Job Details
Job Summary Kutztown University of Pennsylvania enrolls approximately 8,000 students in graduate and undergraduate programs. The university is located in the borough of Kutztown in a charming rural setting and is within 20 minutes driving time of the diverse metropolitan areas of Allentown/Bethlehem and Reading, and within 60 minutes of the Philadelphia metropolitan area. The university is very interested in hiring employees who have had extensive experience with diverse populations.
The Department of Art and Design at Kutztown University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position within our Animated Arts Program (BFA) with an emphasis in Animation beginning Fall 2027. We welcome candidates with expertise in 3D animation, 2D animation, or both, and seek creative, technically skilled artist/practitioners who can bring professional-level experience in their area(s) of specialization. Applicants should demonstrate mastery in their chosen animation discipline, be prepared to integrate industry-standard workflows into their teaching, and demonstrate the ability to engage in teaching that is supportive of our diverse student body.
Applicants should have a strong skillset in animation and working knowledge of pre-production techniques (visual development) for animation, film, and/or game development in their student and professional work. Examples of experience with 2D and/or 3D software (including Toon Boom Harmony, Blender and Maya, Storyboard Pro, and Adobe CC) are strongly encouraged in their professional and/or student portfolios.
The Animated Arts Program has three specializations: Visual Storytelling (Visual Development), 2D Animation, and 3D Animation. Our courses prepare students to be professional and independent artists by covering the principles of animation, emphasizing strong storytelling, dynamic movement, and the creative application of both traditional and digital techniques.
The artist/practitioner will teach a variety of undergraduate courses from the introductory to the advanced levels, with a focus on coursework in 2D and/or 3D animation. Potential classes include: Intro to 3D Modeling and Rendering, Intro to 3D Animation, Intro to 2D Animation, 3D Animation Studio, 2D Animation Studio, Intro to Visual Storytelling, and/or Visual Storytelling Studio. This position may also include teaching opportunities in Drawing, Figure Drawing, Time-Based Media (Video Art), Senior Seminar, 3D Prototyping, and Digital Illustration, depending on interest and skillset.
In accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement, performance review and evaluation of faculty is based on effective teaching and fulfillment of professional responsibilities; continuing scholarly growth; and service.
Minimum Qualifications
Master of Fine Arts degree in animation/video/digital art or a related arts area, strong professional portfolio of personal and student artwork, evidence of successful teaching experience appropriate to the responsibilities of the position, two years of professional experience in the industry, and proficiency in related digital software (such as, but not limited to Toon Boom Harmony, Blender, Autodesk Maya, Storyboard Pro, Adobe CC, etc).
Supplemental Information
Applicants should submit the following materials through NeoEd: (a) letter of interest addressing position requirements and teaching philosophy (including brief statement of how your teaching, scholarship, or creative activity, and/or service demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion); (b) curriculum vita; (c) contact information for at least three (3) references for e-reference requests; (d) ten samples of personal artwork; (e) ten samples of student artwork; and (f) unofficial transcripts.
Please upload your professional portfolio to the “Other” attachment box. Professional portfolios should contain 10 examples of your professional work submitted as images and/or links to videos within a single PDF. For videos, insert them in the PDF from Vimeo or YouTube. Images and links should be captioned with relevant information. (date, title, media, and description)
To add your portfolio of student work, scroll to the bottom of the attachment list, click “+ Add Supplemental Attachments,” select the “Other” dropdown category, and upload your additional portfolio. Student portfolios should contain 10 examples of your student work submitted as images and/or links to videos within a single PDF. For videos, insert them in the PDF from Vimeo or YouTube. Images and links should be captioned with relevant information. (date, title, media, description, and course where work was completed)
Portfolios cannot exceed 10MB; please compress your documents if they exceed 10MB.
Official transcripts are required at the time of interview. Review of applicants will begin on January 19, 2027, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Official transcripts and questions may be addressed to Prof. Jacob Rivkin, Search Chair, Department of Art and Design, Kutztown University, 15200 Kutztown Road, Kutztown, PA 19530. [contact details available in the full listing]
Successful interviews, reference checks, background clearances (PA Criminal, Child Abuse Clearance & FBI Clearance), and demonstration of ability are requisite qualifications for all positions. The University is very interested in hiring employees who have had extensive experience with diverse populations.
Non-Discrimination Statement
Kutztown University does not discriminate in employment or educational opportunities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. To discuss a complaint of discrimination, please contact the Office of Social Equity, Old Main A-Wing, Room 02, by phone at [contact details available in the full listing] or by email at [contact details available in the full listing]. Pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Kutztown University does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, including admissions and employment. Any inquiries regarding the application of Title IX at Kutztown University may be made to Bradley Davis, the university’s Title IX coordinator, located in Old Main A-Wing, Room 01, by phone at [contact details available in the full listing] or by email at [contact details available in the full listing]. You may also contact the Office for Civil Rights located in the Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Bldg., 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC [contact details available in the full listing], by phone at [contact details available in the full listing] (TDD: [contact details available in the full listing]), by fax at [contact details available in the full listing], or by email at [contact details available in the full listing]. Kutztown University’s Sexual Misconduct, Anti-Discrimination, and Anti-Harassment policies can be found in The Key student handbook or online at https://www.kutztown.edu/about-ku/administrative-offices/social-equity.html.
Notice of availability of the Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report
The Annual Security Report and the Annual Fire Safety Report, which contain policy statements and crime and fire statistics for Kutztown University, are available online. You may also request a physical copy by emailing the KU Clery Compliance Coordinator at [contact details available in the full listing].
Organization
Working at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Comprising five colleges - Visual and Performing Arts, Business, Education, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Graduate Studies - Kutztown University offers a diverse range of excellent academic programs to prepare individuals for successful careers.
Located on 325 acres in Kutztown (population: 4,500), the university is 20 miles from both Reading and Allentown, 90 miles from Philadelphia and 100 miles from New York City. LVI International Airport is 25 minutes from campus. The campus is in a beautiful rural Pennsylvania Dutch community, an easy walk from the borough of Kutztown which has ample stores and shops to meet the needs of students.
Currently, 10,193 students are enrolled at the university from 26 states and 51 nations. About half of the undergraduates live in residence halls; the rest live at home or in nearby apartments. A well-rounded program of athletic, cultural, and social events and activities satisfies nearly every taste.
We have 330 full-time faculty members and boast a favorable 19:1 student-faculty ratio. Sixty percent of our faculty have doctorates, 39% earned master’s degrees and 1% have bachelor’s degrees.
Kutztown University is accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (MSACS); professionally by the National Council of Teacher Education and National League of Nursing.
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania is a member of the State System of Higher Education. The Board of Governors oversees the State System which includes Pennsylvania’s fourteen public universities. The Council of Trustees is the local governing body for Kutztown University. The Officers of Administration for the University are the President and members of the President’s Cabinet.
