Non-Tenure Track Lecturer in Animation and Visual Narrative

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 track (NTT) Lecturer position in Animation & Visual Narrative. The department values diversity as a factor in academic and artistic excellence.

The successful candidate will be an experienced visual narrative artist and educator with a passion for storytelling, character design, and world-building across multiple genres, pipelines, and platforms. They will be able to teach Introduction to 2D Animation and Professional Practices for Animators, as well as courses in storyboarding, character design, and other areas of visual development. Additional expertise in illustration, comic arts, or transmedia storytelling is highly encouraged.

The candidate will demonstrate an innovative approach to narrative, with the ability to apply skills and concepts in interdisciplinary contexts. They will stay current with trends and practices in the areas of animation and visual narrative, and work to develop foundational and advanced courses in visual narrative arts. They will also mentor students in preparing for careers in the animation and narrative industries, including developing strong portfolios, reels, and other professional materials aligned with industry standards. Experience working in collaborative studio environments is highly desirable.

The person in this position will teach three undergraduate courses per semester and participate in service to the department for the academic year. Other teaching responsibilities include serving on BFA and MFA thesis committees, student advising, and helping to oversee animation facilities and equipment. A commitment to the academic success of all students and strong departmental citizenship is essential to a successful candidacy.

Minimum Qualifications

• MFA in Art or similar terminal degree at the time of starting the position
• Two years full-time teaching at college-level beyond graduate school, or the equivalent of eight college-level courses
• Strong background in animation, visual development, or related visual narrative fields
• Knowledge or experience teaching Introduction to 2D Animation and Professional Practices for Animators
• Ability to develop new courses in areas such as visual development, illustration, comic arts, and / or transmedia
• Record of professional activity demonstrated through creative practice, research, exhibitions, publications, or industry work
• Familiarity with Mac OS and Windows operating systems
• Commitment to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students
• Commitment to departmental citizenship and equitable labor practices

Preferred Qualifications

Application Instructions

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

To receive full consideration, submit your application materials by January 5, 2026 . The search will remain open until it is filled; however, applications received after the priority deadline of January 5th may not be reviewed. Incomplete dossiers will not be reviewed.

Salary Information

It is expected that the salary range for this position is between $65,550 and $76,310.

Please note :

Additional Information

This is a full-time, benefited position with an initial appointment of two years. Expected start date : September 1, 2026.

Cover letter should be addressed to :

Hallie Bahn

Chair, Search Committee

Department of Art UMass Amherst

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

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

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