Tenure Track Faculty in Art and Design

Western Colorado University; United States; On-site; USD 58,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition remission for dependents

Retirement plan

Life insurance

Job summary

Western Colorado University’s School of the Arts invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position in Art and Design on the Gunnison campus. The appointment will teach introductory and advanced courses across Drawing, 2D/3D Design, Sculpture, Digital Design, and Magazine Production, with a 24‑credit hour load per academic year.

We seek a dynamic teacher‑scholar committed to undergraduate education, inclusive practice, internships, and community‑based learning, with the ability

Qualifications

• MFA or PhD in Art, Graphic Design, or closely related field; ABD would also be considered.
• Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to undergraduate education, excellence in teaching, and willingness to work with and be sensitive to the educational needs of all students.
• Candidates must also be able to use technology in instructional delivery, including ability to teach online and hybrid courses.
• Collegiality and professional flexibility are sought in the successful candidate.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging, well-designed Art and Design courses, including introductory and advanced offerings (Drawing, 2D/3D Design, Sculpture, Digital Design, Magazine Production).
• Teach introductory courses in Art and Design and participate in high-impact practices (internships, community-based learning, First-Year Seminar Headwaters).
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and contribute to curriculum development.
• Stay active in student mentorship, advising, and ongoing professional development.

Skills

Teaching

Undergraduate education

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Online instruction

Education

MFA in Art or related field

ABD considered

Job description

Position Summary

The School of the Arts at Western Colorado University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position in Art and Design. We seek a dynamic teacher-scholar who is committed to student-centered learning, professional preparation, and inclusive, interdisciplinary education. This is an in-person, on-campus position on our vibrant residential campus in Gunnison, Colorado. The standard teaching load is 24 credit hours per academic year. The successful candidate will deliver engaging, well-designed Art and Design courses, including introductory courses in Art and Design, as well as introductory and advanced courses (Drawing, 2D/3D Design, Sculpture, Digital Design, and Magazine Production). Additionally they may teach other courses aligned with their expertise and departmental needs. We especially value faculty who engage students in high-impact practices such as internships, research, community-based learning, and who participate in our Western Watershed General Education and First-Year Seminar Headwaters courses. We value faculty who work to prepare students for a livelihood based on their values and aid students in gaining post-graduate opportunities. The recently launched School of the Arts at Western serves approximately 160 students enrolled across six disciplines: art, design, film, music, industrial design, and theatre. It also provides substantial service to the Western Watershed program. Learn more about Western’s School of the Arts here: https://western.edu/department/school-of-the-arts/ Please note: Western is unable to sponsor work authorization for this position.

Qualifications

• An MFA or PhD in Art, Graphic Design, or closely related field; ABD would also be considered.
• Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to undergraduate education, excellence in teaching, and willingness to work with and be sensitive to the educational needs of all students.
• Candidates must also be able to use technology in instructional delivery, including ability to teach online and hybrid courses.
• Collegiality and professional flexibility are sought in the successful candidate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preference given to candidates with 3 years full time teaching experience in Art or Design Professional and/or teaching experience in art foundation courses (2D, 3D, Drawing, Design) Professional or college teaching experience in sculpture Professional or college teaching experience in Graphic Design courses (Digital Design and Magazine Production)
• Interest in interdisciplinary and innovative curriculum development and teaching
• To be considered for the Associate level, applicants must demonstrate experience with program administration and growth, curriculum development, recruitment, retention, advising, and experience with developing professional/industry partnerships for student internships and career connections.
• Further, preference will be given to applicants with these experiences in addition to their professional art making experience.

Salary & Benefits

• $55,000-$58,000 (Assistant Professor) or $65,000 - $68,000 (Associate Professor) annualized salary.
• Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options.
• After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.

Start Date

August 16, 2027.

Application Deadline

November 10, 2026.

Additional Information

Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 students. 47% of students are undergraduates, 33% are graduate students, and 80% receive some form of financial aid. Western students represent 17 countries, 50 states, and almost every county in Colorado. With an average class size of 17, Western’s faculty and staff share a strong commitment to personalized, rigorous, and immersive education. Visit http://www.western.edu to learn more about the university. Western Colorado University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, about 200 miles southwest of Denver amidst over 2 million acres of public land and a vibrant ranching community. The Gunnison valley provides robust cultural programming and exceptional outdoor recreation. A network of dedicated community organizations enrich the lives of many in the tight-knit community. Living in the valley, one appreciates a vibrant culture of festivals, exhibitions, performances, wellness activities, and more. In the winter, many enjoy in skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and along dozens of miles of cross-country trails. In the summer, bikers, hikers, and runners explore 750-plus miles of singletrack trails, while others delight in fishing, boating, and paddleboarding at Blue Mesa Reservoir or on the Gunnison River and its tributaries. Pre-K-12 students are served by the highly-ranked Gunnison Watershed School District.

Equal Opportunity

Western Colorado University encourages candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Western is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants in accordance with applicable law. An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS It is the ongoing policy and practice of Western Colorado University to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants. No person shall be discriminated against in any condition of employment because of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, marital status, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local law.

ADAAACCOMMODATIONS

Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at [e-mail] or [phone].

Values

At Western Colorado University our faculty members and staff share a strong commitment to an inclusive and personalized education and take pride in following a set of values that form our vision as a university. Our shared values of courage, growth, inclusivity, integrity and stewardship provide the foundation for our culture and our work. Our faculty and staff are student-oriented, collegial, enthusiastic, and engaged in the campus and community. With the Rocky Mountains as our laboratory, Western is a premier public provider of rigorous, immersive education for our undergraduate and graduate students. The curriculum provides professional flexibility where experiential learning and interdisciplinary approaches are valued. Employees have chosen Western because of the quality of life combined with rewarding careers.