Assistant Professor of Animation

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts, located in Winston-Salem ("The City of the Arts"), was the rst state-supported, residential school of its kind in the nation. Established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1963, UNCSA opened in Winston-Salem in 1965 and became part of the University of North Carolina system in 1972. More than 1,300 students from middle school through graduate school train for careers in the arts. The University of North Carolina School of the Arts is dedicated entirely to the professional training of talented students in the performing, visual, and moving image arts. The chancellor, deans, and faculty work with students in a residential setting to create an educational community that is intimate, demanding, and performance centered. Learning is enriched by access to an academic program responsive to a conservatory curriculum. Founded to be both an educational institution and a resource enhancing the cultural life of the state of North Carolina and the Southeast, UNCSA offers numerous public performances, on- and off-campus, as well as community education in the arts.

At UNCSA, we strive to create a safe environment, one that allows people from all walks of life to thrive.

For more information about Winston-Salem, please review this link:

https://bestofwinston.com/welcome-to-winston/ UNCSA's institutional values of community, collaboration, and imagination inform the hiring process. We are interested in candidates who can demonstrate how their artistic and teaching practice shows a dedication to working with a culturally, economically, and intellectually vast community of artists. The ideal candidate will also have the versatility and vision to help shape the program to meet the requirements of a constantly evolving profession.

The School of Filmmaking's BFA Animation Program is seeking innovative and dedicated faculty candidates for two full-time, multi-year Animation Assistant Professor positions to begin in the fall of 2025.

The UNCSA School of Filmmaking BFA in Animation focuses on professional skill-building in animation, while encouraging students to explore unique and personal expressions in a diverse and collaborative setting. Our program offers an intensive hands-on art-making experience, combined with broad exposure to Liberal Arts that enhance the undergraduate experience. Responsibilities in teaching will include guiding students through the creation of short films and projects across different mediums including hand-drawn, computer graphics (CG), and/or other experimental forms.

Qualified candidates will have a proven track record either as a practicing professional and/or academic with the ability to teach in the areas of 2D and 3D animation. Teaching industry-standard software is a must. Those include TOON BOOM HARMONY, AUTODESK MAYA, and/or AFTER EFFECTS. Skill with Adobe Creative Suite and other current relevant software is beneficial. The ability to teach storyboarding, figure drawing, or other related topics is a plus.

Faculty may be asked to teach a class in Film School concentrations beyond Animation, based on their personal skill set and expertise.

Additionally, this position will support the students' career development through industry relations and knowledge about animation festivals, production companies, and career-building organizations.

An MFA degree in Animation or Professional and/or Academic Equivalency.

A strong portfolio and/or demo reel showcasing animation and/or virtual production work.

2D Animation expertise in TOON BOOM HARMONY and/or 3D Animation expertise in AUTODESK MAYA.

Ability to teach additional varied animation-related classes based on candidate's strengths and the needs of the department.

Experience in additional related areas such as illustration, layout, timing, visual storytelling, visual development for animated shorts, character turnarounds, and character acting/voiceover.

Knowledge of 3D animation tools such as Blender and familiarity with compositing software.

Expertise in a secondary area of specialization such as: screenwriting for animation, animation producing, budgeting, and development; marketing and PR for animation; animation post production, and/or the use of game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine.

A candidate's application materials must include:

An EHRA Faculty application is required in order to be considered for a faculty position. Please note, EHRA applications do not have an employment entry section. Instead, a resume/CV will be required to be uploaded by the applicant, along with any other documents the Department or assigned Search Committee deem relevant for the review process. Applications will be treated confidentially until the final stages of the search process.

UNCSA follows the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools ( SACS) guidelines for faculty credentialing. The successful candidate will be required to submit a curriculum vitae, official transcripts of earned degrees, and/or substantiating documentation of experiential qualifications as a condition of employment.

Pursuant to UNCSA policy, as a condition of employment the University must obtain a criminal background report and determine that the nature and seriousness of any criminal offenses do not render employment with the University inappropriate.

UNCSA is committed to equality of educational opportunity and does not discriminate against applicants, students or employees in offering access to its educational programs and activities or with respect to employment terms and conditions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, national guard or political affiliation.

EEO Contact Information
Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: suttonar@uncsa.edu