NTT Lecturer - Foundations Director

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 Lecturer position of Foundations Coordinator. This is a full-time, benefited position with an initial appointment of two years. The department fosters an environment of academic excellence supported by a range of perspectives. The responsibilities of this position include:

• Directing Foundations Program, overseeing area budgeting, scheduling and coordinating Foundation classrooms and studio spaces
• Teaching five courses a year. Current program includes: Art 110 Basic Studio Drawing, ART 120 Drawing Composition, Art 131 Foundation I, Art 142 Foundation II, and ART 153 Foundation III. The normal NTT teaching load in the Art Department is 3-3 (with other service duties) but one course release per academic year is granted while serving as Coordinator of the Foundations Program.
• Supervising Graduate Teaching Assistants and Graduate Instructors teaching Foundations classes
• Building community among incoming undergraduate students, graduate teaching assistants and faculty through curricular and extracurricular events
• Leading and participating in Art Department and College of Humanities and Fine Arts student recruitment activities
• Serve on college, department, and university committees as needed

Requirements:

The successful candidate will:

• MFA, or equivalent terminal degree in Studio Art, Design, or related field
• Documented record of two or more years of teaching at a college level
• Have the ability to lead and develop a first-year experience aligned with contemporary art and design theories and practices
• Be able to teach 2D, 3D, 4D (time-based) media, and introductory-level drawing courses
• Have strong organizational skills to coordinate between faculty and Graduate Teaching Assistants and Graduate Instructors teaching in Foundations.
• Coordinate with faculty to ensure that first year students have the skills necessary to continue in upper-level courses
• Demonstrate the ability to develop a comprehensive curriculum for a diverse group of learners
• Exhibit mentorship skills to guide Graduate Teaching Assistants and Graduate Instructors teaching in Foundations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience teaching in a Foundations Program
• Experience in mentoring Teaching Assistants

Salary Information:

Salary (Academic year - 9 month) will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. 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 encompasses all faculty in this discipline at this rank which includes faculty with 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 an offer of employment.

Application Instructions

In addition to a full application for employment, please submit:

• Cover letter addressing research, qualifications, and understanding of collegiality
• CV, including a list of courses taught
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• Two sample 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)
• Name, title, and full contact information of three professional references

To receive full consideration, submit your application materials by December 1, 2025. The search will remain open until it is filled; however, applications received after the priority deadline of December 1 may not be reviewed. Incomplete dossiers will not be reviewed.

Cover letter should be addressed to:

Susan Jahoda

Chair, Search Committee

Department of Art

UMass Amherst

Additional Information:

Salary is commensurate with experience. This position is a 9-month academic year appointment at 100%FTE with full benefits.

For more information on living, working, and learning in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts please visit:

https://www.umass.edu/faculty-development/prospective-faculty

Position is dependent on available funding.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.