Skidmore College Hiring for Artist-in-Residence, Documentary Studies at Saratoga Springs, NY Full Time

Artist-in-residence, permanent non-tenure track , documentary production/nonfiction arts

Summary:

The John. B Moore Documentary Studies Collaborative (MDOCS) at Skidmore College seeks candidates for a half-time Artist-in-Residence in any area of documentary production or the nonfiction arts. The appointment is expected to begin September 1, 2024.

We welcome candidates who are emerging or established professionals with an innovative and impactful body of work in one or more areas of documentary production and/or nonfiction art, and who are well-positioned to maintain and grow these professional activities while teaching a 50% course load (an average of 9 credits per year, which may be loaded onto one semester per year).  

Either a graduate degree (MA, MFA or PhD) OR an equivalent level of professional accomplishment are required for the position, as is evidence of past successes in teaching and mentoring, whether in collegiate or non-traditional settings. Because this position carries a salary equivalent of 50% of a full-time Artist-in-Residence (along with a full benefits package) this position is most appropriate for individuals with an active professional practice (and income source) within their field of specialization.

The MDOCS staff of 4.5 supports a broad and innovative program, unique among small liberal arts colleges, that delivers a multidisciplinary slate of courses taught by full- and part-time faculty, stretching well beyond filmmaking to include audio documentary, multidisciplinary and  exhibition-based nonfiction, oral history, multimodal research, and community collaboration. MDOCS also hosts 3 non-credit program areas: the summer Storytellers’ Institute (an artist residency for students and visiting documentarians), the DOClab (a production studio and pedagogical support initiative that embeds nonfiction media-making in courses across disciplines and across the college) and our Mellon-funded Co-creation Initiative (which funds and supports collaborations between campus and community organizations that center on nonfiction projects). Its sibling program, the Media and Film Studies minor, is also notable for its interdisciplinarity, drawing courses from numerous other departments across the liberal arts and fine arts disciplines, and offering courses in screenwriting, sound, oral history, and 16mm film. The successful applicant’s approach and strengths will resonate with the existing programs and strengths at Skidmore, while expanding upon them. Applicants should address how their intellectual orientation and potential course offerings might dovetail with and/or help to expand MDOCS’s current areas of activity and strength.

We affirm that diverse perspectives are essential for the integrity and excellence of higher education. We welcome candidates from underrepresented groups in the discipline as well as individuals who have experience with diverse populations who can contribute to the excellence of the academic community through their creative work, teaching, and/or service.  Enthusiasm for teaching, mentoring, and advising a diverse population of students is essential.  We invite you to discuss any aspects of your candidacy that are relevant to this in your application materials.  Due date for applications is January 2, 2024. 

Applicant Instructions:

Applicants should submit the following materials:

1. Cover letter that clearly describes the applicant’s area of professional focus and proposed course offerings, as well as offering any necessary context on the professional activities detailed in their CV and portfolio.
2.  CV
3. Portfolio of recent work
   • For time-based media – links to two samples totaling no more than 10min.
   • For work represented through stills – links to 10-15 images, accompanied by captions if relevant
   • For written work – no more than 10 pages.
   • Please include full production credits, and specific media production proficiencies if relevant
4. Teaching Statement including experience and philosophy regarding working with diverse student populations and/or commitments to fostering diverse and inclusive communities
5. Names and contact information for 3 references.  At least one of these should be prepared to address the applicant’s teaching and mentoring.   

Salary range for this position: $32-34k

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
• Unique applicable skills.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship

EEO STATEMENT

Skidmore College is committed to being an inclusive campus community and, as an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, familial status, dating violence, or stalking, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Employment at Skidmore College is contingent upon an acceptable background check result.

CREATIVE THOUGHT MATTERS.