach effective studio habits and adapt to departmental instructional needs. Knowledge of university policies and procedures, ability to manage multiple deadlines accurately, and sensitivity to cultural differences within the university and community. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required; hands-on Canvas experience and knowledge of current teaching research and pedagogy are desirable. Existing resources include a shared Photography/Graphic Design computer lab, a traditional darkroom, photographic lighting and equipment, institutional software and computer resources, and Webb Theater for projection, installation, critique, and interdisciplinary work.

Working Conditions/ Physical Demands (With or Without Accommodations)

Normal classroom, office, and photography studio and laboratory environments. May be required to lift and transport photographic equipment and materials. Work includes reading screens and printed materials, communicating with students and colleagues, operating photographic and computer equipment, and identifying equipment or studio conditions requiring attention. Activities may involve typing, writing, standing, reaching, bending, crouching, walking, kneeling, and prolonged sitting. May be required to work additional hours or days depending on circumstances.

Location

Silver City-On Campus

Salary Range

$61,514 w/o terminal degree to $66,724 w terminal degree

Length of Contract

9 Months

EEO Statement

Western New Mexico University ( WNMU ) provides equal opportunity for employment for all qualified applicants. WNMU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, spousal affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal and state law.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * This position requires both college-level teaching experience and an active, exhibited photography practice. Do you meet both of these requirements?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Please list which of these you have experience in:
  • Analog and darkroom photography
  • Experimental or alternative photographic processes
  • Expanded media practices, including time-based media and related approaches
  • Installation and projection
  • Mixed-media approaches
  • Hybrid analog/digital processes
  • Interdisciplinary approaches to studio practice

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Do you possess advanced proficiency across all of the following studio practices and techniques?
  • Photography
  • Digital editing and photographic workflow
  • Printing and photographic output
  • Studio lighting
  • Photography lab operation and maintenance
  • Professional photographic practices
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have a MFA with an emphasis in Photography, with demonstrated expertise in photography?
  • Yes
  • No