Photography Associate Faculty Pool

The Opportunity: Skagit Valley College is accepting applications for associate faculty to teach for the Art Departmentfor the 2026/2027 academic year. The purpose of posting this position is to build a pool of qualified instructors interested in teaching introductory and intermediate photography courses including darkroom photography digital photography studio lighting image editing image analysis and visual communication (Photography 1 and Photography 2). This Associate Faculty position will instruct students seeking their degree in visual arts.

The ideal candidate will be an active professional in the field committed to student success collaborative program development and strengthening connections with the campus and broader Skagit arts community.

Please note that this posting is reviewed and hired on a quarter-by-quarter basis. Candidates will be directly contacted by the department as employment opportunities arise.

• Equitable student outcomes in access achievement and community;
• Our Guiding Principles;
• Decisions based on strategy and evidence;
• The development of our employees;
• A diverse and inclusive college community where everyone belongs.

• An unrelenting focus on our mission to improve the lives of our students and to strengthen our diverse community.
• Support for innovative teaching learning and scholarship.
• Exciting opportunities for personal and career growth.
• Diverse cultural and environmental benefits of rural suburban and urban lifestyles.
• Friendly supportive and diverse work environments.
• Excellent benefits include competitive leave packages and an array of health dental vision and retirement plans to meet your current and future needs.

• Develop engaging inclusive coursework that aligns with program and course outcomes;
• Provide hands-on demonstrations and constructive critiques;
• Support students of diverse backgrounds through regular feedback mentorship and portfolio development;
• Maintain photography labs and equipment
• Update curriculum to reflect current technologies
• Participate in departmental planning and assessment
• Engage in college committees and equity initiatives.

• Traditional darkroom Photography techniques digital and film processes and photo editing software.
• Contemporary and historical photographic practices.
• Teaching methods for diverse student populations.
• Image composition analysis.

• Clear communication and student mentoring.
• Curriculum development and classroom management.
• Equipment maintenance and studio organization.

• Foster an inclusive supportive learning environment.
• Adapt teaching to different skill levels and learning formats.
• Collaborate with colleagues and stay current in the field.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Masters degree in Visual Art or a closely related field;
• Experience in the field of fine art photography or professional photography;
• Teaching experience at the college level.

• Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts with a concentration in Photo/Media;
• Bachelors in Fine Arts with a concentration in Photo/Media;
• One (1) year or more of teaching experience at a community college.

Salary and Benefits: The salary rate for part-time faculty is in accordance with the negotiated agreement and may be subject to change based on legislative order to be eligible for benefits state regulations must be met.

Rate of Pay:Faculty compensation units (FCU) are computed by total hours (lecture lab clinical) identified on the approved course outline for a given course divided by eleven (11). Associate faculty pay is computed by multiplying the faculty compensation unit rate by the number of faculty compensation units.

The current FCU rate for 2025-2026 at Step A is $1084.00 (includes I-732 COLA of 3.0% for 2025-2026).
Example of Associate Faculty pay (this is for illustrative purposes only):

• Course: BISC 220 33 lecture 44 lab
• 33 44 77
• 7/11 7 FCUs
• A Step A faculty member would be paid 7 x FCU rate $1084.00 $7588.00

• Prior to employment a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position.
  
  Additionally pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080 applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for or have left a position during an investigation into a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicants current or past employer. By law post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or non-existence of an investigation or findings subject to this statute.

• In the interest of providing a healthy safe and secure educational and work environment and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation it is the policy of Skagit Valley College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.
• If hired you will be required to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. Citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.
• Completion of academic degree(s) will be verified through receipt of official transcripts at the time of hire.

1. Meet the minimum qualifications and
2. Submit a complete application to the online recruitment system at includes the following:
   • The online application which includes answers to all supplemental questions and contact information for at least three (3) professional references;
   • A current curriculum vitae; (Attachment: curriculum vitae);
   • A cover letter/letter of interest addressing the minimum and desired qualifications for the position. (Attachment: Cover Letter).