Assistant Professor, Entertainment ArtAnimation

Department of Visual Arts
College of the Arts
Assistant Professor
Fall 2027

The Department of Art at California State University Fullerton invites applications for a tenure track Assistant Professor position in Entertainment Art/Animation with an appointment to begin Fall 2027.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment
This position is open and available to all regardless of race sex color ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws California State University Fullerton (CSUF) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race sex color ethnicity or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. CSUF complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act the California Equity in Higher Education Act Californias Proposition 209 (Art. I Section 31 of the California Constitution) other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws and CSUs Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment segregation based on race or any other protected status and all forms of discrimination harassment and retaliation in all university programs policies and practices.

In addition California State University Fullerton is a leading public university known for its strong academic programs and commitment to student success. As one of the largest campuses in the CSU system Cal State Fullerton fosters innovation collaboration and professional growth. The university values teaching research and service creating an environment where students staff and faculty can thrive. Cal State Fullerton is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. The university also received the prestigious Seal of Excelencia in 2021 and 2024 from Excelencia in Education the nations leading authority on Latinx student success. Cal State Fullerton is an equal opportunity employer with a diverse student population of over 45000 and a faculty and staff population of 4000. Cal State Fullerton is firmly committed to helping students achieve academic excellence career success and economic mobility. Joining Cal State Fullerton means becoming part of a dynamic team dedicated to making a meaningful impact. We continuously seek individuals from various disciplines who share the universitys mission and core values. We welcome you to consider joining the Titan community.

CSUF is committed to retaining all faculty and has established affinity groups you can join to support your success.

Position
The successful candidate for this tenuretrackassistant professor position may be asked to teach a range ofcourses such as story and visual development storyboarding life drawing foranimationcharacter animation digital tools and 2D animation pipeline and animatic Entertainment Art/Animation courses could include:

• Life Drawing for Animation
• Principles of Animation
• Introduction to Storyboard
• 2DAnimation Pipeline
• Visual Storytelling for Animation and Games
• Construction and Layout for Animation
• IntermediateCharacter Animation
• Storyboard Animatic Production
• Animation Production
• Special Studies inEntertainment Art/Animation Capstone

The successful candidate is expected to have experience withstandard industry software for 2D animation production includingAdobe Creative Suite Toon Boomother high-end 2D animation softwareas well asfamiliaritywith current emerging technologiesinanimation with the following software/experience will receive special consideration:Adobe Creative SuiteToon Boom Harmony Toon Boom Storyboard ProProcreateTV Paintand other animationproduction anddrawing software.

The successful candidate willparticipatein the life and development of the department recruitment and outreach efforts. They will contribute to adynamicstudent-centeredanimation program witha track recordof growth and distinction derived from awards earned by its students the successful art careers of its alumni and the professional achievements of its faculty.

CSUF faculty are committed teacher/scholars who bring research and creative discovery to life for students in classrooms labs studios and individually mentored projects. They teach broadly in the curricula of their departments advise students and serve on departmental and university-wide committees. The primary responsibilities of the person in this position will include the development and teaching of introductory and core courses in the discipline and the development of courses in their area(s) of specialization. Specific courses that this person will teach include Life Drawing for Animation Principles of Animation Introduction to Storyboard 2DAnimation Pipeline Visual Storytelling for Animation and Games Construction and Layout for Animation IntermediateCharacter Animation Storyboard Animatic Production Animation Production Special Studies inEntertainment Art/Animation Capstone. This person will also be responsible for producing scholarship and creative work commensurate with the requirements for tenure. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to and participate in the life and development of the department advise students serve on committees and participate in the broader university and disciplinary communities.

