The Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), a college distinguished for 138 years of advancing art and design, seeks a collaborative, highly creative, and visionary individual for the Chair of Media Arts. The Chair of Media Arts oversees Animation and the newly launched interdisciplinary Media Arts Major with concentrations in Art and Technology, Filmmaking, and Photography. In addition to these majors, Media Arts has two minors: Experimental Games and Animation.

The Chair will provide thoughtful and empathetic leadership to uphold the college’s values–maintaining open critical discourse, embracing multifaceted identities, celebrating transformational ideas, and supporting community-based, collaborative, shared experiences. The ideal candidate will be forward-thinking and a promoter of in-depth, experimental, and cross-disciplinary approaches to artmaking and emerging new technologies.

The Media Arts faculty are a collaborative group of accomplished practicing artists, studio owners, and internationally exhibiting, screening, and grant-receiving creatives. They have received support from institutions such as the Walker Art Center, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Fulbright and Guggenheim Foundations. They are deeply committed to the education of MCAD students and have educated award-winning alum who have become Guggenheim recipients, Whitney Biennial Artists, Animators for Pixar and other companies, and internationally-known filmmakers.

The Chair of Media Arts reports directly to and works closely with the Vice President of Academic Affairs, and with department chairs and directors, faculty, and support staff to accomplish the above stated goals. As a key member of academic leadership, the Chair will serve on the Academic Cabinet and the college’s Curriculum Committee, as well as support efforts to recruit faculty who contribute to the overall diversity of the college.

A terminal degree in a related discipline or equivalent professional experience, demonstrated administrative and teaching experience (minimum three years), a record of achievement as an artist/designer and/or scholar/creative, and/or equivalent professional experience is required. 

Faculty appointment at the Associate or Professor rank commensurate with experience. 

Associate - Professor compensation range: $66,854 - $87,105. In addition to the base faculty salary, the Chair of the Media Arts program will receive a $10,000 stipend and four course releases, from a six course load.

Responsibilities 

• Develop and implement strategic priorities for strengthening Media Arts in collaboration with faculty and other academic leaders.
• Provide leadership and vision to faculty through mentoring, coaching, and modeling key leadership behaviors and strategies.
• Build relationships across and beyond the college and foster a climate of collaboration with departmental chairs and faculty to define shared and individual goals.
• Integrate curricular and co-curricular programming to support student success.
• Evaluate, design, and build curricula to ensure students are exposed to a wide range of knowledge informed by a diverse array of experiences, philosophies, and ways of knowing.
• Advise students in collaboration with student support staff.
• Assess and evaluate the Media Arts initiatives and outcomes to maximize the achievement of targets and/or address additions or changes in academic programming or student priorities.
• Support the college’s enrollment management plan through student recruitment and  retention initiatives.
• Champion increased equity, diversity, and inclusion among students, faculty, and staff.
• Ensure the departmental budget is monitored, evaluated, and administered in alignment with activities and goals set out in the college’s strategic and academic plans.
• Hire and assess faculty according to procedures and policies outlined by the collective bargaining agreement between MCAD and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). 
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Represent MCAD’s vision, mission, and values.

Candidate Profile

• A minimum of three years teaching experience at the college-level, ideally in a full-time position in an art-and-design media or technology program.
• A terminal degree in a relevant discipline is preferred; a combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Experience with art-and-design pedagogy and instruction in online modalities.
• Experience advising students at the college-level.
• Demonstrated administrative and management experience. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a broad range of constituencies.
• A proven commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• 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 Media Arts Department.
• Experience with contributing to innovative efforts and change in a highly creative organization, especially with regards to academic programs and curricula.
• Experience working closely with both faculty and staff, helping both groups achieve productive, meaningful outcomes in their work.

Organizational Profile

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.

Deadline: Priority will be given to those who respond by January 6, 2025.

To ensure full consideration, complete application materials must be received by January 6, 2025. Preliminary interviews will be conducted via Google Meet. A background check will be made prior to employment.

Applications should include:

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

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, HSA, FSA, and 403(b) retirement plans, commuter benefits, and employer paid basic life insurance policy, short term and long-term disability coverage, and generous paid time off. 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. 

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. Members of the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community are strongly encouraged to apply.