Job Description

Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) and the Ames School of Art & Design invite applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Painting, Drawing and Gallery Director, with a start date in August 2025. We are seeking a versatile educator with expertise in drawing and painting, with additional areas of expertise in the visual arts, a plus.

The successful candidate will be the primary faculty member in 2-D studies driving curricular decisions, teaching at all levels of the program, and mentoring BA and BFA students. Candidates will demonstrate the ability to inspire students conceptually, aesthetically, and technically.  A large part of the identity of the university and school is a commitment to social practice, articulated in curriculum and faculty and student work.

This spring, IWU will break ground on a significant donor-supported building project attached to the School of Art & Design. This facility will be a hub for entrepreneurial and creative innovation. Currently known as the Petrick Idea Center, the space will boast a makerspace and collaborative workspaces, which will add more tools of fine art and design to our already robust battery. The successful candidate will play a key role in utilizing these new resources, as we shape programming, particularly in new, interdisciplinary experiences.

The Ames School of Art & Design, housed within the College of Fine Arts, is one of IWU’s five professional schools, and offers the BFA and BA in Graphic Design and Studio Art. Minors are offered in Graphic Design, Studio Art, and Art History. The school has two galleries, a Macintosh computer lab, and outstanding facilities for drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and glass. The on-site laser cutter, 3D printer, and vacuum former support all areas within the school.

Founded in 1850, Illinois Wesleyan is a highly selective, private undergraduate liberal arts university with a tradition of teaching excellence. As an equal opportunity employer, we are strongly committed to recruiting, supporting and fostering a diverse, inclusive and civil community of outstanding faculty, staff and students. We seek candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to supporting and further building our community in these areas.

The twin cities of  Bloomington - Normal constitute a thriving community of over 170,000 residents. Located approximately halfway between Chicago and St. Louis, we are often ranked as one of the best places to  live .

Amtrak and the Central Illinois Regional Airport are located nearby making travel convenient.

Minimum Qualifications:

• MFA required
• College-level teaching experience (Teaching Assistant experience acceptable)
• Demonstrated competence in educational principles, instructional methods, evaluation technique,
• and technology used in higher education 
• Evidence of creative/scholarly achievement
• Commitment to interdisciplinary practice
• Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills (verbal, written, and electronic) necessary to interact effectively with students, faculty, professional staff, administration, and the community
• Ability to foster an active and engaged learning environment
• Knowledge of contemporary art issues

Preferred Qualification:

• Sustained and current exhibition record
• Evidence of competent student work
• Experience in curation and gallery management

Responsibilities

• Teach four courses annually as assigned by the Director
• Serve as Gallery Director, duties include collaborating with SoAD faculty in selecting exhibitions (8 per year plus student exhibitions), implementing exhibitions, managing student crew, maintaining budgets, and coordinating all facets of visiting artists’ contracts and publicity
• Participate in the advancement of the developing college-wide strategic plan
• Engage in University and SOA&D service including but not limited to:
• University Committees
• Advisor to art/design majors
• Program Assessment
• Recruiting events
• Mentor BFA students for senior show
• Performs other duties as assigned by Director or Dean

Salary

Salary and benefits that include health care plan, retirement plan, considerable time off, access to tuition programs for employees and dependents. Approved salary range starts at $50,000. An overview of IWU benefits can be found  here . 

Application

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Please email the following application materials or questions to: Carmen Lozar, Search Committee Chair at [email protected]

Required materials:

• letter of application addressing qualifications
• curriculum vitae
• statement of teaching philosophy
• statement describing your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• 20 examples of personal work and 20 examples of student work from range of courses (pdf or web links)
• sample of relevant course syllabi (if available)
• contact information for three professional references

Send materials via email to:
Carmen Lozar
2-D Search Committee Chair
Ames School of Art & Design
Illinois Wesleyan University
[email protected]

The final candidate will pass a pre-employment background investigation.

Illinois Wesleyan University is committed to recruiting, supporting, and fostering a diverse, inclusive, and civil community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students. We seek candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to supporting and further building our community in these dimensions. Illinois Wesleyan University is an EEO Employer.  Illinois Wesleyan University’s sexual misconduct policy may be accessed at  .  Illinois Wesleyan University is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusive excellence; details at  .

About Illinois Wesleyan University

At Illinois Wesleyan we're dedicated to helping our students find and pursue their passions, because when they study what they love they are more successful in school and in life.

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