What are the responsibilities and job description for the Non-Tenure Track Lecturer in Animation and Visual Narrative position at Inside Higher Ed?
Job no: 528638
Work type: Faculty Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Art
Union: MSP
Categories: College of Humanities & Fine Arts, Lecturer/Non-Tenure Track
About UMass Amherst
The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.
About The Department Of Art
The Department of Art at the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers post-secondary education in a full range of disciplines that include painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, animation, intermedia, design and technology, and art education. Interdisciplinary study is at the core of our philosophy, and we encourage students to pursue experience across art disciplines, as well as exploring the diverse fields of arts, humanities, and sciences open to them at this premier research university. We offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts Program tailored to students who plan to become 21st century professional artists and designers, and a Bachelor of Arts degree for majors seeking the broadest available liberal arts education. Future primary and secondary school art teachers are comprehensively prepared in our Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education program.
The UMass Amherst Master of Fine Arts Degree in Art program is a three-year immersive course of study for post-graduates who wish to expand their critical thinking and disciplinary techniques, and develop the experience needed for careers in academics. We also offer a Master of Arts Degree in Art Education for prospective and current teachers to engage in advanced professional development.
Our campus hosts five galleries dedicated to exhibitions of student and professional work. Situated in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, UMass is an ideal base from which students may join the rich creative community of artists and craftspeople who live and work in this area.
Job Description
The Department of Art at the University of Massachusetts Amherst seeks applicants for a full-time academic-year (nine-month) Non-tenure track (NTT) Lecturer position in Animation & Visual Narrative. The department values diversity as a factor in academic and artistic excellence.
The successful candidate will be an experienced visual narrative artist and educator with a passion for storytelling, character design, and world-building across multiple genres, pipelines, and platforms. They will be able to teach Introduction to 2D Animation and Professional Practices for Animators, as well as courses in storyboarding, character design, and other areas of visual development. Additional expertise in illustration, comic arts, or transmedia storytelling is highly encouraged.
The candidate will demonstrate an innovative approach to narrative, with the ability to apply skills and concepts in interdisciplinary contexts. They will stay current with trends and practices in the areas of animation and visual narrative, and work to develop foundational and advanced courses in visual narrative arts. They will also mentor students in preparing for careers in the animation and narrative industries, including developing strong portfolios, reels, and other professional materials aligned with industry standards. Experience working in collaborative studio environments is highly desirable.
The person in this position will teach three undergraduate courses per semester and participate in service to the department for the academic year. Other teaching responsibilities include serving on BFA and MFA thesis committees, student advising, and helping to oversee animation facilities and equipment. A commitment to the academic success of all students and strong departmental citizenship is essential to a successful candidacy.
Minimum Qualifications
In addition to a full application for employment, please submit:
Salary Information
It is expected that the salary range for this position is between $65,550 and $76,310.
Please Note
This is a full-time, benefited position with an initial appointment of two years. Expected start date: September 1, 2026.
Cover Letter Should Be Addressed To
Hallie Bahn
Chair, Search Committee
Department of Art UMass Amherst
For more information on living, working, and learning in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts please visit:
https://www.umass.edu/faculty-development/prospective-faculty
The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
Advertised: Oct 31 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications Close
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Work type: Faculty Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Art
Union: MSP
Categories: College of Humanities & Fine Arts, Lecturer/Non-Tenure Track
About UMass Amherst
The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.
About The Department Of Art
The Department of Art at the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers post-secondary education in a full range of disciplines that include painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, animation, intermedia, design and technology, and art education. Interdisciplinary study is at the core of our philosophy, and we encourage students to pursue experience across art disciplines, as well as exploring the diverse fields of arts, humanities, and sciences open to them at this premier research university. We offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts Program tailored to students who plan to become 21st century professional artists and designers, and a Bachelor of Arts degree for majors seeking the broadest available liberal arts education. Future primary and secondary school art teachers are comprehensively prepared in our Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education program.
The UMass Amherst Master of Fine Arts Degree in Art program is a three-year immersive course of study for post-graduates who wish to expand their critical thinking and disciplinary techniques, and develop the experience needed for careers in academics. We also offer a Master of Arts Degree in Art Education for prospective and current teachers to engage in advanced professional development.
Our campus hosts five galleries dedicated to exhibitions of student and professional work. Situated in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, UMass is an ideal base from which students may join the rich creative community of artists and craftspeople who live and work in this area.
Job Description
The Department of Art at the University of Massachusetts Amherst seeks applicants for a full-time academic-year (nine-month) Non-tenure track (NTT) Lecturer position in Animation & Visual Narrative. The department values diversity as a factor in academic and artistic excellence.
The successful candidate will be an experienced visual narrative artist and educator with a passion for storytelling, character design, and world-building across multiple genres, pipelines, and platforms. They will be able to teach Introduction to 2D Animation and Professional Practices for Animators, as well as courses in storyboarding, character design, and other areas of visual development. Additional expertise in illustration, comic arts, or transmedia storytelling is highly encouraged.
The candidate will demonstrate an innovative approach to narrative, with the ability to apply skills and concepts in interdisciplinary contexts. They will stay current with trends and practices in the areas of animation and visual narrative, and work to develop foundational and advanced courses in visual narrative arts. They will also mentor students in preparing for careers in the animation and narrative industries, including developing strong portfolios, reels, and other professional materials aligned with industry standards. Experience working in collaborative studio environments is highly desirable.
The person in this position will teach three undergraduate courses per semester and participate in service to the department for the academic year. Other teaching responsibilities include serving on BFA and MFA thesis committees, student advising, and helping to oversee animation facilities and equipment. A commitment to the academic success of all students and strong departmental citizenship is essential to a successful candidacy.
Minimum Qualifications
- MFA in Art or similar terminal degree at the time of starting the position
- Two years full-time teaching at college-level beyond graduate school, or the equivalent of eight college-level courses
- Strong background in animation, visual development, or related visual narrative fields
- Knowledge or experience teaching Introduction to 2D Animation and Professional Practices for Animators
- Ability to develop new courses in areas such as visual development, illustration, comic arts, and/or transmedia
- Record of professional activity demonstrated through creative practice, research, exhibitions, publications, or industry work
- Familiarity with Mac OS and Windows operating systems
- Commitment to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students
- Commitment to departmental citizenship and equitable labor practices
- Additional expertise in illustration, comic arts, or transmedia storytelling
- Competency in industry-standard animation and digital drawing software.
In addition to a full application for employment, please submit:
- Cover Letter
- Current curriculum vitae, including a list of courses taught
- Teaching philosophy statement
- Names and contact information of three professional references
- Two examples of course syllabi
- A PDF portfolio of professional work with links to time-based/interactive material (not to exceed five minutes)
- A PDF portfolio of student work with links to time-based/interactive materials (not to exceed five minutes)
Salary Information
It is expected that the salary range for this position is between $65,550 and $76,310.
Please Note
- The low-end of the pay range in all faculty searches at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is the minimum salary for the rank included in the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Massachusetts Society of Professors, UMass Amherst/MTA/NEA.
- The high-end of the pay range reflects an increase above the median of salaries at this rank within the department for faculty who may have multiple years of faculty experience.
- The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on consideration of all relevant factors when and if it decides to extend and offer of employment.
This is a full-time, benefited position with an initial appointment of two years. Expected start date: September 1, 2026.
Cover Letter Should Be Addressed To
Hallie Bahn
Chair, Search Committee
Department of Art UMass Amherst
For more information on living, working, and learning in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts please visit:
https://www.umass.edu/faculty-development/prospective-faculty
The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
Advertised: Oct 31 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications Close
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Salary : $65,550 - $76,310