SUMMARY:

MCAD is seeking a highly creative, and visionary individual for the position of Chair of Foundation Studies. The Chair of Foundation Studies cultivates a first-year experience, in collaboration with other MCAD constituencies, that sets the stage for the next generation of creative cultural leaders. This position offers a unique opportunity for an empathetic, motivated individual with vision to work collaboratively and generate a measurable and decidedly positive impact on the members of our creative community, and the cultural society in which we reside. 

MCAD is committed to maintaining a robust, transdisciplinary foundational experience which meets the needs of a diverse student body. Our faculty and staff support the whole experience of students at MCAD—their personal, academic, and professional growth—so that students graduate with a strong, internal foundation shaped by their individual sense of meaning and purpose. 

The Chair of Foundation Studies integrates expanded models of pedagogy and modes of learning in art-and-design education based on global perspectives. In addition to initiating broader programmatic strategies, the Chair assists with advising and mentoring as artists and designers navigate their first year of study. The Chair of Foundation Studies must be sensitive to college needs, employee and student goodwill, and overall brand equity of MCAD as an employer and educational institution.

DETAILS: This is a full-time, exempt position. This position reports to the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Faculty appointment at the Associate or Professor rank commensurate with experience.  Associate - Professor compensation range: $67,185 - $86,566. In addition to the base faculty salary, the Chair of the Foundation Studies program will receive a $10,000 stipend and four course releases, from a six course load.  

TO APPLY: Please submit the following to https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/b0ccf9fc-c11e-4ce1-bb54-075eb5c74c59/Minneapolis-College-of-Art-and-Design. 

1. A cover letter that describes the candidate’s interest in the position, relevant qualifications, and a reflection on the candidate’s potential to contribute to a diverse and inclusive environment through teaching, research, and/or service.
2. A curriculum vitae.
3. A teaching portfolio, including a teaching philosophy and documentation of teaching practice (student work samples.)
4. Complete information for three professional references: names, institutional affiliations, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers.
5. Evidence of creative or scholarly work.

Priority will be given to those who respond by October 1, 2023. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Teach two courses each year with Faculty rank at Associate or Professor commensurate with experience.
• Serve on the Academic Cabinet and the College’s Curriculum Committee.
• Champions increased equity, diversity, and inclusion among students, faculty, and staff.
• In collaboration, develops and implements strategic priorities for strengthening Foundation Studies and the entire first-year experience.
• Evaluates, designs, and builds curricula to ensure students are exposed to a wide range of knowledge informed by a diverse array of experiences, philosophies, and ways of knowing.
• Integrates curricular and co-curricular programming to support student success.
• Builds collaborative relationships across and beyond the college and fosters a climate of collaboration with departmental chairs and faculty to define shared and individual goals.
• Hires and assesses faculty according to procedures and policies outlined by the collective bargaining agreement between MCAD and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
• Provides leadership and vision to faculty through mentoring, coaching, and modeling key leadership behaviors, and strategies.
• Supports the college’s enrollment management plan through student recruitment and  retention initiatives and as a contributor to the Student Success Committee.
• Ensures the departmental budget is monitored, evaluated, and administered in alignment with activities and goals set out in the college’s strategic and academic plans.
• Assesses and evaluates the Foundation program initiatives and outcomes to maximize the achievement of targets and/or address additions or changes in academic programming or student priorities.
• Advising and mentoring as artists and designers navigate their first year of study.
• Advises students in collaboration with student support staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Represents MCAD’s vision, purpose, and values in day to day work and interactions with MCAD students, staff, faculty, and campus guests, as well as the greater community. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has supervisory responsibility over the Foundation Studies faculty.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of three years teaching experience at the college-level, ideally in a full-time position in an art-and-design foundation program.
• A terminal degree in a relevant discipline is preferred; a combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Demonstrated administrative experience.
• Experience with art-and-design pedagogy and instruction in online modalities.
• Experience with contributing to innovative efforts and change in a complex organization, especially with regards to academic programs and curricula.
• A proven commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Experience working closely with both faculty and staff, helping both groups achieve productive, meaningful outcomes in their work.
• Experience advising students at the college-level.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a broad range of constituencies.
• Demonstrated success meeting the needs of underrepresented student populations and engagement with diverse communities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff to implement appropriate disability accommodations in the foundation program.

ENVIRONMENT: This position operates in a professional office environment. This position requires the ability and willingness to closely partner with team members and colleagues in other departments. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Upon request, reasonable accommodation will be provided to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

BENEFITS: MCAD’s community of staff and faculty enjoy a dynamic, creative, and inclusive work environment. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, and 403(b) retirement plans, commuter benefits, and employer paid basic life insurance policy, short term and long-term disability coverage.
In addition, after six months of service, full-time employees and their eligible dependents can receive free tuition at MCAD, as well as the potential to receive reduced tuition at more than 600 colleges nationwide.

BACKGROUND: Founded in 1886, Minneapolis College of Art and Design is located in the rich creative community of the Twin Cities. Recognized nationally and internationally for its innovative approaches to art and design education, MCAD is home to approximately 800 students from 45 states and 15 countries. The college offers bachelor’s degrees in fourteen disciplines including arts entrepreneurship, design, fine arts, and media arts; one MFA; three online master’s degrees; and continuing education classes for all ages. Through the core curriculum, students focus on their careers and craft by learning technical and professional skills while developing their creative leadership capabilities. 

MCAD is especially interested in candidates from under-represented groups as well as individuals who have experience with diverse populations who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the MCAD community. MCAD welcomes diversity of identity, experience, and thought. Members of marginalized communities are encouraged to apply.