Purpose of Position

Northern Kentucky delivers innovative student-centered education and engages in impactful scholarly and creative endeavors, all of which empower our graduates to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives while contributing to the economic, civic, and social vitality of the region. NKU is recognized for being a student-ready, regionally engaged university that empowers learners for economic and social mobility.

The Art and Design program in the School of the Arts ( SOTA ) at Northern Kentucky University invites applications for a full-time Assistant Professor of Practice in Animation. Our new and rapidly growing Animation track offers a media approach to artmaking, emphasizing both technical skills and conceptual development. We focus on enhancing students’ drawing skills and proficiency with state-of-the-art digital technologies, alongside their skills in character design and narrative development. Join our vibrant, supportive faculty in Art & Design to help shape our emerging animation curriculum and support student success as they launch their creative careers in the industry. The Art & Design program offers a wide array of BA and BFA degrees, with Animation being one of the specialized major tracks available within the BFA program. This on-campus position begins August 2026. We are seeking a dedicated educator-scholar to teach in our dynamic, profession-oriented program.

The ideal candidates will possess a strong blend of industry experience and technological expertise, equipping students for successful careers in animation. We highly value demonstrated proficiency in cutting-edge computer animation software and emerging media, as it directly supports the needs of our curriculum. Relevant software may include but is not limited to: 2-D animation tools such as Adobe Animate (formerly Flash), After Effects, and Toon Boom; and 3-D animation tools like Maya, 3D Studio Max, Unreal Engine, and Houdini. Additionally, candidates should be dedicated to fostering a positive and generative classroom environment.

Established in 1968, NKU is a 15,000-student, nationally recognized, growing metropolitan university located seven miles from downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. Greater Cincinnati is a hub for the arts such as the Cincinnati Art Museum, Contemporary Arts Center, 21c Museum Hotel with a vibrant arts scene including notable galleries. 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.

The Art & Design, Music, and Theatre + Dance programs make up the School of the Arts that sit in the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern Kentucky University. The Art & Design Program offers a unique and challenging opportunity for aspiring artists and designers who seek professional training in the arts. All programs of study share a fundamental commitment to the premise that for the next generation of creative artists and educators to face the challenges of the 21st century, they must be equipped with the creative and intellectual tools to succeed. Art & Design has 17 full-time faculty and staff that embrace a comprehensive hands-on approach of working with materials and techniques while developing critical thinking skills related to the various visual arts disciplines and studio training. In addition, our NKU Art Galleries serve as a premier venue for the exhibition of high-quality artworks from regional, national, and international artists as well as a creative forum for students, the campus community, and region.

Primary Responsibilities

The Assistant Professor of Practice will teach three undergraduate animation courses per semester, or potentially a combination of animation and Art & Design courses aligned with the individual’s expertise. The role also includes contributing meaningful service to both the university and the broader community. In addition, this role will share responsibility for curriculum oversight and direct leadership of the Animation program, maintain creative/ professional achievement as it relates to teaching and programmatic stewardship, develop new courses, and shape a vision for student success in preparation for entry into the industry. Additional responsibilities include student mentoring, studio management, portfolio/senior show reviews, and providing direction and guidance for advancing the University’s strategic priorities of student retention and graduation.

Qualifications

Candidates are required to have a bachelor’s degree in animation, applied or fine arts or related field, and extensive practice, expertise, or experience that demonstrates equivalency to an MFA degree, or hold a terminal degree. The candidate should also be well versed in contemporary / historical practice of animation and the moving image. The position includes opportunities to shape curricula and be part of a team of committed colleagues and dedicated students.

The successful candidate should have an active professional creative practice including a strong exhibition record, demonstrated knowledge of animation technologies, and well versed in contemporary / historical practice. College-level teaching experience preferred.

Applicants should clearly demonstrate strengths and technical experience in the aforementioned areas of expertise. To apply, submit the following items electronically to https://jobs.nku.edu (may either include a link to a URL or submit PDF attachments 7MB (15MB) a little larger, if possible, maximum for each item):

1) Cover Letter (outlining qualifications)

2) CV

3) Names and Contact Information of 3 references

4) Artist Statement / Philosophy

5) Portfolio of Professional Work (Demo Reel, 20 images, videos, or organized set of links – website preferred)

6) Teaching Philosophy/Statement *

7) Portfolio of Student Work (20 images, videos, or organized set of links – website preferred)

*We ask candidates to include how differing perspectives bring value to the classroom whether economic, geographic or philosophical and explain how your teaching philosophy engages students from a variety of different backgrounds and viewpoints and creates a welcoming learning environment for everyone. 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; schellhash@nku.edu

SUGGESTED APPLICATION DEADLINE

Review of applications will begin by the end of October 2025 and continue until the position has been filled. (For full consideration we encourage applications before November 4, 2025.

For additional information on NKU, visit nku.edu and art.nku.edu

Any candidate who is offered this position will be required to go through a pre-employment criminal background check as mandated by state law.

Northern Kentucky University

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Assistant Professor of Practice (Animation)