Assistant/Assoc Professor Head of Photography Job at Art Academy of Cincinnati i

Job Title: Program Head and Assistant / Associate Professor of Photography

Department: Academic Affairs

Reports to: Executive Director of Academic Affairs and Academic Dean

FLSA Status: Exempt

Prepared Date:

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Long-Term Disability, 403b with a match

Salary Range: $43,000-$48,000

The Art Academy of Cincinnati (AAC) invites applications for the position of Program Head and Assistant / Associate Professor of Photography with the position beginning August 1, 2026.

Job Details | Program Head and Assistant / Associate Professor of Photography

The Program Head and Assistant/Associate Professor of Photography is responsible for providing academic leadership and strategic direction for the photography program while teaching a 3/3 [MT1] course load that spans analog and digital practices. This role includes developing and revising curriculum, mentoring faculty and students, and ensuring the smooth operation of all photography facilities, including darkrooms, studios, and digital labs. The Program Head manages the program budget, oversees ordering and maintenance of equipment and supplies, and collaborates across departments and with administration to support institutional goals. In alignment with the mission of the Art Academy of Cincinnati, the Program Head is expected to foster a dynamic, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment that promotes critical thinking, technical excellence, and creative risk-taking. They are also expected to maintain an active creative practice, contribute to institutional service and shared governance, and help prepare students for professional careers or advanced study in photography and related fields.

The Photography major’s breadth of traditional and cutting-edge processes is unique to the Art Academy of Cincinnati. Students learn about 35mm, digital, medium-and large-format cameras, black and white printing, digital output, color shooting, experimental photography, and digital video. They have the opportunity to link photographic theory and practice to other artistic disciplines. The major provides a blend of theoretical and real-world instruction that enables students to build careers as commercial photographers, professional artists, photojournalists, and professionals in other disciplines. Many alumni enroll in graduate school or pursue careers in the gallery or museum world and fields of communication or fine art photography.

This is a 12-month appointment with no teaching responsibilities for summer term and includes benefits.

The duties and responsibilities summarized in this description represent the principal focus and requirements of the position as of the date of preparation. Duties other than those specifically referenced may be required to accomplish the primary purpose of the position.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have an MFA in Photography, or a related area, or professional equivalence and experience in teaching all forms of photography from introductory to advanced college-level study. Candidates must have a strong understanding of historical and contemporary forms of visual storytelling, commercial applications of photography, and traditional and digital methodologies. They will demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and fluency in both analog and digital photography, including black-and-white and color darkroom processes, digital workflows, and studio lighting as well as experience with alternative photographic processes. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is required, with working knowledge of Premiere Pro and InDesign considered a plus.

The candidate must have experience managing and maintaining photography studios, darkrooms, and digital labs, as well as ordering supplies, coordinating repairs, and tracking program budgets. This role requires strong organizational and administrative skills, including curriculum development, faculty mentorship, academic advising, and assessment coordination. Strong leadership, communication skills, and the ability to model the major are essential. It is also expected that the successful candidate will work closely with other areas of the college such as Media Services and Technology.

An active professional practice with a demonstrated record of exhibitions, publications, commercial practice or other creative output in Photography is important. Applicants must possess experience in the field of photography and have a progressive vision for the future of photography within the industry and art spaces. Knowledge of applied/commercial applications of photography is required. The successful candidate will be committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment and demonstrate the ability to support student success while leading the program with vision, collaboration, and care.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience and/or interest in teaching History of Photography, First-Year Experience or other Studio Arts or Liberal Arts courses is desired. Experience with or knowledge of digital video and nonlinear editing is highly desirable.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, reach with hand and arms, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk around the campus. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

• Ability to remain in a stationary position or move about a classroom, studio, or lab setting for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment or materials weighing up to 25–40 pounds.
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills.
• Capability to safely work with photographic chemicals.
• Visual acuity to assess images both digitally and in print form.
• Ability to operate a computer and digital editing software for extended periods.
• Ability to move throughout campus buildings, including classrooms, studios, galleries, and labs.
• Willingness and ability to maintain, clean, and organize studio and darkroom spaces as part of program upkeep.
• Work flexible hours including some nights and weekends when required.
• Occasionally travel for the position.

Program Summary

The AAC’s mission is to create and sustain radical, forward-thinking, contemporary visual artists and designers whose creative contributions make a substantial difference in all the lives they touch. The AAC, established in 1869, is an independent college of art and design. Degrees granted are the Associate of Science in Graphic Design; the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, Design, Illustration, Painting and Drawing, Photography, Print Media, Digital Arts Animation and Sculpture; and the Master of Arts in Art Education. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the Art Academy is a charter member of both NASAD and the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD). The Art Academy is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the Greater Cincinnati Collegiate Connection (GC3).

For more information, please visit www.artacademy.edu.

The AAC is committed to building a culturally diverse educational environment and encourages candidates representing diverse backgrounds to apply. The AAC is committed to policies of equal opportunity and non-discrimination based on sexual orientation, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or gender expression, age, or disability, and veteran's status, as protected by law. This includes all educational programs and activities, admission of students, advertisements, and conditions of employment. This policy is consistent with relevant governmental statutes and regulations, including those pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Application Information

To apply, please submit the following in PDF format unless otherwise noted.

A Letter of Interest

10 examples of professional work in the field

20 examples of student work

(in a link to a website, portfolio host site, or in one PDF document)

Curriculum Vita

Teaching Philosophy

List of three references and contact information, including email and phone numbers

For full consideration, applications should be submitted by December 1, 2025.

[MT1]This position teaches 3 classes per Fall and Spring semesters if that is what 2/3 course load means.