Director of Kinetic Imaging Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar
Review of Applications: Review of applications continues until position is filled. For best consideration, applications are due January 17, 2025.
This full-time, 12-month position is Open Rank, is non-tenure-eligible (term), and begins July 1, 2025.
The Opportunity:
VCUarts Qatar is excited to announce an opportunity for an impactful, engaged, and collaboration-oriented academic leader and creative scholar to serve as the Director of the BFA in Kinetic Imaging program. The Director will provide strategic leadership in the establishment of a dynamic, exploratory, interdisciplinary studio-based environment for new media arts practices. The Director will work in collaboration with leaders, faculty, and colleagues on programmatic, curricular, student-centered, and administrative issues designed to advance the new program in support of the mission and goals of VCUarts Qatar.
The BFA program is designed to empower students with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the dynamic and continually evolving domains of Kinetic Imaging, encompassing video, animation, sound, computational creative practices, 2D and 3D computer art and design, as well as interaction and game design, among other creative disciplines. The curriculum for this program is adapted from the BFA in Kinetic Imaging degree program offered to students in the School of the Arts at the main campus of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, Virginia, which is ranked # 5 among best new media arts programs by U.S. News and World Report—Best Colleges Rankings. VCUarts Qatar, a branch campus located in Doha, extends this program to its students, with an additional concentration in interaction and game design.
There are generous benefits associated with this director appointment:
– Competitive international salary
– Tax protection for U.S. Taxpayers
– 30% Off-shore supplement
– Medical Insurance (100% employer funded premium and employer cost shared options available)
– Fully furnished villa or apartment including wireless internet
– Annual travel allowance to home of record (to include a spouse and dependents relocated to Qatar)
– Monthly transportation allowance
– Educational reimbursement for up to 4 dependent children enrolled in an accredited K-12 program
– International Professional Development and Research Opportunities
Major Responsibilities:
● Lead in establishing a dynamic, exploratory, interdisciplinary studio-based environment for new media arts practices; including the development of soft and hard infrastructure.
● Craft a plan for the development, implementation, and growth of the Kinetic Imaging program, identifying short-term and long-term plans;
● Assume responsibility for faculty and staff recruitment, mentorship, empowerment, and evaluation;
● Serve as a program advocate for students, faculty, and staff;
● Oversee all areas of program administration, including course scheduling, personnel, budget, facilities and equipment management;
● Promote excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement;
● Collaborate with the VCUarts Qatar’s communications team to promote the program, and increase program’s visibility.
● Contribute to student recruitment efforts, collaborating with the VCUarts Qatar’s recruitment and admissions team;
● Foster collaborative relationships across VCUarts Qatar departments and Qatar Foundation partner universities in Education City;
● Foster collaborative relationships with the Kinetic Imaging department on the Richmond, VA campus and the VCU School of the Arts at large;
● Develop partnerships with local, regional, and international organizations, institutions, and industry stakeholders to enhance the program’s reputation and provide opportunities for students and faculty;
● Ensure that the program complies with all relevant university policies, accreditation standards, and relevant regulations.
● Teach courses within the BFA in Kinetic Imaging program, corresponding to the needs of the program and the Director’s area(s) of expertise;
● Contribute to new knowledge in the field through research and/or creative work, with impact at the national and/or international level;
● Participate actively in institutional service, including governance committees or task forces, as well as service to the creative/academic discipline;
● Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
● MFA, PhD, or equivalent terminal degree in new media arts practices or equivalent professional training and experience;
● Expertise in one or more disciplinary domains represented in the Kinetic Imaging program;
● Knowledge of the higher educational landscape, research and professional practices in time-based and/or interactive media;
● A minimum of five years of university-level teaching experience beyond the TA and/or
adjunct level;
● Experience in academic administration or demonstrated leadership in institutional service or service to the field;
● A well-established research agenda and a clear potential for dissemination, external funding, and contributing to scholarship or creative practice that enhances and extends current school/department expertise.
● Experience developing and leading in a highly ambitious and collegial team environment;
● Effective collaborative and communication skills are essential, along with a proven track record of working in a culturally diverse work environment.
● Entrepreneurial, innovative, globally oriented;
● Significant experience with digital and emerging technologies relevant to disciplines incorporated into the Kinetic Imaging program;
● Demonstrated competence working in and creating a trusting, diverse and inclusive faculty, staff, and student culture, or commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCUarts Qatar;
● Experience recruiting, hiring, and retaining under-represented faculty and staff, and leadership in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion among all students, faculty and staff is strongly preferred.
Contact Information:
Contact Name: VCUarts Human Resources
Contact Email: artshr@vcu.edu
Contact Phone: (804) 828-2787
https://qatar.vcu.edu/