Job Details

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, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's 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 nation's leading authority on Latinx student success. Cal State Fullerton is an equal opportunity employer with a diverse student population of over 45,000 and a faculty and staff population of 4,000. 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 university's 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 tenure track assistant professor position may be asked to teach a range of courses such as story and visual development, storyboarding, life drawing for animation, character animation, digital tools and 2D animation pipeline, and animatic and animation film production. Specific Entertainment Art/Animation courses could include:

• Life Drawing for Animation
• Principles of Animation
• Introduction to Storyboard
• 2D Animation Pipeline
• Visual Storytelling for Animation and Games
• Construction and Layout for Animation
• Intermediate Character Animation
• Storyboard Animatic Production
• Animation Production
• Special Studies in Entertainment Art/Animation -- Capstone

The successful candidate is expected to have experience with standard industry software for 2D animation production including Adobe Creative Suite, Toon Boom, other high-end 2D animation software, as well as familiarity with current emerging technologies in animation production. Those with the following software/experience will receive special consideration: Adobe Creative Suite, Toon Boom Harmony, Toon Boom Storyboard Pro, Procreate, TV Paint, and other animation production and drawing software.

The successful candidate will participate in the life and development of the department, recruitment, and outreach efforts. They will contribute to a dynamic student-centered animation program with a track record of 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, 2D Animation Pipeline, Visual Storytelling for Animation and Games, Construction and Layout for Animation, Intermediate Character Animation, Storyboard Animatic Production, Animation Production, Special Studies in Entertainment 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

• MFA or equivalent terminal degree from an accredited institution in animation or in a related discipline to be completed by Fall 2027 is desired. Accreditation can be from a University outside of the U.S.
• Demonstrated ability to teach courses in animation principles, storyboarding, cinematic language, visual development, character animation/acting, industry standard software, and thesis animation production.
• Sustained practice and presentation of creative, scholarly, or professional work in the field of animation production.
• Proven track record of working collaboratively in culturally diverse settings, fostering an understanding of and respect for unique experiences, and cultural practices.
• Ability to teach student-centered thesis animation classes in which students express personal vision and voice through the completion of personal 2D animated films for theatrical screening.
• Knowledge of and commitment to achieving CSUF's strategic plan and COTA mission and goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Willingness to examine and remediate one's instructional, relational, and classroom practices to more effectively 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 are utilized in 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 include successful recruitment and outreach efforts.
• Experience working in a professional animation production pipeline.

Application
A complete online application must be received by electronic submission to be considered. To apply, please visit http://hr.fullerton.edu/workforce/careers.html, 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 candidate's 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 examples. In 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. It's 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 applicant's 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 candidate's 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
• A list of three references with relevant contact information.
• Semi-Finalists must submit three letters of recommendation. Please have these ready for the referents to submit. On the References page of the online application, enter information and email addresses for three referents who will provide a confidential letter of reference for your application. At the appropriate time in the search process, they will receive a request via email along with information on uploading the letter. You can verify that CSUF has received each letter by logging back 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.
• Semifinalists and/or finalists may be asked to submit additional materials for further consideration (e.g., scholarly articles, portfolio, etc.).

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.
• Finalists will be required to have three letters of recommendation submitted.
• Please have these ready for the referents to submit. On the References page of the online application, enter information and email addresses for three referents who will provide a confidential letter of reference for your application. At the appropriate time in the search process, they will receive a request via email along with instructions for uploading the letter. You will be able to verify that each letter has been received by CSUF by logging back 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 aholland@fullerton.edu 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 45,000 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 https://www.fullerton.edu/arts/art/.

Compensation
The Assistant Professor (Academic Year) classification salary range is $6,221 to $13,224 monthly (12 monthly payments per academic year). The anticipated hiring range is $6,884 to $7,022 per month.

Salary offered is commensurate with experience and qualifications. In 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 (https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/california_equal_pay_act.htm).

Summer 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 https://hr.fullerton.edu/total-wellness/.

New 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 $100,000 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 applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.