Refer a Friend or Colleague

The Department of Art History, Theory, and Criticism at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) invites applications for a full-time, senior faculty member to begin in August of 2025. This tenured position will be endowed by the prestigious Goldabelle McComb Finn Distinguished Professor in Art History, Theory, and Criticism. Our search committee will consider all specializations and research emphases within the larger field of the history of modern and contemporary art and design. A substantive record of scholarship is expected, as is the promise of continued publication and research output for all applicants.  

Rank and salary are competitive with peer institutions and are commensurate with level of practice, scholarship, and current academic research, extent of teaching experience, and current professional standing.

Program Profile

The Department of Art History, Theory, and Criticism, one of 21 departments at the school, is composed of fourteen full-time art historians specializing in modern and contemporary art and design. Together with 50 part-time faculty, the department currently offers 225 courses, and mentors 30 dedicated MA in Modern and Contemporary Art History students, undergraduate students pursuing a dedicated BA in Art History, and dual-degree graduate students earning an MA in Arts Administration and Policy in conjunction with their MA in Art History.

Further information about the department can be found at: https://www.saic.edu/art-history-theory-criticism

Responsibilities

Full-time faculty in Art History, Theory, and Criticism teach and advise undergraduate and graduate students within the interdisciplinary art and design school environment of SAIC. The successful candidate will expand the full-time curricular coverage of the Department of Art History, Theory, and Criticism’s MA and BA programs in Art History, providing undergraduate courses, graduate seminars, and master’s thesis supervision. The candidate will also be an active participant in the education of studio artists, designers, architects, and arts professionals at the MFA, MA and BFA levels and will contribute to the vibrant and creative culture of a research-oriented department in a prestigious school of art and design. The successful candidate must be interested in contributing to the department's self-governance and administration, and participate in the SAIC community through ongoing curricular development, departmental administration, school governance, and service.

Qualifications

Our search committee will consider all specializations and research emphases within the larger field of the history of modern and contemporary art and design. Ph.D. and record of distinction is required, in addition to evidence of ongoing research and continued publication trajectory expected. Qualified candidates should be at Associate or Full Professor (or equivalent if outside the US system) rank at their current institution.

The ideal candidate will contribute to the diversity of the School by bringing a perspective, way of thinking, and/or a unique set of experiences that extends the existing profile of the department and expands the intellectual conversations in the field. We seek candidates with the knowledge and aptitude to teach and mentor students

from diverse backgrounds. Candidates should demonstrate their experience with, or aptitude for, departmental administration as service will be expected.

Application Procedures

Applicants are encouraged to apply by Monday, September 16, 2024 for full consideration. Please submit application materials via https://saicfaculty.slideroom.com/#/Login. You will be asked to create an account after which time you may complete the application, which consists of fill-in fields and required documents to upload. You are encouraged to begin the application well before the priority deadline.

Complete the fields for educational background; current position; and contact information for three professional references.

Please convert all word documents into PDFs before uploading. Required files to upload include:

• cover letter stating your interests and qualifications


• resume or curriculum vitae


• statement of teaching philosophy including details on how your teaching has supported the success of students from racial, ethnic, gender, and/or socio-economic backgrounds that are underrepresented in your academic field


• statement of research and practice


• writing samples (not to exceed a combined maximum of 30 pages)

All applicants for this position must complete and sign a Prior Workplace Conduct Declaration as part of their initial application materials in order to be considered as a candidate and sign a release authorizing SAIC to conduct a misconduct reference check should the candidate ultimately be selected as a finalist for the position.

Questions

Questions regarding the School and its open positions, application procedures, or the search process may be emailed to saicteach@saic.edu. Please consult www.saic.edu for information on the School and its programs, or https://www.saic.edu/about/work-at-saic for open positions and application procedures.

About SAIC

A leader in educating artists, designers, and scholars since 1866, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate programs to students from across the globe. Located in the heart of Chicago, the School is one of the largest and oldest private schools of art and design in the country with programs reflecting current practices in art. SAIC's educational philosophy is built upon a transdisciplinary approach to art and design that provides unparalleled opportunities for students to develop their creative and critical abilities with renowned faculty who are leading practitioners in their fields. SAIC's resources include the Art Institute of Chicago and its Modern Wing, and numerous special collections and programming venues that provide students with exceptional exhibitions, screenings, lectures, and performances. The campus is located on Chicago’s magnificent lakefront amid the city’s cultural and architectural treasures.

Degree tracks include the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio; BFA with Emphasis in Art Education or Writing; BA degrees in Art History and Visual and Critical Studies; Master of Architecture; Master of Design (MDes) in Designed Objects; MFA in Fashion, Body, and Garment; MFA in Studio or Writing; MA degrees in Arts Administration; Art Education; Art History, Theory, and Criticism; Art Therapy; Teaching; Visual and Critical Studies; and a Master of Science in Historic Preservation.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Art Institute of Chicago, including both the school and the museum, is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for its students, visitors, faculty, and staff, and to ensuring that educational and employment decisions are based on an individual’s abilities and qualifications. The Art Institute of Chicago does not tolerate unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or former military status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, in its programs and activities, public accommodations or employment practices. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator

Lakeview Building, 116 S. Michigan Ave., 12th floor, Chicago, IL 60603, 312.499.4165, title9@saic.edu

For further information on notice of nondiscrimination, see the Office for Civil Rights Discrimination for the address and phone number of the office that serves your area, or call 800.421.3481.

Requests for Accommodations

SAIC provides reasonable accommodations during the interview process for candidates with disabilities in adherence with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Should you need an accommodation to participate in an interview, please contact Molly Roth Scranton, Associate Director of Faculty Affairs, at mscranton@saic.edu.