Assistant Professor of Ceramics at Western New Mexico University, Silver City, USA
Posted: February 2013 (Continuous)
Job description
Applications are invited for a nine-month, tenure-track, faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor, with a contract starting August 2013. WNMU is seeking a dynamic teacher, and a creative colleague, who possesses a technically skilled broad knowledge who is willing to direct our clay program. The successful candidate will teach 3 four credit hour courses per semester, manage and facilitate the ordering of supplies and work-study for the clay studios and work collaboratively with the members of the Expressive Arts Department and community to foster a progressive atmosphere for exploring the arts. Additional position responsibilities include advising, program development, assessment, university service, scholarly activity, community service, and advisement of student organizations. During the interview candidates will make a thirty (30) minute class presentation on a topic selected by the search committee. This full-time nine month position may include summer courses. Research, grant writing, experience with university, community, and professional committees and organizations are desired. Previous successful interaction with diverse groups and proficiency in Spanish are preferred for all positions.
Appointment: August 2013
Job type: Faculty (Full time)
Location: 1000 W. College Ave., Silver City, NM 88062, USA
Job duties: The successful candidate must demonstrate their teaching abilities, be a team player, open to collaboration; committed to research and teaching, and a forward thinker to prepare students for a rapidly changing society. We are looking for a professor with versatility, a vibrant creative practice, flexibility and strong interpersonal and communication skills and willing to interact with our arts community. Applicant needs to be able to lift 50 lbs. and maintain a ceramic facility that includes: an Alpine 24 cubic ft. down draft kiln, soda kiln, catenary salt kiln, 2 raku kilns, three Skutt 1227 electrics kilns and a Peter Pugger clay mixer.
Minimum requirements: Candidates must have a Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) that can bridge the functional vessel and sculptural forms. Successful candidates will be able to teach all levels of clay courses, have 2 years teaching experience documented by student work, and an active exhibition and or publication record. Additionally the candidate needs to have knowledge of historical and contemporary concepts in ceramic arts, experience with high and low fire processes, clay and glaze formulations, firing techniques, safety procedures with a can do attitude. Candidates must also have commitment to working successfully with a diverse, multi-cultural student body.
Preferred requirements: Candidates should take an active role in professional organizations, have experience working on academic committees, experience managing a clay studio, experience with glaze testing and development and knowledge of ceramics history and Mimbres pottery. Experience with any of the following is a plus: Elementary or Secondary Art Education, Art Therapy, Art Theory, Fundraising and Community Integration. Willingness to participate in outdoor education and service learning is also a plus.
Salary: $43,855 – $45,440 Annually
Review of application materials will begin Friday, March 15, 2013 and continues until filled. While no deadline has been established, for optimal consideration candidates should submit completed applications by Thursday, March 14, 2013.
Application instructions
A complete application must include an Email web resolution pdf documents (4MB or less total) or a link to a site including the following information: a cover letter and vitae, copy of unofficial graduate transcripts (official transcripts are required upon offer of employment), a personal statement that addresses the applicant’s teaching philosophy as well as the applicant’s experience with and expectations regarding the use of technology in teaching, a statement of research interest/artist statement, a PDF document containing 20 examples of creative work, 20 examples of students’ work and an image index detailing dates, sizes, media of images, at least three letters of recommendation (at least two of which focus on the applicant’s teaching ability and potential), a WNMU online application, and the names/mailing addresses/email addresses/phone numbers of five current references. Skype interviews will be used for the semi-finalists and additional documentation may be requested at that time.
The WNMU application can be found online here. Send your email with “Ceramics Search – Your Name” in the Subject to: Employment@wnmu.edu. Phone: (575) 538-6328 and FAX: (575) 538-6338. All finalists will be required to sign an authorization for a background check prior to an offer of employment.
About the employer
Western New Mexico University is a public, comprehensive, regional institution serving a diverse multicultural population of more than 3,500 students located in Silver City, New Mexico. Exemplary teaching, quality programs, commitment to diversity, and enhanced regional service characterize WNMU’s mission. Located on the continental divide in southwest New Mexico, Silver City is a community with a diverse population of approximately 10,000 at the foothills of the Gila Wilderness. The region has rich geological diversity and ancient Native-American archeological sites such as the Gila Cliff Dwellings and the Mimbres culture. The town is home to a dynamic growing arts community that includes numerous clay studios, art studios, galleries, museums and is home to the Silver City Clay Festival and Syzygy, a handmade tile factory.
