Position Summary:

Job Description:

The School of the Arts at Western Colorado University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position in Art and Design. We seek a dynamic teacher-scholar who is committed to student-centered learning, professional preparation, and inclusive, interdisciplinary education. This is an in-person, on-campus position on our vibrant residential campus in Gunnison, Colorado.

The standard teaching load is 24 credit hours per academic year.  The successful candidate will deliver engaging, well-designed Art and Design courses, including introductory courses in Art and Design, as well as introductory and advanced courses (Drawing, 2D/3D Design, Sculpture, Digital Design, and Magazine Production). Additionally they may teach other courses aligned with their expertise and departmental needs. We especially value faculty who engage students in high-impact practices such as internships, research, community-based learning, and who participate in our Western Watershed General Education and First-Year Seminar Headwaters courses. We value faculty who work to prepare students for a livelihood based on their values and aid students in gaining post-graduate opportunities. 

The recently launched School of the Arts at Western serves approximately 160 students enrolled across six disciplines: art, design, film, music, industrial design, and theatre. It also provides substantial service to the Western Watershed program.

Learn more about Western’s School of the Arts here: https://western.edu/department/school-of-the-arts/

Please note: Western is unable to sponsor work authorization for this position.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum qualifications:

• An MFA or PhD in Art, Graphic Design, or closely related field; ABD would also be considered.  Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to undergraduate education, excellence in teaching, and willingness to work with and be sensitive to the educational needs of all students.  Candidates must also be able to use technology in instructional delivery, including ability to teach online and hybrid courses. Collegiality and professional flexibility are sought in the successful candidate.

Preferred qualifications:

• Preference given to candidates with 3 years full time teaching experience in Art or Design
• Professional and/or teaching experience in art foundation courses (2D, 3D, Drawing, Design)
• Professional or college teaching experience in sculpture
• Professional or college teaching experience in Graphic Design courses (Digital Design and Magazine Production)
• Interest in interdisciplinary and innovative curriculum development and teaching
• To be considered for the Associate level, applicants must demonstrate experience with program administration and growth, curriculum development, recruitment, retention, advising, and experience with developing professional/industry partnerships for student internships and career connections. Further, preference will be given to applicants with these experiences in addition to their professional art making experience.

SALARY/BENEFITS: $55,000-$58,000 (Assistant Professor) or $65,000 - $68,000 (Associate Professor) annualized salary. Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years. 

START DATE: August 16, 2027

APPLICATION: Apply online at www.western.edu/jobs.  Required attachments to the application include: letter of application, curriculum vitae, evidence of successful teaching and mentoring (a portfolio of 20 images of student artwork), evidence of successful scholarly or creative activity (personal artwork portfolio of 20 images), and a reference list with names and contact information of three references, including one from a current supervisor.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Please direct questions to Tina Butterfield at (970) 943-2008; email: [email protected]. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 10, 2026. Screening of applications will begin immediately.

Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte

Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 students. 47% of students are undergraduates, 33% are graduate students, and 80% receive some form of financial aid. Western students represent 17 countries, 50 states, and almost every county in Colorado. With an average class size of 17, Western’s faculty and staff share a strong commitment to personalized, rigorous, and immersive education. Visit http://www.western.edu to learn more about the university.

Western Colorado University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, about 200 miles southwest of Denver amidst over 2 million acres of public land and a vibrant ranching community. The Gunnison valley provides robust cultural programming and exceptional outdoor recreation. A network of dedicated community organizations enrich the lives of many in the tight-knit community. Living in the valley, one appreciates a vibrant culture of festivals, exhibitions, performances, wellness activities, and more. In the winter, many enjoy in skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and along dozens of miles of cross-country trails. In the summer, bikers, hikers, and runners explore 750-plus miles of singletrack trails, while others delight in fishing, boating, and paddleboarding at Blue Mesa Reservoir or on the Gunnison River and its tributaries. Pre-K-12 students are served by the highly-ranked Gunnison Watershed School District.

Western Colorado University encourages candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Western is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants in accordance with applicable law.

An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS

It is the ongoing policy and practice of Western Colorado University to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants.  No person shall be discriminated against in any condition of employment because of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, marital status, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local law.

ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS:

Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at [email protected] or (970) 943-3140.