Assistant Professor - Animation - Tenure Track

KCAI Department of Animation - FT Tenure-Track Assistant Professor

The Kansas City Art Institute seeks nominations and applications for a full-time Assistant Professor tenure-track position in Animation to begin August of 2024. Nestled between two world class museums, The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, KCAI prides itself on being an innovative leader in art and design education for over one hundred and thirty years. Successful candidates must have a passion for teaching animation and have the ability to teach in two or more of the following areas: 2D traditional animation and illustration, 2D digital animation and associated methodologies, digital media production, character design and performance for animation and life drawing. Successful candidates will have an impressive and current record of creative activity and teaching experience in the field of animation. Candidates must also possess a commitment to collaborative engagement with school and campus colleagues to support an inclusive, diverse, and multicultural student population.

KCAI’s animation department provides students with a singularly unique education in the history and application of the medium. Our curriculum is organized into a suite of courses designed to progressively develop essential ideas, skills, and competencies over three years. All animation majors receive immersive instruction in classical, experimental, and digital animation techniques and technologies, as well as animation history, professional practice, and interaction with renowned visiting artists. Our students graduate with the momentum to continue producing and the know-how to begin building sustainable creative careers across a broad spectrum of roles. With a commitment to shared governance and academic freedom, KCAI strives to be an excellent place for faculty to develop and explore new curricular directions, connect with the next generation of visual artists, and engage with fresh new ideas and processes in the animation medium.

Requirements for the Position

• An MFA and demonstrated professional achievement in the field of animation is required.

• The successful candidate’s qualifications, portfolio, and professional experience should demonstrate a dedicated and active body of work in animation.

• Applicants should be conversant with current professional practice in the field of animation. Additionally, the candidate should be able to demonstrate a broad understanding of the animation field.

• Applicant materials should demonstrate proficiency and ability to instruct the following software: Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe Creative Suite (Animate, Illustrator, Photoshop & After Effects.)

• The position requires the capacity to collaborate and support faculty colleagues, develop curriculum, and help expand our sophomore principles of animation studio offerings.

• Candidates must possess the ability to instruct and advise students in developing an informed professional practice and robust portfolio in the field of animation.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills and a strong collaborative spirit for teamwork and service to the department, our students, our institution, and the field are imperative.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• We seek an individual primarily focusing on 2D methodologies and associated production skills.

• Preferred skills include 2D hand-drawn animation (classical & digital), character design and performance for animation, life drawing and storyboarding.

• Prior teaching experience in higher education is highly preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

KCAI is committed to a culture of civility, respect, and inclusivity. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, KCAI values diversity in our faculty and staff regardless of their self-identity; to that end, we particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, veterans, womxn, LGBTQ+ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. If you have any difficulty using our online system and require accommodation due to a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department about your interest in employment. Questions may be directed to the Office of Human Resources: hr@kcai.edu or by calling 816-802-3433.

Application Deadlines and Procedures

Reviews of applications are ongoing and will continue until the position is filled.

Upload in PDF format only:

* Letter of application

* Curriculum vita

* Statement of teaching experience and philosophy

* Statement on diversity and inclusion in teaching and learning

* A list of working web link(s) to personal & professional practice and supervised student work (examples with project descriptions where applicable or the same materials embedded in the PDF).

* List of 3 professional references we may contact

Applications with accessible PDF files and workable web links will be acknowledged by return email.