Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) seeks a one-year Visiting Assistant Professor of Art History. The faculty member will teach a combination of Art History Survey I & II, Critical Approaches to Contemporary Art, and Art History electives during the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year.
This art history foundational sequence is a chronological survey of art history from the prehistoric period up to and including contemporary trends in art history and criticism. The three courses (AH101, AH102, and AH250) introduce students to important movements in the history of art and prepare them for a deeper understanding of their chosen major. Students are also introduced to art historical vocabulary and practice visual analysis through both writing assignments and oral presentations. Attention is paid to both traditional Western notions of art history and to decolonizing and expanding the survey to include non-traditional historical influences and movements.
Minimum Requirements
An MA in Art History and experience teaching art history at the college level are minimally required; a PhD in Art History and experience teaching art history in an art college environment are preferred.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation ranges from $55,000 to $59,000, based on experience and rank. Faculty’s full-time engagement with the College typically ranges from mid-August to mid-May. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including health, dental, and retirement benefits.
Application Procedure
If you’re excited about contributing to Maine College of Art & Design's academic community and engaging students in the study of art history, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your application detailing your experience and passion for the arts to [email protected].
Please include:
- A cover letter that describes how your experience, accomplishments, and qualifications intersect with the listed position description;
- A resumé/curriculum vitae;
- A list of three references with contact information, one of which should be a prior supervisor.
Recognizing that no candidate will possess all the relevant skills and experience, we encourage you to apply if you align with many of the qualifications and interests for this role. While there is no deadline for submitting your application, the application period will close when the position is filled.
Essential Functions and Work Environment
The essential functions of this position include preparing and delivering in-person instruction in Art History; facilitating classroom discussions, critiques, presentations, and other learning activities; developing and evaluating assignments and student work; providing timely feedback and academic support to students; maintaining appropriate course records; communicating effectively with students, faculty, and staff; using standard classroom, presentation, and learning-management technologies; and participating in meetings, academic activities, and other responsibilities associated with faculty service and the educational mission of the College.
This position is primarily performed in classroom, office, and academic environments and requires regular interaction and communication with students, faculty, and staff. The role may involve extended periods of sitting or standing; moving throughout classrooms and campus facilities; viewing and presenting visual materials; operating computers and audiovisual equipment; and occasionally moving or positioning materials weighing up to 25 pounds. The position requires the ability to communicate and exchange information effectively in instructional and professional settings. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Maine College of Art & Design is committed to fostering a welcoming and respectful environment where all individuals have the opportunity to succeed based on their talents, qualifications, and achievements. We uphold the principles of fairness, merit, and equal opportunity in our academic and professional community.
Maine College of Art & Design complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, ancestry, religion, genetic predisposition, familial status, receipt of a final protection order, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This commitment applies to all aspects of the College’s educational programs, admissions, employment, financial aid, and other institutionally administered programs.
All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply, and selection decisions are made based on individual merit and institutional needs.
Institution
Maine College of Art & Design is an independent college of art and design located in the center of Portland, Maine's thriving arts district. Established in 1882, the College currently enrolls approximately 500 students, the majority of whom are undergraduates. About 1,000 students take classes through MECA&D’s Continuing Studies Program annually. MECA&D’s Joanne Waxman Library is an important resource for art- and design-oriented books and periodicals for the region. The Institute of Contemporary Art at MECA&D is a vibrant venue for contemporary art exhibitions.
MECA&D is characterized by its intimate learning community, interdisciplinary nature, and breadth of programs. It confers the Bachelor of Fine Arts in eight majors, the Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art, the Master of Arts in Teaching, the Master of Arts in Education, the Graduate Certificate in Arts Leadership and Administration, the Graduate Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy, and the Salt Graduate Certificate in Documentary Studies. Maine College of Art & Design is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The College’s accreditation status was renewed in 2025.
Pay: $55,000.00 - $59,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
