Associate Professor/Full Professor & Chair - Photo/Film/Sound Job at Kansas City

POSITION TITLE: Associate/Full Professor & Department Chair,, Photography, Filmmaking & Sound
DIVISION: Academic Affairs
DEPARTMENT: Photography, Filmmaking & Sound
REPORTS TO: Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs

PAY TYPE: Exempt
WORKER TYPE: Full-Time (12-Month Appointment), Benefits Eligible
UPDATED: December 2025
PAY: $71,499.60-$82,903.03 plus $7,000 administrative stipend and course reduction

The Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) seeks a collaborative and visionary artist-educator to serve as Chair of the Department of Photography, Filmmaking & Sound (PFS) beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.

The Department of Photography, Filmmaking & Sound (PFS) at KCAI offers a conceptually rich, interdisciplinary education grounded in critical thinking, experimentation, and technical mastery. Students engage in diverse practices-from analog photography to digital cinematography and sound design-preparing them to enter a rapidly evolving creative landscape with professional fluency and artistic rigor.

The Chair will provide creative vision, academic leadership, and administrative oversight for a department recognized for its conceptual rigor and experimental approach. Working collaboratively with faculty and staff, the Chair will steward the department's continued growth in visual literacy, professional readiness, and interdisciplinary exchange, while ensuring a supportive, well-organized academic environment. The Interim Chair also maintains a teaching role within the department, teaching 6 credit hours each semester that directly connect to their creative practice and pedagogical approach.

This role is ideal for a candidate who combines a strong creative practice with demonstrated leadership in curriculum design, faculty development, and community engagement. The Chair will work closely with the Dean of Academic Affairs, the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the Chairs' Council to advance KCAI's strategic goals in student success, institutional collaboration, and creative industry readiness.

Essential Responsibilities

• Leadership & Administration - Provide visionary and effective leadership for the Department of Photography, Filmmaking & Sound that includes 5 full-time faculty, 1 part-time faculty, 1 full-time and 2 part-time technicians, and specialized facilities. Oversee curriculum, faculty, staff, and facilities with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and alignment with institutional goals. Foster shared governance, clear communication, and a supportive environment for creative and professional growth.
• Curriculum & Academic Development - Guide the department through an ongoing process of curricular refinement that integrates conceptual rigor, technical fluency, and professional practice. Encourage interdisciplinary approaches, experiential learning, and emerging technologies that prepare students for evolving creative fields.
• Community & Student Engagement - Cultivate a strong departmental community that values collaboration, inclusion, and belonging. Support student success through mentorship, exhibitions, visiting artist programs, and engagement with alumni and professional networks.
• Strategic Development & Partnerships - Advance the department's visibility and reach through institutional collaboration, external partnerships, and resource development. Build relationships with creative industries, alumni, and regional organizations to expand learning and career opportunities for students and faculty.

Required Experience/Education

• MFA or other terminal degree in Photography, Filmmaking, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of five years of full-time college-level teaching experience, including curriculum development and student mentorship.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including successful experience in academic leadership roles and proven ability to lead inclusive, collaborative teams.
• Active and ongoing creative or professional work evidenced by exhibitions, screenings, publications, residencies, or industry experience.
• Comprehensive understanding of contemporary practices and emerging technologies in photography, filmmaking, and sound.
• Familiarity with analog and digital photography and filmmaking workflows.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Experience/Education

• Minimum of 3 years serving as a department chair, program director, or in a comparable academic leadership role.
• Evidence of successful participation in program assessment, accreditation preparation, or curriculum review at the departmental or institutional level.
• Record of curricular innovation that bridges experimental, interdisciplinary, or hybrid media approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships with external organizations, community groups, or industry professionals to enhance student learning and professional opportunities.
• Experience developing or securing grants, sponsored projects, or external funding for creative or academic initiatives.
• Engagement with emerging technologies in creative production.

Application Materials

Applicants should submit the following (PDF format preferred) via the portal at https://kcai.edu/employment/:

• Cover letter addressing: leadership philosophy, vision for departmental growth, curricular innovation (Photography, Filmmaking & Sound), and commitment to student mentorship.
• CV
• Creative Practice Statement
• Teaching Philosophy
• Portfolio of Creative Work (10-15 examples)
• Supervised Student Work Samples (5-20 examples) - demonstrating student achievement, mentorship outcomes, and program impact.
• Contact information for three professional references (include full name, title, institution/organization, email, and phone).

Statement

Driven by exploration, curiosity, and passion, it is Kansas City Art Institute's mission to educate artists and designers while honoring the distinct journeys of students. We create a community that equips students to become leaders who leverage the creative process to transform the future. Our excellence is integrated in our community, rich with varied experiences and perspectives from faculty, staff, students, and alumni. We invest in continuous growth by cultivating a culture of care and belonging-a climate where respectful dialogue thrives and every person is seen, heard, and valued. When individuals feel supported and connected, they achieve their full potential and accomplish remarkable things.

KCAI is committed to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified candidates for employment without regard to any characteristic prohibited by federal, state, or local law. KCAI provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the job application process. If you have difficulty using our online system and require accommodation due to a disability, contact the Human Resources Department about your interest in employment. Any questions or concerns can be directed to KCAI's Human Resource Administrator at hr@kcai.edu.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.