Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECUAD), located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, stands as a premier institution dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation in visual arts, design, and media. Established in 1925 as the Vancouver School of Decorative and Applied Arts, it evolved into a university focused on contemporary practices. Jobs at Emily Carr University of Art + Design attract passionate professionals eager to shape the next generation of artists and designers. These roles span teaching, research, and administration, offering a chance to contribute to a vibrant community amid Vancouver's dynamic cultural landscape.
Faculty positions, such as professors and lecturers in departments like Visual Arts, Design, and Media, form the core. These jobs involve studio-based teaching, curriculum development, and mentoring students on Bachelor of Design (BDes), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs. Administrative opportunities include roles in exhibition curation, student services, and facilities management for art studios. With a student body of around 2,000 and a commitment to interdisciplinary work, ECUAD provides a collaborative environment where employees engage in exhibitions, industry partnerships, and community outreach.
The university's location in Great Northern Way enhances appeal, surrounded by tech hubs and galleries. Jobs here emphasize practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge, reflecting Canada's emphasis on creative industries contributing over $50 billion annually to the economy.
Tracing back to its founding by artist Emily Carr's contemporaries, ECUAD has grown from applied arts training to a leader in contemporary education. Renamed in 1978 and granted university status in 2008, it mirrors shifts in higher education toward practice-led research. This history influences jobs at Emily Carr University of Art + Design, prioritizing innovative pedagogies developed over decades.
Early instructors focused on crafts; today, roles demand expertise in digital fabrication, sustainable design, and decolonial art practices. The university's move to a custom campus in 2017 expanded facilities, creating new positions in tech-integrated studios. Historical ties to BC's arts scene mean employees often collaborate with institutions like the Vancouver Art Gallery, enriching professional networks.
ECUAD's four faculties—Audain Faculty of Art, Faculty of Design + Business, Jake Blount Faculty of Media + Communication, and Aboriginal and International programs—drive diverse jobs. In Audain, roles teach painting, sculpture, and illustration. Design faculty seeks experts in industrial and communication design, while Media covers film, animation, and sound.
Interdisciplinary initiatives like the Centre for Flexible Learning create hybrid teaching positions. Graduate programs in applied arts and critical studies require supervisors with research portfolios. Understanding these structures helps applicants target jobs aligning with ECUAD's emphasis on social impact through art.
Jobs at Emily Carr University of Art + Design include tenure-track assistant professors, associate professors, sessional instructors, lab technicians, and executive roles like dean positions. Sessional roles offer entry for emerging artists, while tenure-track demands sustained creative output. For more on university job types, explore common higher ed positions.
Research associate jobs support projects in eco-design, funded by NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council). Administrative openings in advising or events leverage Vancouver's creative ecosystem. Remote higher ed jobs are limited but hybrid options exist for some admin work; see remote higher ed jobs.
To secure jobs at Emily Carr University of Art + Design, candidates typically need a terminal degree: MFA for studio roles or PhD for theory positions. Research focus emphasizes contemporary issues like climate-responsive design, Indigenous knowledge systems, and digital ethics.
Preferred experience includes 3+ years teaching, peer-reviewed exhibitions, grants from SSHRC (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council), and publications in journals like Design Studies. Skills encompass Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, 3D modeling (e.g., Rhino), pedagogical innovation, and collaboration.
Sessional Instructor: A contract-based teacher hired per course, common in art schools for flexibility. Tenure-Track: A pathway to permanent employment after probation, involving research, teaching, and service. Practice-Led Research: Creative work driving scholarly inquiry, central to ECUAD's model. Decolonizing Pedagogy: Teaching methods centering Indigenous perspectives, integral to ECUAD's curriculum.
The application process for jobs at Emily Carr University of Art + Design starts with monitoring ECUAD's careers page and platforms like university jobs on AcademicJobs.com. Submit a tailored cover letter (1-2 pages), CV, 20-image portfolio (PDF or website), statement of teaching philosophy, and three references.
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ECUAD champions equity through its Equity for All Action Plan (2020), targeting gender balance, Indigenous representation (20% student body), and racialized hires. The Indigenous Superinstitute and Accessibility Services support diverse faculty. Hiring committees prioritize candidates advancing anti-racism in art education, with mentorship for underrepresented staff. Annual reports show increased diverse hires, fostering an inclusive creative community.
Work-life balance at ECUAD benefits from BC's supportive policies: 35-hour weeks, generous vacation (4+ weeks), parental leave, and EAP (Employee Assistance Program) for mental health. Flexible scheduling suits creative workflows, with summer breaks for personal projects.
Campus life thrives in the 200,000 sq ft facility featuring open studios, Michael O'Brian Production Centre for film, and Libby Leshgold Gallery. Vancouver's backdrop—mountains, ocean, festivals like VIFF (Vancouver International Film Festival)—enriches life. Employee perks include transit passes, gym access, and art supply discounts. Proximity to /ca/british-columbia/vancouver jobs enhances mobility.
ECUAD's global ranking (top 100 art schools per QS) and alumni success (e.g., Stan Douglas) make it ideal. Contribute to Canada's creative economy while enjoying Vancouver's quality of life. For broader opportunities, browse higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post your profile via recruitment on AcademicJobs.com. Explore Canada academic jobs, British Columbia university positions, or Vancouver higher ed roles.
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