Asst. Professor - Liberal Arts jobs in Portland, OR

George Fox University announces a tenure-track position in Art and Design with a specialization in Ceramics curriculum, to begin August 15, 2024. The committee seeks a working studio or industrial design practitioner with significant professional experience, a broad knowledge of contemporary and historical art and design context, as well as an understanding of the technical, critical, and theoretical issues in contemporary arts education. The candidate will also teach broadly across the curriculum, which could include, but are not limited to, classes such as drawing, painting, creative suite, and art history.

About the Job:
George Fox University, a Christ-centered community, prepares students spiritually, academically, and professionally to think with clarity, act with integrity, and serve with passion. Professors teach all truth as God's truth, integrating all fields of learning around the person and work of Jesus Christ, bringing the divine revelations through sense, reason, and intuition to the confirming test of Scripture. As a Christ-centered community, George Fox University is an institution that values diversity as an essential dimension of God's design for human communities.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Teaching a wide range of beginning to advanced levels of Ceramics, with content including wheel throwing, hand building, earthenware, raku firing, clay body and glaze chemistry, mold making and industrial/production applications, and the history of ceramics.
• Utilizing regularly both electric and high-fire reduction gas kilns in the studio; access to local anagama kilns is available and encouraged given the department's deep connections with various anagama kilns in the area. Supervising and maintaining the operation of the various kilns and other equipment used in the clay studio.
• Instructing and assisting in the growth and success of a diverse population of students through careful preparation of course materials, effective teaching methodologies and informed critical feedback on assignments and discussions.
• Providing oversight to the part-time student laboratory technicians along with supervision of the operation of the equipment in the ceramics lab.
• Maintaining an active, research-based studio practice commensurate with the qualifications of a tenure track faculty member.
• Maintaining regular posted office hours, being accessible to students, and carrying a full academic advising load.
• Complying with campus and division policies in performance of duties.
• Participating in departmental functions such as staff, department, and division meetings.
• Maintaining industry contacts in ceramics and keeping abreast of the changing technologies and issues related to the field.
• Participating in university and department level committee service.
• Communicating effectively and courteously with others, including employees, students, and the public, in a spirit of teamwork, respect and customer service.
• By actions, words, and lifestyle, be a Christian role model to students, whether through casual contact or in a formal supervisory role.
• Demonstrating awareness, respect, and appreciation for diversity of culture, background, race, sex, political views, expressions of faith, etc. and works well with a variety of people.
• Other duties as assigned.

We're looking for candidates who have:

• A Terminal degree (MFA) in a relevant field.
• A minimum of 1-3 years' experience teaching in art and design curriculum, with experience in ceramics and clay media. Applicants with significant industry experience ranging 5-10 years will also satisfy teaching experience.
• Experience or aptitude embracing industrial ceramics applications and cross-disciplinary industrial and product design applications, and collaborating with other colleagues across academic units, such as those working in business, engineering, and the natural sciences.
• Strong skills in image and or object making, studio management, and a dedication to a professional studio practice demonstrated through portfolio and experience.
• A commitment to working with a diverse population of students is essential; demonstrated experience in this area is preferred.
• Demonstrated success and or aptitude for remote, hybrid, and face-to-face instruction in studio, lab, and theory-based courses.
• Legal authority to permanently work in the U.S. and when employed by George Fox University be a resident of one of the following states: Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, New York, Ohio, or Texas.
• A personal commitment to Jesus Christ and express their Christian testimony in a church. In addition, employees agree to live in agreement with the Community Lifestyle Statement and affirm the theological commitments expressed in the Statement of Faith.

Preference will be given to those who have the following attributes:

• Connections to and experience with broad ceramics industry applications including industrial and commercial applications of the material.
• Strong skills in mentoring student workers and interns.
• The ability to teach in a secondary or tertiary area such as Drawing, Painting, Art History, Digital Tools, Sculpture, 3D Design, Arts Appreciation, etc.
• The program is also interested in candidates who have experience with or aptitude for the work of department chair leadership.

Salary and rank:

• Appointment at the Assistant Professor level is anticipated, though candidates with significant teaching experience at previous institutions may be considered for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor.

Job information:

• Primary Work Location: Newberg Campus
  • This is a resident / in-person faculty position
• Work Period: 9 months (August 15th through May 14th)
• Working Conditions: Physical requirements are similar to those of teaching and studio environments.
• Supervisor: Chair, Art and Design

Application procedure:

• Kindly apply through the Careers at George Fox University webpage.
• When completing the online application, please upload the following as Word or .pdf documents in the section marked Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, and Essay Requirement:
  • Letter of Interest
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Statement of teaching philosophy
  • A second .pdf should be uploaded in the same location that includes 10 images of recent student work made under the direction of the candidate, and a portfolio of the candidate's own work or a link to the portfolio site.
  • Integration of Faith and Learning Essay
    • George Fox University is committed to the idea that one of the primary responsibilities of Christian higher education is to help students develop a uniquely Christian worldview. As teachers and mentors, it is important for George Fox University faculty members to integrate Christian faith and principles in all aspects of their lives. As an essential part of the application process, the University will carefully consider your response to the following: In a one-page essay (about 300 words) describe your personal Christian faith, as well as how your faith informs your teaching, scholarship, and service (including service and leadership in your church and/or in Christian ministries).

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Other supporting materials may be requested at a later stage of the review process.

Contact information:

• Have questions or need assistance with our application process? Contact Georgefoxcareers@georgefox.edu
• Have questions about the position or department? Contact Marvin Eans, Chair, Art and Design at means@georgefox.edu

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by May 30. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply at once. Review of applications will begin on a rolling basis and continue until the position is filled. Please note: This position is subject to close at any time, regardless of the date on the posting.

George Fox University has been transforming student's lives for over 125 years. We are a Christ-centered community that prepares students spiritually, academically, and professionally to think with clarity, act with integrity, and serve with passion. Our vision is to be the Christian university of choice known for empowering students to achieve exceptional life outcomes. We put students first, with Christ at the center of our work, embracing change in order to improve. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in creating transformational experiences for our students.

Being a part of our community means a commitment to faith and to a lifestyle that is consistent with the university's mission as described in the Statement of Faith and Community Lifestyle Statement on our website.

As a Christ-centered community, George Fox University is an institution that values diversity as an essential dimension of God's design for human communities. In seeking to become a more inclusive community, we especially encourage applications from women and candidates from racial and ethnic backgrounds that are underrepresented in our community.

What is most appealing about working at George Fox University?

• Faith-friendly: Our culture is unique for higher education. At George Fox you can pursue academic excellence while integrating scriptures, praying with staff members and students at work, and helping to make an impact on the world in a way that promotes Christian values.
• Unapologetically Christian: As a university, we have an enduring commitment to Christ, his kingdom and the truth of God's Word.
• Live out your calling: You are able to use your God-given talents and abilities while having a profound influence on students as they deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Equip students for kingdom work: You can be a part of helping students discover their callings, at which they will be able to glorify the kingdom of God just as they have seen you do.
  
  

For your personal well-being we offer:

• A strong Christian vision and mission-led organization with opportunities for your growth and contributions.
• Wonderful Christian peers and a vibrant student population.
• A beautiful and peaceful campus environment with areas to walk and coffee shops and restaurants close by.
• Free Fitness Center membership.
• Free parking.
• Rich employee benefit package.