Required Qualifications

• MFAor equivalent terminal degreefrom an accredited institution in animationorin a related disciplineto be completed by Fall 2027is desired. Accreditation can be from aUniversityoutside of the U.S.
• Demonstrated abilityto teach courses in animation principles storyboarding cinematic languagevisual development character animation/acting industry standard softwareand thesis animation production.
• Sustained practiceandpresentationofcreative scholarlyorprofessional work in the field ofanimation production.
• Proventrack recordof working collaboratively in culturally diverse settings fostering an understanding of and respect for uniqueexperiences and cultural practices.
• Ability to teachstudent-centeredthesisanimation classes in which studentsexpress personal vision and voice through the completion ofpersonal 2Danimatedfilmsfortheatrical screening.
• Knowledge of and commitment to achieving CSUFs strategic plan and COTA mission and goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Willingness to examine and remediate ones instructional relational and classroom practices to moreeffectively engage and support students.
• Demonstrated excellence in and commitment to teaching of a highly diverse student population including varied socioeconomic status race ethnicity religion sexual orientation disability age and gender identity etc.
• Demonstrated ability to work with computers and other technologies such as Adobe Creative Suite Toon Boom Harmony/Storyboard which areutilizedin providing high-quality instruction and support to students.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to emerging 2D animation production processes.
• College-level teaching experience in animation.
• Industry relations and knowledge that may support student success in academics and career advancements.
• Evidence of leadership communication organizational and management skills which might includesuccessful recruitment and outreach efforts.
• Experienceworking in a professional animation production pipeline.

Application
A complete online application must be received by electronic submission to be considered. To apply please visit choose full-time faculty search for the position 562520 and provide the following required materials:

• Cover letter in which you respond to the required qualifications and preferred qualifications within the Entertainment Art/Animation discipline.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Graduate Transcripts (unofficial copies are sufficient for initial review).
• Research statement.
• A teaching philosophy describing your pedagogical practices.
• 12-15 examples of student work relevant to the position. Please upload a PDF with a link to animated work (if applicable)
• Sample Syllabi Sample Assignments and Sample Teaching Materials (if applicable)
• Portfolio of the candidates expertise related to the position (requirements below)
• The Portfolio can be a combination of independent and professional work in the field of character-based animation.
• Links to your personal completed films and/or contributions from professional animation productions.
• The Portfolio must feature current work and include at least 12-15 addition animated reels are strongly encouraged. Reels should not be longer than 2 minutes. Please show work that reflects solid drawing skills (figure/character construction animation storyboard etc.) and digital skills (current industry software) as well as your areas of expertise.
• Please upload a PDF with a link to reels (if included) and links to your online portfolio or webpages (for example ArtStation IG LinkedIn etc.)
• Reels must include a shot breakdown clearly specifying what you were responsible for in the material presented.
• candidate statement on commitment to inclusive excellence (no more than 500 words):
• Inclusive excellence is a strategic framework that recognizes the importance of diversity equity and inclusion in achieving organizational success and high-quality learning and teaching. Its a way of thinking and acting that integrates these values into all aspects of an institution from curriculum and pedagogy to recruitment and hiring. Essentially it means that excellence is not just about achieving high standards but also about ensuring that all members of the community have the opportunity to thrive and contribute (Williams et al. 2005).
• With the Inclusive Excellence Statement we aim to learn about the applicants perspective on their past and present contributions to and future aspirations for promoting and engaging with a diverse student population. This statement should showcase the candidates professional experience intellectual commitments and/or willingness to teach and create an academic environment supportive of all students including but not limited to those of diverse ages abilities cultures ethnicities gender identities languages religions and sexual orientations.
• Cal State Fullerton serves a student body that reflects the rich cultural ethnic and socioeconomic mosaic of Southern California. Please provide concrete examples of how you as a faculty member will support our students in one or more of the following areas which fall under the areas of awareness and understanding experience and commitment and future plans.

1. Your contributions (past present or future) to embedding perspectives that are reflective of the student population into your teaching and/or scholarship.
2. Your experience in service activities that are reflective of a diverse student population.
3. Your experience and commitment to mentoring and providing opportunities to a diverse student body inside and outside the classroom environment.
4. Your experience integrating creative activities that are inclusive of the identities of our student body and communities

• Semi-Finalistsmust submit three letters of recommendation. Please have these ready for thereferents to submit. On the References page of the online application enter information and emailaddresses for three referents who will provide a confidential letter of reference for your application. Atthe appropriate time in the search process they will receive a request via email along with information onuploading the letter. You can verify that CSUF has received each letter by loggingback into your applicant portal.
• Finalists will be asked to have each of their three referents submit a letter of recommendation. Please have these ready for the referents to offer should you proceed to this search phase.

