Chairperson - Photography Department

Position: Chairperson - Photography Department (71102)
Location: New York

Chairperson - Photography Department

Pratt Institute

Base pay range: $135,000 - $160,000 per year.

Position Summary

The Department of Photography at Pratt Institute seeks an exceptional artist for the position of Departmental Chairperson, beginning in July 2026. The ideal candidate will bring vision and experience necessary to assume academic and administrative leadership, prepare students for success, promote technological innovation, and help the department contribute to define the future of the field. The department houses two degrees: a BFA and an MFA in Photography, serving approximately 200 students, with five full‑time faculty, approximately twenty adjunct faculty, and five technical staff.

This administrative position is appointed on a three‑year contract with potential for renewal and reports to the Dean of the School of Art.

Department Description

The department’s curriculum offers an expansive view of photography as a dynamic, multifaceted practice that encourages new and adventurous approaches, collaborations, and critical perspectives. This perspective is supported by a strong historical and theoretical background, preparing students to flourish as independent artists, professional photographers, and leaders in creative and professional fields. The department’s facilities exist in two locations to serve both undergraduate and graduate students respectively, including a brand new, state‑of‑the‑art studio complex at the Brooklyn Navy Yard’s Dock 72 building, as well as digital photography labs with large‑format printers, film scanners, computer labs with industry‑standard editing software, a black‑and‑white darkroom, a non‑silver process studio, and a 1,500‑square‑foot shooting and lighting studio.

Each program features a gallery dedicated to exhibiting student work.

Responsibilities

• Oversight of all academic programs in the department.

• Proactively manage recruitment and retention efforts to assure healthy cohorts in graduate and undergraduate programs.

• Develop curricula and other educational programs with faculty.

• Facilitate department‑level Program Learning Outcome assessment and periodic comprehensive program review.

• Recruit, hire, supervise, and mentor faculty and staff.

• Supervise and manage the departmental budget, learning spaces, and related resources and equipment.

• Create a welcoming environment, manage conflict, advise and address student concerns.

• Interface and collaborate with technical staff and other departments on campus to effectively manage and share resources.

• Participate in outreach efforts to alumni and the community, and anticipate transformative changes in the field.

• Steer high‑profile showcase events such as gallery exhibitions, workshops, screenings, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Education

MFA or terminal degree (or equivalent) in Photography or a related field.

Experience / Skills

• At least five years of administrative management in higher education required; innovation mindset.

• Minimum five years of college‑level teaching experience at undergraduate and/or graduate level with rank of Associate or Full Professor.

• Recognized standing in the field; proven achievement in exhibitions, publications, and/or scholarship.

• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.

• Demonstrated alignment of research, scholarship and work with Pratt values; ability to communicate well with diverse populations.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff and management.

• Familiarity with photography as an expansive field.

• Ability to support diverse student pathways, research, and practice in related fields.

Application Instructions

To apply , submit:

• A detailed letter of intent addressing your interest in the position.

• A curriculum vitae.

• A portfolio of 10 examples of recent creative/professional work.

• A statement of administrative philosophy.

• A statement demonstrating alignment of your research, scholarship, and work with Pratt values as described in the position description.

• Name and contact information for three professional references.

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