Assistant/Associate Professor of Illustration

ASSISTANT OR ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF ILLUSTRATION

Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) invites applications for an Assistant/Associate Professor of Illustration with duties commencing on or about August 15, 2022.

Maine College of Art & Design

Located at the center of one of America’s fastest growing art and design communities, Maine College of Art & Design brings together makers, educators, and leaders to enrich the evolving culture of the state and region. The College is a cornerstone of Downtown Portland, a diverse and vibrant waterfront city in a state which has served as an inspiration to artists for hundreds of years. MECA&D’s history as a longstanding cultural institution in New England speaks to the College’s commitment to the value of creativity and the universality of artistic expression. New additions to the College’s programs include the Bob Crewe Program in Art and Music, a minor in Sustainable Ecosystems in Art and Design, the nationally known Salt Institute of Documentary Studies, and a BFA in Animation and Game Art, all of which complement MECA&D’s long-running Public Engagement program. In the summer of 2020, Maine College of Art & Design completed a key component of its new strategic plan by hiring a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. The DEI Officer works in tandem with Indigo Arts Alliance, a local non-profit organization committed to the artistic development of people of African descent, and helps guide the college to fulfill its strategic goal to “Develop a Culture of Social Justice, Racial Equity, and Inclusion.”

Maine College of Art & Design is seeking an Assistant/Associate Professor to carry forward these values through its Illustration Program.

 The successful candidate will have an opportunity to help shape and expand the program, defining its future for decades to come. 

POSITION SUMMARY AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Assistant/Associate Professor of Illustration must be committed to graduating students with the skill sets and visual literacy required for their future success in a dynamic and competitive field. Candidates will demonstrate excellence and innovation in their teaching, and a genuine interest in actively mentoring students. Like all full-time faculty at MECA&D, they will teach a 3/3 course load. The position's primary focus is in the BFA program. In addition to illustration classes, teaching assignments will include foundation courses, seminars, and/or graduate courses as experience and opportunity allow. Individualized attention and effective teaching are hallmarks of a MECA&D education; therefore, a palpable engagement in pedagogy with a focus on continually improving the learning environment is required. 

It is expected that the candidate has the capacity to foster a positive working environment, can collaborate in the continued development of the Illustration major, and will contribute to the fulfillment of the college’s mission. The candidate will bring enthusiasm and rigor to the program, will be expected to contribute to the life of a small, collaborative department, and possess a strong commitment to community.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching; will be an illustrator with an established record of creative achievement and professional accomplishment who is deeply engaged with current industry knowledge, standards, and best practices. A terminal degree (MFA) in Illustration or a related field is preferred but not required. The successful candidate will have strong interpersonal skills. 

Preferred Qualifications Include:

Demonstrate excellence in teaching to undergraduate students with knowledge of both historic traditions and current trends in illustration/graphic arts.  An extensive and high level of skill in traditional illustration media, along with strong knowledge of digital media and the ability to readily adapt to new media and technologies. The ability and desire to teach across a wide range of undergraduate illustration courses, both in content and learning level, as well as teaching recurring electives within the candidate's expertise. Professional illustration experience and a record of accomplishment in the field of illustration is required. An MFA or equivalent experience as a professional is required. Evidence of curriculum development and college service is desirable.

BENEFITS

Compensation ranges from $50,000 to $62,000, based on experience and rank. Faculty’s full-time engagement with the college typically ranges from mid-August to mid-May. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including health, dental, and retirement benefits. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Candidates who submit their materials by January 17, 2022 are assured full consideration; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Digital applications are required. In one PDF file not  to exceed 25MB please include: 

(1) an application letter that describes how the candidate’s experience, accomplishments and qualifications intersect with the position; 

(2) a curriculum vitae; 

(3) a teaching philosophy; 

(4) a diversity statement; 

(5) portfolio of work and/or link to website 

(6) if available, 20 examples of student work in a digital format (these can be links to finished projects as well as images of work); 

(7) a list of technical skills; and 

(8) the names and contact information for four current references, one of which should be a student or former student. 

Attach the PDF to an email and send to employment@meca.edu. Place “Illustration Search: [Your Name]” in the subject line. Applications will be kept confidential until such time as candidates visit campus. 

DIVERSITY

Maine College of Art & Design recognizes that diversity is integral to the academic experience and strives to foster an inclusive culture defined by respect, equity and social responsibility. Successful candidates will have demonstrated experience in working with diverse populations, and supporting an inclusive and equitable community. Maine College of Art & Design does not discriminate on the basis of gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, HIV status, race, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, or military/veteran’s status in its educational programs, admissions policies, employment policies, financial aid, or other College administered programs. Candidates from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

INSTITUTION

Maine College of Art & Design is an independent college of art and design located in the center of the thriving arts district of Portland, Maine. Established in 1882, the College currently enrolls approximately 500 students, the majority of whom are in the undergraduate program. About 1,000 students take classes through MECA&D’s Continuing Studies Program annually. MECA&D’s Joanne Waxman Library is an important resource of art­ and design ­oriented books and periodicals for the region. The Institute of Contemporary Art at MECA&D is a vibrant site for the exhibition of contemporary art.

MECA&D is characterized by its intimate learning community, its interdisciplinary nature and the breadth of its programs. It confers the degrees of Bachelor of Fine Arts in eleven majors, Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art, Master of Arts in Teaching, and the Salt Graduate Certificate in Documentary Studies. Maine College of Art & Design is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The College’s accreditation status with both agencies was renewed in 2016.