Media Arts Visiting Faculty in Photography (One-Year Sabbatical Replacement)

Minneapolis College of Art and Design • Minneapolis, MN

39d • $53,591 - $53,591

About The Position

The Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) seeks a Visiting Faculty member in Photography for the 2026-2027 academic year (sabbatical replacement). We are seeking an innovative educator who is passionate about shaping the next generation of visual artists and is deeply versed in the continually evolving landscape of lens-based media. The Photography concentration is part of the interdisciplinary Media Arts Major. In this program, students are exposed to the history and contemporary cultural impact of the photographic medium, in addition to its traditional techniques and current technologies. Engaging with the world, students explore interdisciplinary practices, supported by research, to advance their projects and foster their personal vision. Students work on location and in the studio as part of their coursework. They produce books, prints, installations, and images for online media, all in preparation for a lifelong professional practice as photographers. The Media Arts Department comprises the Animation Major alongside the Media Arts Major (with concentrations in Filmmaking, Photography, and Art + Technology). It also supports undergraduate minors in Animation, Sound, and Experimental Games. This is a full-time (9-month) position reporting to the Chair of Media Arts. Visiting faculty are responsible for teaching three courses each semester (or equivalent) and participate in student advising, curricular development, serve on college committees, and other departmental and college activities. This position is benefits-eligible and begins August 2026. Visiting Faculty compensation (9-Month): $53,591 (Dependent on the upcoming collective bargaining agreement.)

Requirements

• A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree is required.
• An active or emerging professional practice in fine art photography, demonstrated through exhibition or other creative work.
• Previous experience teaching at the college level, ideally at both lower and upper-level undergraduate courses.
• Demonstrated ability to teach the aesthetic, conceptual, technical, and historical dimensions of photographic practices (including analog, digital, studio lighting, and professional practice).
• Expertise relevant software (such as the Adobe Creative Suite, Lightroom Classic, Bridge, Camera Raw, Photoshop, etc.).
• A clear commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching, creative work, and service.

Nice To Haves

• Active and sustained national and/or international professional practice in fine art photography.
• Significant technical expertise in one or more specialized areas, such as analog photography, complex digital imaging workflows (from capture to print), or advanced studio lighting techniques for both still and moving images.
• Demonstrated ability to teach a full range of photography courses (introductory through advanced) in both studio and seminar formats.
• Experience teaching theoretical histories and contemporary critical discourse related to the expansive definition of photography.
• Commitment to staying current and abreast of the ever-evolving technological changes within the discipline and incorporating new technologies into the studio classroom.
• Familiarity with foundational principles of other Media Arts disciplines such as Filmmaking, Sound, and Art + Technology.

Responsibilities

• Teach a full-time instructional load of six courses per academic year (3/3), covering Photography 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

• medical
• dental
• 403(b) retirement plans
• commuter benefits
• generous paid time off
• free tuition at MCAD (after six months of service, full-time employees and their eligible dependents)
• potential to receive reduced tuition at more than 600 colleges nationwide

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees