Otis College of Art and Design, located in the vibrant Westchester neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, stands as a premier institution for creative education. Established in 1918, it is the oldest art and design college in the city, preparing students for thriving careers in the global creative economy. For professionals seeking jobs at Otis College of Art & Design, opportunities abound in teaching, administration, and support roles that blend artistic passion with educational impact. Whether you're a practicing artist eyeing faculty positions or an administrator drawn to higher education, Otis offers a dynamic environment where creativity meets professional growth.
The college's emphasis on real-world skills means jobs here often involve hands-on mentorship, industry collaborations, and contributions to a tight-knit community. With Los Angeles as a backdrop—a hub for entertainment, fashion, and contemporary art—employees enjoy unparalleled access to cultural resources. Positions range from full-time professors to part-time staff, all supporting Otis's mission to empower diverse voices in art and design.
Founded by Hazel Otis Valentine in memory of her husband, Gen. Harrison Gray Otis, the college began as the Otis Art Institute before evolving into today's comprehensive art and design school. Over a century later, Otis has produced influential alumni in fields like animation, graphic design, and fine arts. This rich history informs its job market, prioritizing faculty who are active creators—much like the institution's founders envisioned.
Today, with accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC Senior College and University Commission), Otis maintains high standards for its more than 430 faculty and staff. Employment at Otis has grown alongside LA's creative boom, with recent expansions in digital media and sustainable design programs driving demand for specialized roles. Understanding this evolution helps job seekers position themselves as contributors to Otis's ongoing legacy.
Otis offers Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees in areas like graphic design, illustration, fashion design, digital media, and toy design. These programs attract top talent, creating a pipeline for internal promotions and specialized hires. Rankings from sources like Forbes, The Princeton Review, and QS Top Universities highlight Otis's strengths in career outcomes and faculty quality, making jobs here prestigious.
Academic positions, such as assistant professors or lecturers, focus on studio-based teaching. For more on university job types, including these roles, professionals often transition from industry to academia. Recent alumni panels underscore how Otis faculty leverage LA connections for student success, a key aspect of these jobs.
The Otis campus is compact and organic, fostering close collaborations among faculty, staff, and over 1,100 students. Nestled near LA International Airport and beaches, it provides a serene yet connected setting. Employees praise the supportive community, with professional development opportunities and flexible schedules enhancing work-life balance.
Campus life includes art openings, workshops, and industry guest lectures, blending work with inspiration. While tuition is high—reflecting premium facilities—staff benefits like wellness programs and tuition remission aid retention. Student reviews on platforms like Niche note rigorous foundations but a welcoming vibe, which extends to employees. Proximity to LA's cultural districts means after-hours networking is effortless, though some mention urban safety considerations. Overall, Otis promotes a balanced lifestyle where creative pursuits thrive alongside personal well-being.
Jobs at Otis span creative and operational roles. Faculty positions include professors in fine arts, design, and liberal arts, often requiring studio practice. Staff opportunities cover admissions, human resources, and engagement directors, as seen in recent Indeed listings. Administrative jobs in development or facilities support the college's non-profit operations.
Part-time adjunct roles suit freelancers, while executive positions like deans oversee departments. Explore higher-ed faculty jobs or administration jobs for parallels. With 250 staff and practicing artist-faculty, Otis values hybrid expertise, making it ideal for those balancing teaching and personal projects.
For faculty jobs at Otis College of Art & Design, a terminal degree like the MFA is standard—the equivalent of a PhD in studio fields. BFA holders may qualify for adjunct roles with substantial experience. Liberal arts lecturers often need a PhD or equivalent.
Staff positions vary: HR roles prefer bachelor's in business or education, while technical staff need specialized certifications. Otis's career-focused ethos means qualifications emphasize practical portfolios over purely academic credentials. Learn more via how to become a university lecturer.
Otis prioritizes creative scholarship over traditional research. Expertise in contemporary practices—such as generative AI in design, sustainable materials, or immersive media—is sought. Faculty contribute through exhibitions, publications, and collaborations with LA firms.
Interdisciplinary focus areas include environmental design and cultural studies, aligning with LA's diverse scene. For research assistant jobs, skills in prototyping or user experience research are key. This approach ensures jobs involve impactful, practice-based work.
Preferred experience includes 3-5 years teaching, solo exhibitions, or industry projects (e.g., Disney or Nike collaborations). Grants from bodies like the National Endowment for the Arts boost candidacy.
Core skills: Adobe Suite mastery, curriculum design, mentorship, and cross-cultural communication. Soft skills like adaptability suit the fast-paced creative environment. For staff, higher-ed software proficiency and event planning stand out. Check research assistant jobs for entry points.
Applications start on Otis's employment page, requiring a CV, cover letter, portfolio (PDF or link), and references. Deadlines vary; full-time roles post annually.
Pro tip: Use free resume templates adapted for creatives. Recent hires emphasize passion for mentorship.
Otis champions diversity through targeted scholarships, affinity groups, and inclusive hiring. Partnerships like with HYP Global boost international recruitment, reflecting LA's multiculturalism. Faculty development workshops address equity in curricula, ensuring underrepresented artists lead programs. Events celebrate global perspectives, fostering an environment where diverse talents excel.
Ready to pursue jobs at Otis College of Art & Design? Browse higher-ed jobs, higher-ed career advice, university jobs, and consider posting a job if hiring. For faculty paths, see become a university lecturer or academic CV tips. Otis awaits creative minds.
View all University Jobs
Post and Connect – the new way of promoting your higher ed jobs