Semi-Finalists:

• Semi-finalists will be invited to a zoom interview.

Finalists:

• Over a one-day period finalists will be invited to participate in a series of interviews a teaching demonstration and an artist talk on campus.
• Additional material such as current course outlines course assignments and rubrics may also be requested.
• Finalistswill be required to have three letters of recommendation submitted.
• Please have these ready for thereferents to submit. On the References page of the online application enter information and emailaddresses for three referents who will provide a confidential letter of reference for your application. Atthe appropriate time in the search process they will receive a request via email along with instructions foruploading the letter. You will be able to verify that each letter has been received by CSUF by loggingback into your applicant portal.
• Finalists will be required to submit official transcripts.

Please do not send additional materials until requested to do so. The finalists for the position will be contacted when to submit and are required to submit all materials for full consideration.

Please direct all questions about the position to: Dr. Arnold Holland Dean of the College of the Arts at with Entertainment Art/Animation search in the subject line.

Application Deadline
To be assured full consideration all application materials must be received by December 15 2026. The anticipated appointment date is August 2027.

The Department
The Department of Visual Arts serves approximately 3000 undergraduate art majors and 24 graduate students with 27 full-time and 100 Lecturer faculty. The department offers both a BA in Art and BFA in Art with 13 areas of concentration in addition to an MA and MFA in Art with 9 areas of concentration. CSUF is located about 30 miles from downtown Los Angeles in metropolitan Orange County and presents a full range of fine arts and professional programs including a nationally recognized art gallery located in the Visual Arts complex and the Grand Central Art Center a 45000 sq. ft. graduate studio/residence/exhibition facility located 15 minutes from campus. The Department of Visual Arts at California State University Fullerton is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. For more information about the Department of Visual Arts and the College of the Arts please refer to the website Assistant Professor (Academic Year) classification salary range is $6221 to $13224 monthly (12 monthly payments per academic year). The anticipated hiring range is $6884 to $7022 per month.

Salary offered is commensurate with experience and addition the California Equal Pay Act prohibits employers from paying its employees less than those of the opposite sex and/or another race or ethnicity for substantially similar work ( research grants moving expenses startup funds and a reduced teaching load may be available.

CSUF Benefits
An excellent comprehensive benefits package is available that includes health/vision/dental plans; spouse domestic partner and dependent feewaiver; access to campus childcare; and a definedbenefit retirement through the state system along with optional tax sheltering opportunities. For a detailed description of benefits please visit employees hired by the CSU for the first time who first become CalPERS members on or after July 1 2017 are subject to a 10-year vesting period for retiree health and dental benefits.

Additional Information
Multiple positions may be hired from this recruitment based on the strength of the applicant pool.

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications and is subject to budgetary authorization and any California State University System faculty contract increases. Summer research grants moving expenses startup funds and a reduced teaching load may be available.

International Candidates
California State University Fullerton is not currently sponsoring any new H-1B petitions for staff management or faculty positions.

For tenure-track faculty positions California State University Fullerton is currently not sponsoring H-1B applicants subject to the $100000 fee established by the Presidential Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers issued on September 19 2025. Individuals in the U.S. who hold a valid lawful nonimmigrant status visa can have a petition filed on their behalf to change their status to H-1B without being subjected to the fee. For example the fee does not apply to an H-1B petition filed by an individual presently in the U.S. who is an F-1 J-1 or O-1 status holder.

CSU Policies
The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 revised July 21 2017 as a condition of employment.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be formally offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or the continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who selfdisclose.

Notice of Non-Discrimination based on Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator.

In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California. It requires hiring employees to perform CSU-related work within the State of California. The employee must be able to accept on-campus instruction as assigned and come to campus when needed. The CSU also prohibits hiring and retaining employees working permanently from a business location outside of the United States.

Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicants current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.