Assistant Professor of Art

Description

The Department of Art at Smith College invites applications for a tenure-track position in Studio Art at the rank of Assistant Professor, to begin July 2026. We seek an artist with an active studio practice in artist’s books and artist’s publications, and a strong understanding of contemporary critical issues and histories of art, especially as they concern the expanded field of print media and its capacity for social engagement.

Candidates should have a commitment to undergraduate teaching and be prepared to engage actively with diverse students across the liberal arts. MFA or equivalent terminal degree in art or a relevant field is expected by the time of appointment. College‑level teaching experience beyond graduate school is required.

Northampton, MA

September 4, 2025

• Teaches two studio courses per semester (four per year) within a department that has majors in studio art, art history, and architecture. Courses include Drawing I and the Senior Studio capstone, and may vary depending on specialization.
• Manages the typography/letterpress studio and shares oversight of related facilities in collaboration with printmaking faculty and department staff.
• Mentors and advises undergraduates; contributes to departmental and college committees; participates in interdisciplinary and consortial programs.
• Supports curricular development and practice‑based travel; exchanges with partners such as the Book Studies Concentration, the Mortimer Rare Book Collection, the Jandon Center for Community Engagement, and the Botanic Garden.

• Active studio practice in artist’s books and publications.
• Strong foundation in book arts and publication formats, letterpress, and a variety of printmaking processes, including digital and emerging applications.
• Experience with community‑facing practices such as interactivity, collectivity, activism, and distribution.
• Commitment to undergraduate teaching and the ability to engage diverse students.
• MFA or terminal degree in art or a related field by the time of appointment.

Competitive benefits package with a salary for newly‑hired assistant professors with a terminal degree beginning the first year of the tenure clock in Fall 2026 typically between $92,000‑96,000. Salary decisions depend on teaching and work experience beyond the terminal degree, market, disciplinary, and internal equity factors.

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is the largest women’s college in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. Faculty work in small classes, serve as advisors, and collaborate on student‑faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium, and additional details about the Department of Art can be found at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal‑opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.

Interested candidates should submit the following materials as a single PDF document at

• Cover letter addressing your creative work and teaching experience/philosophy
• Curriculum vitae
• 20 images of recent creative work
• 10 images of student work with relevant prompts for that work
• Two sample syllabi: one each for introductory and upper‑level courses that best reflect your teaching approaches
• Equity and Inclusion Statement (please see guidelines)
• Full contact information of three confidential references

At the interview stage, candidate’s references will be asked to submit letters of recommendation. Review of applications will begin November 15, 2025. All applications received before December 15, 2025, will be considered. Candidates from groups underrepresented in book arts and artist’s publications are encouraged to apply. Questions may be directed to Prof. Alex Callender, chair of the search committee (acallender).