Photography-Assistant Professor

Position Information

Position Title
Photography-Assistant Professor
Position Classification
Faculty
Employment Type
Full-Time
Benefits
Full Time Benefitted
Department
Expressive Arts
Summary

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

1. Teach a 12-credit-hour course load per semester through lectures, studio presentations, demonstrations, and related instruction. Studio courses are 4 credit hours.
2. Conduct meaningful one-on-one and group critiques of student work; mentor students in developing their artistic vision, studio habits, and personal work.
3. Develop and update syllabi, grading rubrics, and studio projects; adapt instruction to departmental needs and contribute to photography and expanded media curriculum development.
4. Advise students pursuing art majors and minors and mentor them in professional photographic practices, careers in art, portfolio development, and exhibitions.
5. Operate and maintain the photography laboratory, equipment, and supplies; maintain a safe studio that complies with applicable state and federal safety regulations.
6. Collaborate with faculty across studio areas to support interdisciplinary projects and student learning.
7. Lead educational art trips to galleries and museums; contribute to summer workshops and Expressive Arts web content as appropriate.
8. Participate in program and studio assessment and use findings to improve instruction and curriculum.
9. 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.
10. Participate in departmental and university committees, special projects, and professional contributions within areas of expertise.
11. 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.
12. 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**

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

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.

Other Requirements
Apply By
Location
Silver City-On Campus
Salary Range
$61,514 w/o terminal degree to $66,724 w terminal degree
Length of Contract
9 Months
Advertising Summary
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.