Assistant Professor of Art & Design

Shenandoah University’s College of Arts and Sciences is accepting applications for an Assistant Professor of Art & Design. This will be a full time position with benefits located on our main campus in Winchester, Virginia.

The exemplary applicant for this position is an outstanding artist/scholar/teacher with a demonstrated record of excellence in professional/creative/academic work.  They will also have experience as an arts administrator with forward-looking vision. We seek an individual who is deeply committed to supporting excellence across all visual art disciplines in a collaborative manner and who shares SU's values and dedication to building an inclusive, collegial community. Candidates who can further the diversity and excellence of the campus community demonstrated through strength in teaching, research, and service will be strongly considered. Individuals from groups whose underrepresentation in the American professoriate has been severe and longstanding are particularly encouraged to apply.

The ideal candidate is an artist/scholar who can demonstrate a successful teaching and leadership record in a university and community setting, and displays high energy, research/creative excellence, commitment to inclusion, equity-minded student success, technology, collaboration, and program development. The successful candidate will lead the way in defining and implementing a vision for the visual arts. 

Responsibilities

1. Teach courses in relevant areas of Visual Art & Design, including but not limited to the following: 2D and 3D Foundations, Painting, Printmaking, Plein Air, Mural Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics, Photography, Encaustics, Printmaking, Public Art, Installation Art, Social Justice Art, Latin American Art, Art History, and FYS (fall only)
2. Serve as coordinator for an academic program in Visual Art & Design
3. Advise and mentor students in Visual Art & Design
4. Demonstrate a commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion; the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with various constituencies within SU’s diverse communities, internally and externally
5. Serve as a CAS facilitator and group leader for faculty IDE (inclusion, diversity, & equity)
6. Serve as Director of Exhibitions and Public Art for the Shenandoah University Main Campus on a contract basis for an initial term of three years

• All faculty at Shenandoah University are expected to contribute to community and university service, including advising, and to remain active scholars/ artists in their fields


Required Qualifications

1. Master of Fine Arts or Ph.D. in an art-related field including, but not limited to fine arts, visual arts, design, and art history
2. Minimum of 3 years of teaching experience in an art-related discipline, in both higher education and community settings
3. Demonstrated excellence in academic leadership and administration in the visual arts, design, art history, and art education
4. Demonstrated commitment to and excellence in undergraduate teaching, especially with students from underrepresented social and ethnic groups
5. Demonstrated success in leading arts and culture focused study abroad experiences in Latin America
6. Strong record of service in an academic setting
7. Ability to work efficiently, cooperatively, and collaboratively with department colleagues in an equitable team environment
8. Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills 

Preferred Qualifications

1. Knowledge of and understanding of a private university's policies and procedures
2. Sustained record of significant professional achievement (i.e., regional, national, or international exhibitions; peer-reviewed publications, etc.)
3. Experience implementing international collaborative art projects
4. Experience working collaboratively with on-campus and community organizations
5. Experience leading and implementing social justice initiatives through the arts
6. Minimum of 5 years of experience and a record of success in the nonprofit arts sector
7. Experience teaching both Pre-K through 12 and adult  learners in academic and community settings
8. Ability to speak and understand the Spanish language

9. Ability to serve as Co-Advisor for Estudiantes Unidos
10. Experience collaborating with international colleagues

How to apply:

Complete application submissions will include a letter of intent, curriculum vitae, contact information for three professional references, and a digital portfolio demonstrating the candidate's personal/professional work. Ideally, portfolios will include 20 images and/or links to material of current work from the past eight years.

Candidates should also submit a statement that provides the candidate's unique perspective on their past and present contributions to and future aspirations for promoting diversity, inclusion, and social justice in their professional careers. This statement aims to help the Department identify candidates with professional experience, intellectual commitments, and willingness to engage in activities that could help SU contribute to its mission in these areas.

The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected. A pre-employment background check will be required. If the job requires driving for University business, a satisfactory driving record will also be required.

Shenandoah University values the unique and diverse perspectives of individuals and communities locally and globally and seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical, or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.