Job Postings
Assistant/Associate Professor of Photography (Tenure-track)
| Position Title: | Assistant/Associate Professor of Photography (Tenure-track) |
| Location: | Grand Rapids (Kendall) |
| Department: |
92240 - KCAD Photography |
| Advertised Salary: | $58,000 (for Assistant rank) plus an excellent, comprehensive benefit package (health care, retirement, etc.) |
| FLSA: | Exempt |
| Temporary/Continuing: | Continuing |
| Part-Time/Full-Time: | Full-Time |
| Union Group: | Kendall Faculty Association (MEA-NEA) |
| Term of Position: | 9 Month |
| At Will/Just Cause: | Just Cause |
| Summary of Position: | Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University (KCAD) in Grand Rapids, MI prepares artists and designers to have impact through practice. Fulltime faculty members at KCAD teach 18 semester credit hours per academic year, typically 3 courses each fall and spring semester. As a KCAD faculty member, you will engage in three kinds of professional development: continuous improvement in teaching effectiveness, creative and/or scholarly contribution within your discipline, and a college service commitment that includes committee work and community engagement for the advancement of KCAD’s mission. You will actively advise students regarding their academic plan and progress as well as their co-curricular and post-graduation opportunities. The Photography Program challenges students to express ideas, investigate conditions, and communicate specifically and effectively with lens-based imagery. A course of study emphasizing the history, technique, production and critique of photography prepares graduates for a wide variety of opportunities in photography including the fine arts, advertising, commercial, documentary work, and graduate studies. Teaching assignments within the BFA Photography Program include a full range of technical, aesthetic, and theoretical subjects from beginning camera and darkroom usage, lighting and digital applications, to the senior thesis project. Teaching assignments may include courses outside of the Photography program. Courses are to be taught in person on KCAD’s campus in Grand Rapids, MI. The candidate selected for the position must reside in Michigan after acceptance of employment. |
| Position Type: | Faculty - Temporary & Continuing |
| Required Education: | MFA in Photography (or) MFA in Studio Art. |
| Required Work Experience: | Minimum of two years of university or college-level teaching experience beyond teaching assistantships Evidence of ongoing scholarly and/or creative activity, such as a strong regional/national exhibition record and commitment to personal artistic practice |
| Required Licenses and Certifications: | |
| Physical Demands: |
|
| Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered: | Experience with digital video Experience with alternative photographic processes Knowledge of applied/commercial applications of photography Ability to teach digital foundation courses Curriculum development experience Active with professional photography organizations such as SPE Ability to aggressively promote program nationally/internationally with established network of professional academic and commercial connections |
| Essential Duties/Responsibilities: | Participate in program and curriculum development and assessment Prepare and distribute syllabi according to college standards Teach an appropriate course load as assigned Assess and evaluate student learning and provide formative feedback throughout the course Keep regular posted office hours Advise students for academic and professional development Participate in service to the college and in shared governance Participate in academic functions including commencement Contribute to the college’s continuous improvement Maintain effective communication with students and colleagues Work collaboratively with faculty, students and staff throughout the college Contribute to your discipline’s discourse(s) Engage in scholarly, creative and professional development Engage in reflective self-assessment for improvement, renewal and promotion Demonstrate an understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff and community members Support, promote, and develop University student enrollment and retention initiatives Perform any other duties assigned within the position classification area |
| Marginal Duties/Responsibilities: | |
| Skills and Abilities: | Evidence of ability to teach/engage in contemporary critical theory and criticism Proficiency in all aspects of film and digital photography, and studio lighting Demonstrated commitment, experience and understanding for diversity, equity and inclusion. |
| Required Documents: |
|
| Optional Documents: | |
| Special Instructions to Applicants: | Unofficial Transcript 1(Required): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcripts of degree as described in the Required Education section. Transcripts must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, and degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript. Teaching Philosophy (Required): statement of teaching philosophy and an artist's statement. Portfolio 1 (Required): portfolio of personal creative work (twenty images or link to personal website) and portfolio of student work including brief description of assignment parameters (twenty images). Images must be clearly labeled as personal or student work. |
| Initial Application Review Date: | January 13, 2025 |
| Open Until Position is Filled?: | Yes |
| Posting Close Date: | |
| EEO Statement: | Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement. |
