Assistant Professor of Practice, Visual Arts & Entrepreneurship

State of Virginia•Blacksburg, VA

72d•$60,000 - $70,000

About The Position

The School of Visual Arts (SOVA) at Virginia Tech (https://www.sova.vt.edu) invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Practice, Visual Arts & Entrepreneurship, with a start date of August 2026. The ideal hire will complement the current faculty within SOVA in the area of professional and career development for visual art students. The successful candidate will have innovative professional experience matched by a deep commitment to connecting students to professional success in today's creative economy, both pre- and post- graduation. This position requires someone who can help students build both the technical and transferrable skills that prepare them for a wide range of creative careers. The successful candidate will guide students in understanding how to translate their artistic and design studies into successful linear or nonlinear career paths. This is a full-time, 9-month, non-tenure-track position with an initial term of three years and the possibility of renewal and promotion. Teaching responsibilities will be in Fall and Spring. The Professor of Practice series at Virginia Tech are faculty who are successful professionals and effective teachers in their field. They bring current industry and field knowledge into the classroom, helping students gain the practical and transferrable skills needed to succeed in their discipline. Professors of Practice are expected to remain professionally active through teaching, consulting, outreach, and participation in professional societies and associations. About the School of Visual Arts: SOVA is housed within the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design (AAD) at Virginia Tech, a comprehensive land grant research university in Blacksburg, Virginia. SOVA has approximately 300 undergraduate majors within four areas (Graphic Design, Creative Technologies, Studio Art, and Art History). SOVA prepares students to enter professions and graduate programs in the visual arts, design, and visual culture. As a comprehensive land-grant university, we encourage students and faculty to collaborate across disciplines to train the whole person.

Requirements

MFA, PhD., or other terminal degree in visual arts, design or a related discipline; or a bachelor's degree with extensive and significant professional experience in the visual arts, design, or a related field.
A strong record of professional practice and demonstrated experience in creative industries, arts entrepreneurship, etc.
Demonstrated success connecting creative practitioners with diverse career opportunities
Strong networking abilities, and experience building professional partnerships
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment
Ability to work collaboratively within the School of Visual Arts, and across departments at Virginia Tech

Nice To Haves

Experience managing internship programs, or running career-focused programming
Established professional connections in creative industries
Demonstrated success in grant writing, fundraising, or industry partnerships in the arts/design
Teaching experience at the post-secondary level in the visual arts and design disciplines
Evidence of successful curriculum development and innovative pedagogical approaches

Responsibilities

Teach the typical load of three courses per semester, depending on research and service commitments, supporting undergraduate/graduate students across studio art, creative technologies, graphic design, and art history develop financially sustainable models to pursue their creative endeavors
Develop courses and curricula connecting visual arts practice and research with today's evolving job market, including continued development of the existing "Professional Studio Practices" course
Teach additional courses in support of SOVA's curriculum related to experience and skillset
Mentor students in professional practices, including understanding the entrepreneurial and practical skills needed to pursue career paths in the creative economy
Create and manage initiatives that support students in securing internships, residencies, fellowships, and employment post-graduation
Build relationships with local and regional arts and design organizations, businesses, and workforce development agencies to create experiential learning and internship opportunities across these sectors
Participate in departmental service activities, particularly those related to recruitment, outreach, and alumni relations

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