Director of the Program in Character Animation

School of Film/Video

The Director of the Program in Character Animation is responsible for developing, implementing and managing strategies for ensuring the continued excellence and artistic growth of the Program. It is expected that the Director will balance visionary leadership and sound management practice, and will nurture a community of independent artists and thinkers, capable of working within either auteur or studio paradigms. S/he should have a broad aesthetic and a strong interest in contemporary arts practice and must be adept at reconciling artistic and practical priorities within the School. The Director serves under the Dean of the School of Film/Video and works in collaboration with the School's faculty and the Institute's senior administration.

The Program Director maintains specific accountability for the following areas:

• Develop, design and regularly evaluate, in collaboration with the faculty, the Character Animation curriculum, in ways that are consistent with institutional values and accreditation standards;
• Participate in the development and implementation of the School of Film/Video's and CalArts' strategic plans;
• Establish, with the participation of the faculty, criteria for ensuring that students are mastering defined skills, concepts and educational goals by the time they graduate;
• Foster effective communication systems among faculty, staff and students and promote an open and supportive organizational culture;
• Help to encourage the Program's full participation in the cultural community of CalArts and in the larger arts world;
• Actively encourage faculty to continue and develop their artistic and professional practices;
• Meet enrollment goals and oversee financial aid allocations, in collaboration with the Dean of Enrollment Management and the Offices of Admissions and Financial Aid;
• Recruit and regularly evaluate faculty to achieve program goals;
• Ensure Program compliance with Institute-wide policies, state & federal law, and accreditation standards;
• Implement, within given fiscal limitations, the Program's budget in collaboration with the Dean of the School of Film / Video and the Director of Operations and occasionally participate in fundraising efforts on behalf of Character Animation;
• Maintain a current knowledge of technology prevalent in the industry and demonstrate a willingness to explore its uses within the Program;
• Engage in the day-to-day operations of the Program and trouble-shoot challenges with students, parents, staff and faculty, as necessary;
• Create and produce a regular schedule of Program Review and student learning assessment, in collaboration with the Dean of the School of Film/Video and the Office of the Provost;
• Teach courses in the Program in Character Animation;
• Work effectively in collaboration with the School of Critical Studies in ensuring that character animation students master college-level critical thinking and writing skills;
• Ensure a creative environment that is welcoming to a diverse population of artists; and
• Actively promote and represent the Program within the larger national and international community as a leader in the development of new animation talent and serve as the Program's public spokesperson and advocate.

Experience in a higher education or art school setting desirable

BFA (or comparable professional experience) required; MFA desirable

Candidates for the position should have demonstrated artistic achievement (at a level commensurate with a senior position); a solid background in management principles and responsible fiscal management; and passion for student learning within the context of a diverse art school environment. Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled, with an expected starting date of fall 2008. Candidates should send a cover letter, CV, work sample and the names / contact information for three references to Nancy Uscher, Provost, CalArts, 24700 McBean Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355.

CalArts is an Equal Opportunity Employer