Human Resources

The Department of Art and Art History at St. Olaf College invites applications for a half-time (0.5 FTE), three-year position in Photography and New Media, to begin in August 2021, with rank and salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. An MFA is required, along with a strong professional exhibition or activity record and teaching experience.

The department is looking for a dynamic artist and educator who can infuse our photography program with an innovative and progressive pedagogy and an emphasis on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups in accordance with our equity goals.

The successful candidate will consistently teach two introductory photography courses in the fall semester and one intermediate photography course in the spring semester. Content and photographic techniques that relate to the applicant’s specific interests are encouraged. Practices could include (but are not limited to) digital imaging, darkroom processes, civic engagement, and/or social practice. The successful candidate may have occasional opportunities to teach courses in new media such as video, animation, graphic design, 3D modeling/printing, and/or creative programming.

In addition to teaching, responsibilities include overseeing the photography facilities (a well-equipped darkroom for silver photography and a digital lab with large format printers), managing student workers, ongoing professional development, academic advising of students, and service within the department. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to working within the interdisciplinary nature of a liberal arts college. Due to the nature of the Covid-19 pandemic, candidates should be prepared to adapt to in-person, online, or hybrid learning environments.

Applicants must submit materials online at https://stolaf.hiretouch.com/faculty-postings. A complete application includes:

• Cover letter (address your approach to your creative work, your teaching philosophy, and your commitment to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion)
• Curriculum vitae
• Graduate transcript (unofficial is acceptable)
• A URL link to a portfolio of your work
• The contact information for three professional references (St. Olaf solicits letters directly after an initial round of screening)

Review of applications will begin on January 1, 2021, and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received by that date will receive fullest consideration. Virtual interviews are expected to begin in late January 2021.

Questions about the position, department, or college may be directed to art@stolaf.edu. Applicants who need assistance with the online application process should call 507-786-3356.

The Department of Art and Art History is an integral part of a vibrant liberal arts college. It is currently housed in the Center for Art and Dance, an Art, Art History and Dance complex serving 200 undergraduate Art and Art History majors. The Department of Art and Art History is NASAD accredited and offers BA options in Studio Art, Art History, and Art Education. There are seven full-time faculty members, seven part-time faculty members, and six staff members. The Center for Art and Dance is well equipped with labs for ceramics, drawing, new media, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture. Rolvaag Library houses an extensive collection of books, periodicals, and videos. An important artistic teaching resource, the Flaten Art Museum, presents exhibitions of regional, national, and international artists. For more about the department, visit stolaf.edu/art.

Founded in 1874, St. Olaf College is a residential, coeducational liberal arts college with approximately 3,000 students and 800 faculty and staff employees. It is located in Northfield, Minnesota, about 45 minutes from Minneapolis and St. Paul with their rich and diverse cultural resources. The college offers an academically rigorous, nationally ranked liberal arts education that fosters the development of the whole person in mind, body, and spirit and emphasizes learning in an inclusive and globally engaged community.

To provide a safe and secure educational environment, St. Olaf College verifies the accuracy of all credentials presented by applicants and conducts a criminal background check on every new hire.