Assistant/Associate Professor of Media Arts (Animation Major)

Minneapolis College of Art and Design•Minneapolis, MN

42d•$60,907 - $74,994

About The Position

Assistant/Associate Professor of Media Arts (Animation Major) The Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) invites applications for a full-time faculty position in Animation (rank commensurate with experience). The Animation Major is currently one of MCAD's largest and fastest-growing programs, and we seek an innovative educator passionate about shaping the next generation of cultural leaders and animation storytellers. The Media Arts Department encompasses the Animation Major, the Media Arts Major (with concentrations in Filmmaking, Photography, and Art + Technology), and minors in Animation, Sound, and Experimental Games. MCAD's Animation BFA provides students with a broad historical perspective, fostering an appreciation of animation as an applied and fine art. Given this commitment, the department requires a dynamic, engaging, passionate, and energetic faculty member dedicated to art education and creative practice. The successful candidate will teach a full-time load of three classes per semester, advise students, provide administrative support, and serve on college committees. Courses taught may include technical and conceptual topics and issues over a broad range of levels, from Intro to Animation to Advanced Animation Seminar as well as the Foundation level Media Arts courses. This 9-month contract position begins mid-August 2026 and reports to the Chair of Media Arts. MCAD offers renewable, long-term contracts based on a clearly defined peer-review process.

Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate an enthusiasm for innovative teaching and a clear commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in their teaching, creative work, and service.
A terminal degree (MFA or equivalent) is preferred. The minimum requirement is a Bachelor's degree combined with a substantial record of professional achievement in the animation industry or creative practice, which MCAD will consider equivalent to terminal degree status for faculty appointment.
Candidates must possess extensive production experience in one specific discipline within animation, such as traditional/2D, digital, 3D, or stop motion.
Demonstrated working knowledge of the production pipeline, including the ability to teach core concepts such as character design, storyboarding, acting, timing, story and character development, and editing.
Significant technical expertise in one or more specialized areas, such as 2D (Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe Creative Suite) or 3D (Maya, Blender, ZBrush).
Demonstrated proficiency in teaching industry-standard software and techniques in one or more specialized areas.
Previous experience teaching at the college level, ideally at both lower and upper-level undergraduate courses.
Demonstrated ability to build a strong program by collaborating with colleagues on pedagogy, curriculum design, and methods of expanding student creativity.
Demonstrate the ability to inspire and motivate students, coupled with a clear commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching and service.

Nice To Haves

Specialized knowledge in emerging technologies, encompassing game engines (Unity, Unreal Engine, Godot), XR, or virtual production.
Active and sustained professional practice in animation.
Experience teaching conceptual and theoretical histories and contemporary critical discourse related to the expansive definition of animation.

Responsibilities

Teach a full-time instructional load of six courses per academic year (3/3), covering Animation studio, media arts, and/or foundations courses.
Maintain an active and productive creative practice/research agenda appropriate to the discipline.
Serve as an Academic Advisor, hold regular office hours, and participate in departmental service (Junior Review Panels, student screenings and exhibitions, and on-campus recruitment events).
Contribute to curriculum development and serve on college committees.

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, and 403(b) retirement plans, commuter benefits, 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.

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