Jobs at Moore College of Art and Design offer a unique entry into the world of higher education focused on visual arts. Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this institution stands out as the nation's first and only visual arts college exclusively for undergraduate women, with co-educational graduate programs. Founded in 1844 as the Philadelphia School of Design for Women by Sarah Worthington King Penniman, Moore has evolved into a vibrant hub empowering artists and designers. Today, it enrolls around 500 students and emphasizes hands-on, studio-based learning in fields like fashion design, illustration, and graphic design.
Career paths here blend creative passion with academic rigor. Faculty positions allow educators to shape the next generation of artists, while administrative roles support the college's mission amid Philadelphia's rich cultural landscape. Whether you're eyeing higher ed faculty jobs or support staff opportunities, Moore provides a nurturing environment tied to the city's thriving art scene, including proximity to institutions like the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
The legacy of Moore College influences its job market profoundly. Established during a time when women were barred from most professional art training, it pioneered access to design education. This history informs current roles, prioritizing equity and innovation. Employees contribute to a community where art addresses social issues, from sustainable fashion to digital media.
Key programs include Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in Advertising Art, Art Education, Fashion Design, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Illustration, and Interior Design, plus a Master of Arts in Art Education (MAAE). Jobs often align with these, requiring expertise in studio practices or pedagogical approaches tailored to diverse learners.
Jobs at Moore College of Art and Design span faculty, staff, and leadership. Faculty roles dominate, including full-time professors, visiting artists, and adjunct instructors teaching studio courses. Administrative positions cover admissions, career services, and gallery management. For a deeper dive into university job types, consider categories like lecturer jobs or research assistant positions adapted to art contexts.
Recent openings have included Fashion Design coordinators and Digital Media adjuncts, reflecting industry trends like AI in art.
To understand jobs at Moore College of Art and Design, key terms include:
Securing jobs at Moore College demands specific credentials. For faculty positions, a terminal degree like an MFA in the relevant discipline (e.g., Illustration or Fashion Design) is standard. Art education roles may require a BFA plus teaching certification.
Research focus centers on creative scholarship: exhibitions, publications in journals like Design Issues, or community projects. Preferred experience includes 3-5 years teaching at the college level, grant funding from sources like the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and professional portfolios with national shows.
Essential skills and competencies:
Administrative jobs prioritize organizational skills and cultural awareness, often needing a bachelor's in arts administration.
Applying for jobs at Moore College starts with monitoring their careers page and platforms like AcademicJobs.com university jobs. Submit a cover letter, CV, portfolio (PDF or website), and references. Interviews involve portfolio reviews and teaching demos.
Actionable tips:
Timeline: Postings appear fall/spring; apply early as reviews begin within weeks.
Moore College excels in diversity, rooted in its mission. Initiatives include the Moore Women in the Arts Award, scholarships for underrepresented groups, and affinity groups for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ faculty. The college partners with Philly organizations for inclusive hiring, achieving 40% diverse faculty. Programs like the Social Practice Fine Arts track promote equity through community art projects. Employees contribute to affinity mentoring, fostering a supportive environment amid Philadelphia's multicultural fabric.
Philadelphia's location enhances balance at Moore. Campus features modern studios, the Goldie Paley Gallery, and Lenfest Plaza for events. Faculty enjoy flexible schedules, sabbaticals every seven years, and professional development funds up to $3,000 annually. Philly offers 100+ galleries, easy SEPTA access, and cultural hubs like the Barnes Foundation (10 minutes away).
Work-life perks: Hybrid options for admin, wellness programs, and tuition remission for dependents. Campus life buzzes with exhibitions, speaker series (e.g., past guests like Shepard Fairey), and collaborations with University of the Arts peers. Employees report high satisfaction from creative freedom and student energy, though studio demands require time management.
In summary, jobs at Moore College of Art and Design blend artistic fulfillment with educational impact in a historic, supportive setting. Explore broader higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post your opening via recruitment services on AcademicJobs.com. For branding tips, see employer branding secrets or lecturer paths at become a university lecturer. Philadelphia's scene makes it ideal for creative professionals.
Additional resources: Postdoc opportunities in art research, adjunct professor jobs, and professor salaries insights.
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