Full-Time Faculty in Contemporary Practices | School of the Art Institute of Chicago
The Department of Contemporary Practices (CP) at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) invites applications for a full-time, tenured or tenure-track faculty position, beginning August 2020. Rank and salary are competitive with peer institutions and are commensurate with quality of practice, scholarship, academic research, extent of teaching experience, and current professional standing.
DEPARTMENT PROFILE
The Department of Contemporary Practices provides an intensive introduction to contemporary art and design as part of the required curriculum for first-year and incoming undergraduate transfer students. The department’s curriculum teaches undergraduate students critical thinking skills and a variety of studio practices, materials, and concepts in order to cultivate a broad understanding of contemporary art and design across diverse media. Contemporary Practices faculty work with students transitioning into SAIC and preparing for their future studies at the School. The Department has evolved from a more traditional foundations program, continually evaluating and assessing what a truly contemporary first-year required curriculum in the arts should be. The department has over 850 students and 85 Faculty, including 12 tenured or tenure-track faculty. Further information about the department can be found at http://www.saic.edu/academics/departments/contemporary-practices
RESPONSIBILITIES
Tenured and tenure-track faculty in the Contemporary Practices Department teach and advise undergraduate students within the context of an interdisciplinary art and design school. Contemporary Practices faculty must engage with work across a wide range of disciplines. All Contemporary Practices faculty participate in new student orientation, co-teach in the Core Studio courses, and partner with academic advisors in the Research Studio I course. Faculty regularly evaluate courses and student learning in relation to departmental assessment and learning outcomes. The faculty member will teach in areas that contribute to the general goals of the department as well as in their area of specialization; take a leadership role in forging the future of the department; participate in student advising, admissions events, committee work, and special projects; contribute to the SAIC community through ongoing curricular development; and participate in departmental administration and school governance.
QUALIFICATIONS
An MFA or a terminal degree in a relevant field of study is preferred. Significant undergraduate level teaching experience is required. Applicants should have experience teaching courses related to art, design, and/or digital technology in relation to contemporary art and design. The candidate should have prior experience and/or capacity to work collaboratively with others to build strong and innovative programs and initiatives. All candidates should demonstrate a commitment to foundational and or introductory level arts education. The ideal candidate will contribute to the diversity of the School by bringing a perspective, way of thinking, and/or a unique set of experiences that expand the intellectual conversations in art and design. We seek candidates with the knowledge and aptitude to teach and mentor students from diverse backgrounds. Candidates should demonstrate their experience with, or aptitude for, departmental administration.
Priority will be given to candidates whose practice, research and/or pedagogical focus are in one or more of the following areas:
- Post-Secondary Art Pedagogy: Artists and designers that are committed to a student centered pedagogy and have experience developing curriculum for art and design students entering college.
- Interdisciplinary Practices: Artists and/or designers whose practice rigorously moves across and between disciplines.
- Diversity - Individuals whose practice, research, and/or pedagogy demonstrates a proactive approach to teaching a diverse population, and is inclusive of individuals from all backgrounds.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
On or before January 5, 2020 please submit application materials via http://SAICfaculty.slideroom.com. You will be asked to create an account after which time you may complete the application comprised of fill-in fields and uploaded documents. SAIC will underwrite the application fees; you will not be charged to apply for the position. You are encouraged to begin the application well before the deadline. No applications may be submitted beyond the deadline for any reason.
Complete the fields for: educational background; current position; and contact information for three professional references.
Please convert all word documents into PDFs before uploading. Required files to upload include: cover letter stating your interests and qualifications; resume or curriculum vitae; diversity statement; statement of teaching philosophy including your thoughts on teaching a diverse student population and creating an inclusive learning environment at the first-year college level; artist’s statement; *documentation of professional work (not to exceed 15 examples); two examples of course syllabi/assignments; and documentation of students’ work (not to exceed 10 examples).
* For time based work, no more than 10 minutes duration in total. For written work examples no more than 10 pages total.
QUESTIONS
Questions regarding the School and its open positions, application procedures, or the search process may be emailed to saicteach@saic.edu. Please consult www.saic.edu for information on the School and its programs, or www.saic.edu/about/jobsatsaic for open positions and application procedures.
ABOUT SAIC
A leader in educating artists, designers, and scholars since 1866, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate programs to students from across the globe. Located in the heart of Chicago, the School is one of the largest and oldest private schools of art and design in the country with programs reflecting current practices in art. SAIC's educational philosophy is built upon a transdisciplinary approach to art and design that provides unparalleled opportunities for students to develop their creative and critical abilities with renowned faculty who are leading practitioners in their fields. SAIC's resources include the Art Institute of Chicago and its Modern Wing, and numerous special collections and programming venues that provide students with exceptional exhibitions, screenings, lectures, and performances. The campus is located on Chicago’s magnificent lakefront amid the city’s cultural and architectural treasures.
The School currently enrolls 3,640 students in 15 studio departments and 8 academic departments. There are 181 full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty and visiting artists, and 709 adjunct and part-time faculty.
Degree tracks include the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio; BFA with Emphasis in Art Education or Writing; BA degrees in Art History and Visual and Critical Studies; Master of Architecture; Master of Design (MDes) in Designed Objects; MDes in Fashion, Body, and Garment; MFA in Studio or Writing; MA degrees in Arts Administration; Art Education; Art History, Theory, and Criticism; Art Therapy; New Arts Journalism; Teaching; Visual and Critical Studies; and a Master of Science in Historic Preservation.
EOE
The Art Institute of Chicago, including both the school and the museum, is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for its students, visitors, faculty, and staff, and to ensuring that educational and employment decisions are based on an individual’s abilities and qualifications. The Art Institute of Chicago does not tolerate unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or former military status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, in its programs and activities, public accommodations or employment practices. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Title IX Coordinator
Lumaturije “Luma” Asanoski, 116 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60603, 312.499.4165, lasonoski@saic.edu.
Section 504 Coordinator
Felice Dublon, PhD, Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs, The Office of Student Affairs, 36 S. Wabash Ave., Suite 1204, Chicago, IL 60603, 312.629.6800, fdublon@saic.edu.
For further information on notice of nondiscrimination, see the Office for Civil Rights Discrimination Complaint Form for the address and phone number of the office that serves your area, or call 800.421.3481.
REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS
SAIC provides reasonable accommodations during the interview process for candidates with disabilities in adherence with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Should you need an accommodation to participate in an interview, please contact Molly Scranton, Associate Director of Academic Affairs at mscranton@saic.edu.
