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

Position Description

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.)

Responsibilities Include

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications (Required)

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Organizational Profile

Founded in 1886, Minneapolis College of Art and Design is located in the rich creative community of the Twin Cities. Recognized nationally and internationally for its innovative approaches to art and design education, MCAD is home to approximately 800 students from 45 states and 15 countries. The college offers bachelor’s degrees in fourteen disciplines, including arts entrepreneurship, design, fine arts, and media arts; one MFA; three online master’s degrees; and continuing education classes for all ages. Through the core curriculum, students focus on their careers and craft by learning technical and professional skills while developing their creative leadership capabilities.

MCAD’s community of staff and faculty enjoys 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.

MCAD is especially interested in candidates from underrepresented groups and individuals with experience with diverse populations who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the MCAD community. Members of the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application

Deadline: Priority will be given to those who respond by January 15, 2026.

Submission: All applications must be submitted electronically through the MCAD online application portal (Paylocity). To ensure full consideration, complete application materials must be received by January 15, 2026. Initial/Preliminary interviews will be conducted via Google Meet. Final round interviews will require an on‑campus visit (typically late Spring).

Application Materials

Please submit the following eight required materials as separate PDF files via the MCAD online application portal.

• A Cover Letter detailing interest in the position and relevant qualifications.
• A Curriculum Vitae (CV) that includes a list of courses taught.
• A list of three professional references, including name, institutional affiliation, e‑mail address, phone number, and professional relationship. (Letters will be requested at a later stage of the interview process for selected candidates.)
• Transcript of degree, showing coursework appropriate to position (copies are acceptable); official transcript required prior to employment.
• A Statement of Teaching Philosophy, including a reflection on the candidate’s ability to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom.
• A Professional Portfolio, including 20 samples of creative or scholarly work, including a description of each image and, if necessary, a link to optional videos.
• A Teaching Portfolio, including 10–20 samples of student work, including a description of each image and, if necessary, a link to optional videos. (Optional) One syllabus from an undergraduate photography course.
• (Optional) A link to the candidate's artist website address should be included inside your CV or Cover Letter.

Electronic Application Procedure

• Submit all materials electronically through the MCAD online application portal (Paylocity).
• Name each separate PDF file specifically for easy identification (such as lastname_firstname_CV.pdf, lastname_firstname_statement.pdf, lastname_firstname_prof_portfolio.pdf, etc.).
• Limit each individual PDF file size to 15 MB or less.
• All video samples (professional and student work) should be uploaded to a professional website or Vimeo site. Please include the URL and password (if applicable) within the relevant Portfolio PDF.

Note: Only complete applications will be eligible for consideration and a background check will be required prior to employment.