Department: School of the Arts

Full Time or Part Time: Part - Time

Purpose of Position

The Art & Design program in the School of the Arts (SOTA) at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) invites applications for a part-time instructor in Photography. We are seeking a passionate and experienced individual to teach engaging, profession-oriented, and inspiring photo courses to our students. The Photography area at NKU offers an approach to artmaking which is media diverse and emphasizes both technical skills and conceptual development. We offer a specific Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Photography as well as variety of BA and BFA degrees in Studio Arts and Visual Communication Design where photography is an integral part of the curriculum. The position will begin in the fall of 2024. A successful candidate should be knowledgeable and proficient in Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, advanced digital camera control, digital file management, and be able to converse in and with a variety of contemporary methods of current commercial and fine art photography.

ABOUT SOTA

The Art & Design, Music, and Theatre & Dance programs make up the School of the Arts which sits in the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern Kentucky University. Art & Design offers an innovative and engaged opportunity for aspiring artists and designers who seek professional training in the arts. Art & Design has 17 full-time faculty and 4 full-time staff that embrace a comprehensive hands-on approach of working with materials and techniques while developing critical thinking skills related to the various art disciplines and studio training.

ABOUT NKU
Established in 1968, NKU is a 15,000-student, nationally recognized, growing metropolitan university located seven miles from downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. Greater Cincinnati has one of the most vibrant and multifaceted cultural scenes in the Midwest, with the Cincinnati Art Museum, Contemporary Arts Center, 21c Museum Hotel and a plethora of galleries such as The Weston, Carl Solway and Manifest Gallery. Cincinnati offers an outstanding quality of life, a dynamic arts community, and an affordable cost of living. NKU is committed to active engagement with the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati region of over two million people. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, but especially from individuals who contribute to the diversity of our academic community.

Primary Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of this position are to teach photography courses in the Art & Design Photography program in SOTA. We aim to cultivate the next generation of creative visionaries through a personalized education rooted in principles, exploration, and professional pragmatism. At our institution, we foster the development of adept problem-solvers, innovators, and cultural pioneers.

We seek photography faculty who can harness these qualities to empower students, instilling confidence, refining technical abilities, and fostering creative expression. The photography area at NKU is dedicated to preparing students for diverse career paths. Whether aspiring to pursue graduate studies, embark on a career as a wildlife photographer, establish their own photography studio as entrepreneurs, work as touring photojournalist in the music industry, or make their mark as an emerging New York artist, our program equips students with the skills and techniques necessary to stand out in the competitive landscape of photography.

Additional responsibilities include some student mentoring, responsible studio management, and provide direction and guidance for advancing the University's strategic priorities of inclusive excellence, student retention, and graduation. The photography area features a teaching lab outfitted with Apple iMac computers that also serve as open labs for student use when not occupied by classes. The photography studio has dual bays and is outfitted with professional lighting from Profoto. Additionally, students can check out a wide variety of top-quality photographic equipment including lenses for both Canon and Nikon, mobile lighting kits, tripods, and Cintiq input tablets. The print lab that exclusively services art and design students is outfitted with two sheet printers and two roll printers capable of producing the highest quality images from 4X6 inches to 4X6 feet and beyond. From capture to print, the photography area has the resources needed to help students realize their creative vision.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include an MFA in Photography or its equivalent, an active professional creative practice in photography, a demonstrated knowledge of photography and digital techniques, and well versed in contemporary / historical practice. Demonstrated commitment and/or experience promoting and fostering a learning environment that is supportive of individuals from diverse backgrounds and cross-cultural perspectives.

Required Technical Qualifications:

Proven ability to thoroughly teach Adobe Lightroom Classic for image importing/exporting and processing
Proven ability to teach introduction to photography with DSLR cameras. Must have a strong understanding of basic/advanced digital camera control + operation, lens function, and introductory photographic equipment for digital capture.
Proven ability to teach file management via SD/CF cards, external hard drives, and compact flash drives.
Proven ability to teach practices in file management for digital output via Epson inkjet printers.
Proven ability to teach introductory photography courses in a Mac lab.

Strongly Preferred:

Proven ability to teach all levels of photography (Introductory to Advanced)
Proven ability to teach Adobe Photoshop.
Proven ability to effectively utilize Canvas Learning Management System for student instruction
Work and/or teaching experience in a digital printing lab (Epson Inkjet printers)
Work and/or teaching experience in studio lighting
Strong skills related to SSD formatting, file management, color managed printing workflows

College-level teaching experience preferred.

Applicants should clearly demonstrate strengths and technical experience in the afore-mentioned areas of expertise. To apply, submit the following items electronically:

1) Cover Letter
2) CV
3) Names and Contact Information of 3 references
4) Diversity Statement
5) Artist Statement / Research Interests
6) Portfolio of Professional Work *
(20 images of personal work with descriptions/image list)
7) Teaching Philosophy
8) Portfolio of Student Work**
(20 images of student work with descriptions/image list)

* Portfolio of Professional Work and Portfolio of Example Student Work may either be a link to a website or submit a PDF attachment (9MB) maximum for each item):

The diversity statement should offer insight into the candidate's distinctive perspective concerning their past and current efforts, as well as their future goals, in advancing diversity, inclusion, and social justice. (In line with the University's Affirmative Action Policy, candidates are not expected to disclose their identity or membership either in the diversity statement or in other application documents submitted to the search committee. Demographic information is solicited through the application process; however, those data are confidential and are not provided to members of the search committee.)

Any candidate who is offered a position at NKU will be required to go through a pre-employment criminal background check as mandated by state law. Questions regarding the use of the website should be directed to the Human Resources Department at jobs@nku.edu.

Questions regarding the nature of the position should be directed to the search committee chair, Brad McCombs, Art & Design Program Head, via email: mccombsr1@nku.edu.

Preferred application deadline is June 15, 2024. The posting will remain open until filled.

Minimum Education: Master's Degree

Preferred Education: MFA

Requisition Number: 2024F726

Job Open Date: 04/23/2024

Northern Kentucky University jobs

Part-time Instructor in Photography