Tenure-Track, Assistant Professor of Art, Digital Art & Design

University of North Alabama; Florence (AL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in higher education is seeking a passionate assistant professor in digital media. This tenure-track position offers a unique opportunity to teach and mentor students while engaging in creative projects that redefine the boundaries of art and technology. Located in a culturally rich area, the role emphasizes collaboration across disciplines, fostering a vibrant learning environment. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this position invites candidates who are eager to contribute to a dynamic academic community. Join a forward-thinking institution that values creativity and innovation in education, and help shape the future of aspiring artists and designers.

Qualifications

• MFA required in relevant fields; teaching experience in digital media preferred.
• Proficiency in multimedia art, animation, and industry-standard software is essential.

Responsibilities

• Teach digital media courses and mentor students in their projects.
• Collaborate on experiential learning courses and contribute to curriculum development.

Skills

Multimedia Art/Projects

Animation

Motion Graphics

Print Design

Web Design

Education

MFA in Art and Technology

MFA in Graphic Design

MFA in Visual Communications

Tools

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe After Effects

Adobe Premiere Pro

Cinema 4D

ProCreate

Adobe Fresco

Clip Studio Paint

3DsMax

Maya

Rhinoceros

Blender

Job description

The NASAD-accredited Department of Visual Arts and Design of the University of North Alabama invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor in digital media beginning in August 2025. This appointment is a nine-month contract with full benefits. Teaching responsibilities include all levels of digital media. Salary is commensurate with experience. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled. For full consideration, application should be received by Feb 3rd, 2025.

The position offers exciting opportunities in an area with a rich cultural history. The University of North Alabama is in Florence, the center of the Shoals, famous for popular music and home to a vibrant community of nationally and internationally recognized artists and designers. The department takes active part through cross-disciplinary collaborations and faculty-supervised student projects in the Shoals and on campus. Encouraging such work are the University’s commitment to experiential learning and the department’s pioneering inclusivity.

We redefine creativity by bringing together not just the fine arts and design but also fashion, interior design, and culinary arts. As part of the UNA School of the Arts, members of Visual Arts and Design also work with faculty and students in the Departments of Cinematic Arts and Theatre, Entertainment Industry, and Music.

Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Responsibilities for this position include:

1. Teach a nine-credit hour course load per semester, including but not limited to Digital Media I and II, Semiotics, and Advanced Digital Media: 2D, Web, Multimedia, Video, Senior Project;
2. Mentor students and assist with their academic and creative projects;
3. Collaborate with VAD faculty on experiential learning courses;
4. Continue to produce creative or professional work relevant to the field;
5. Develop and maintain an active creative or professional agenda;
6. Attend faculty and departmental meetings;
7. Contribute to curriculum development;
8. Manage Mac lab facility and equipment with student workers;
9. Perform recruiting activities for the department;
10. Engage in additional duties tailored to the candidate's strengths and departmental needs;
11. Foster diversity and inclusion among students.

Applicants must hold the MFA in Art and Technology, Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field. Candidates currently enrolled in an MFA program may be considered but must have completed their degree by the start date of appointment. Experience teaching digital media and a documented professional track record in digital media are preferred.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include proficiency in multimedia art/projects, animation, motion graphics, and print and web design; Skill in using industry-standard applications for graphic design current software (Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), video and animation (Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, or Cinema 4D), digital painting editors (ProCreate, Adobe Fresco, or Clip Studio Paint), 3D modeling (3DsMax, Maya, Rhinoceros, or Blender), and in digital fabrication tools (digital and offset printing, 3-D printing, laser cutting).

Applicants must upload at the time of application a cover letter, resume/CV, teaching philosophy, web portfolio including own and student work (20 examples of each), and provide contact information for at least three professional/academic references. Transcripts are also required.

Official transcripts for the highest degree attained are required of the successful candidate, but unofficial copies will be accepted for the application process. If any of your graduate hours in the relevant teaching discipline are taken from a degree(s) that is not your highest attained, an official transcript of that degree(s) must also be submitted. Electronic copies, if available, of unofficial transcripts may be attached under the attachment headings of Unofficial Transcript 1, Unofficial Transcript 2, etc. Electronic copies of unofficial/official transcripts may also be requested to be sent to [e-mail]. If electronic copies of transcripts are unavailable, hard copies must be sent to: Human Resources, One Harrison Plaza, UNA Box 5043, Florence, AL, 35632 or brought to 601 Cramer Way, Room 226. Official transcripts must be sent directly to HR from the issuing school via email or postal mail to be considered official. Transcripts with a designation of “Issued to Student”, or with the student name listed as the recipient will not be considered official. Official transcripts will be required of the successful candidate prior to the start date of the appointment, but unofficial copies will be accepted for the application process. If you attended UNA, please click here to fill out an online, electronic transcript request form. Your transcripts will be delivered to HR and we will upload them to your application packet at no charge to you. For questions, please email [e-mail] or call 256-765-4291 and select option #2. Selecting an option other than #2 will result in a delayed response.