Studio Art (Two-Dimensional) Affiliate Instructor

Metropolitan State University of Denver; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 1,741,286 - 2,041,603; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Tuition reimbursement

Free RTD pass

Job summary

Metropolitan State University of Denver is inviting applications for part-time affiliate faculty positions in Studio Art. The successful candidate will teach courses in foundational studio practices, focusing on diverse artistic media while contributing to a dynamic art program.

This role emphasizes teaching in person, engaging with a diverse group of students, and requires a professional portfolio along with a strong educational background in Art.

Qualifications

• BFA/BA in Art with a professional portfolio and three years of teaching experience.
• MFA/MA in Art preferred, or substantial teaching experience outlined in the cover letter.
• Experience engaging diverse student populations.

Responsibilities

• Teach classes in studio foundations and media techniques.
• Prepare course materials and deliver engaging instruction.
• Grade student work and provide timely feedback.

Skills

Teaching experience in Art

Portfolio presentation

Sensitivity to diverse student needs

Education

BFA/BA in Art or related field

MFA/MA in Art or related field (preferred)

Job description

Position Summary

The Department of Art at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) invites applications for part-time affiliate faculty teaching positions in Studio Art, two-dimensional media. MSU Denver is NASAD accredited and offers study in interdisciplinary artistic practices as well as media-specific coursework. The successful candidate will be interested in teaching classes that contribute to the contemporary focus of our Studio Art program.

For more information about the Department of Art in our College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, please visit: https://www.msudenver.edu/art.

Responsibilities

Teach one to three classes in studio foundations, drawing, painting, printmaking, or other media as appropriate. Must be available to teach in person on campus.

An affiliate faculty member’s duties may also include, but are not limited to: teaching assigned classes in person or online by delivering course content to students, preparing course materials and lesson plans, grading student work, providing students with robust feedback in a timely manner, addressing student questions consistent with university, college/school, and department policies, and providing online or in-person academic support to students as needed and appropriate for the teaching assignment; providing instruction in assigned classes consistent with the content and learning objectives of the regular course syllabus and, if required, with department course coordination policies; and complying with university-wide student evaluation of instruction policies and peer observation policies. The ability to adapt and learn new modes of instruction is highly encouraged. Candidates need to be sensitive to the educational needs of a diverse student population.

Required Qualifications

BFA/BA in Art (or a closely related field) with an active professional portfolio, local or national recognition, and at least three years of teaching and/or professional experience in Art (or a closely related field) clearly outlined in a cover letter.

Preferred Qualifications

• MFA in Art (or a closely related field) or MA in Art (or a closely related field) with an active professional portfolio. In exceptional cases, BFA/BA in Art (or a closely related field) with an active professional portfolio, significant local or national recognition, and over three years of higher education teaching and/or professional experience in Art or Design clearly outlined in a cover letter.
• Experience in teaching contemporary approaches to art, creative research, and critical thinking.
• Experience working with and sensitivity to the needs of a diverse urban student population including (but not limited to) students of color, LGBTQIA students, students from low-income backgrounds, first‑generation students, students with disabilities, undocumented students, non‑traditional students, student veterans, and English language learners.

Terms of Employment

Affiliate faculty are part‑time, at‑will employees hired to teach on a per credit hour basis for specific classes, usually on a semester‑by‑semester basis. Affiliate faculty are not eligible for benefit coverage under the University’s benefit program. All such teaching assignments are dependent on budget and enrollment. Qualified candidates will be expected to teach in person/on campus upon hire.

Salary for Announcement

The final salary is based on the number of credit hours assigned at a rate determined by university policy. Rate of pay per credit hour assignment can be between $1,264 and $1,482.

How To Apply

Candidates must apply online through MSU Denver’s career site, https://www.msudenver.edu/careers. Complete applications will include the following required materials:

• Curriculum vitae
• Cover letter
• PDF professional portfolio (or professional portfolio website linked in CV)
• A list of three professional references with contact information

Incomplete applications without required materials will not be considered. In the application portal, there is one location (the resume/cover letter submission field) to upload all required materials, including the portfolio. Multiple documents can be submitted into this one field; alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF and upload. Once submitted, you will not be able to edit your application.

Please submit questions to Matthew B Jenkins, Chair and Professor of Fine Art, at [e-mail] or 303‑615‑0634. Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Benefits

The University’s benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long‑term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver’s benefits website to learn more. For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations 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].

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access‑oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first‑generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that, in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.