Cranbrook Academy of Art, ranked nationally as one of the top graduate programs in art, architecture, and design, is now accepting applications for the Head of Department and Artist-in-Residence (faculty) in Print Media. This position requires a forward-facing vision for the department that embraces an expansive range of perspectives, from traditional forms of image-making and reproduction to digital processes and experimental methodologies. The Academy seeks a candidate with a broad technical background in printmaking, a commitment to interdisciplinarity, and a strong understanding of the role of print media within contemporary art and culture.

Cranbrook Artists-in-Residence are the singular leaders of their departments. During the academic year (September–May), the Print Media Artist-in-Residence mentors up to 15 graduate students in a supportive environment composed of ten additional departments: 2D Design, 3D Design, 4D Design, Architecture, Ceramics, Fiber, Metalsmithing, Painting, Photography, and Sculpture. The Artist-in-Residence is given the autonomy to determine the pedagogy of their department and the responsibility for its success. Applicants for this position must be unusually well qualified to provide open, independent learning, resulting in rigorous production, critique, and discussion. It is expected that the Head of Department and Artist-in-Residence will maintain an active professional practice including exhibitions, publications, and speaking engagements.

The Head of Department and Artist-in-Residence is provided with a private studio, housing on campus, and competitive benefits in addition to salary. Primary responsibilities of this position include mentorship and teaching as well as administration of the Print Media Department and active recruitment of students. Successful candidates must possess a vibrant record as a professional artist; a terminal degree in studio art; 5 years or more of college-level teaching (preferred) with dedicated experience at the graduate level; excellent communication and leadership skills; the ability to foster an inclusive, diverse, and equitable learning environment; and the capacity to make a significant contribution to the field and the Academy.

Through its unique educational model, Cranbrook Academy of Art has made a substantial artistic, educational, and institutional impact since it was founded in 1932. The Academy of Art is part of the larger Cranbrook Educational Community, situated on a 300-acre campus located just outside of Detroit. Founded by George G. Booth and designed by Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen, Cranbrook is a community of educators, artists, architects, and designers, living and working together. Comprising the Cranbrook Art Museum, the Center for Collections and Research, the Institute of Science, and a private school serving students from kindergarten through high school, the Cranbrook Educational Community offers a singularly unique backdrop for teaching and learning.

The position commences September 2024.

Applications consist of two pieces: a single PDF document of candidate materials and a completed Cranbrook Faculty Application form. All fields in the application form must be completed and all documents must be uploaded at one time. Applicants will be unable to add additional materials once submitted.

The PDF should contain a cover letter, a statement that outlines your approach to teaching at the graduate level, an overview of your vision for the department, a statement on how your teaching supports an inclusive and diverse community, a curriculum vitae, name and email contact for three professional references, a portfolio of your work (20 image samples) and links to relevant websites. This single PDF should be labeled as FirstInitial.LastName.pdf.

Apply HERE. Application Applications received by November 2, 2023, will be given priority consideration and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Cranbrook Academy of Art ranked nationally as one of the top graduate programs in art, architecture, and design, is now accepting applications for an Academy Resources Manager. The Academy Resources Manager will be responsible for evaluating equipment, capacity, infrastructure, and health/safety across eleven departments in Cranbrook Academy of Art (2D Design, 3D Design, 4D Design, Architecture, Ceramics, Fiber, Metalsmithing, Painting, Photography, Print Media, and Sculpture) and Academy-wide facilities.

The Academy Resources Manager will oversee and maintain a Capital Needs Assessment for Academy facilities, coordinate internal work orders, and collaborate with central campus facilities. The Academy Resources Manager is also responsible for aligning current and future program needs with physical plant capacity and working with Artists-in-Residence/Heads of Departments to identify opportunities for facility and equipment improvements. This position will also be responsible for maintaining a schedule of facility usage and coordinating studio usage, policies, and procedures for year-round Academy programming. This position reports to the Dean of Academic Affairs.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Evaluate equipment, infrastructure, and health/safety across eleven academic departments and Academy-wide facilities. This includes documenting and overseeing regular maintenance of safety equipment such as filters and first aid equipment and related supplies in studios and labs.
• Partner with Artists-in-Residence, Student Services, and campus partners to identify processes and procedures for the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials. Train Studio Managers and Departmental Assistants on appropriate policies and procedures.
• Maintain a comprehensive Capital Needs Assessment and list of Academy resources. Identify capital replacement needs and associated costs and develop a schedule for anticipated expenditures to be integrated into the Academy’s annual budgeting process.
• Partner with Artists-in-Residence, Studio Managers, and Departmental Assistants to create and maintain studio safety policies and opportunities for facility upgrades and equipment repairs.
• Manage the transition of studio facilities and Academy resources between academic year and summer programming, including planning the movement of furniture, equipment, and supplies, as well as establishing safety protocol and training summer faculty on equipment usage and studio policies.
• Remain current on new and evolving studio equipment, processes, and procedures.
• Coordinate work orders and consult with central facilities on vendor selection.
• Maintain health and safety guidelines and ensure compliance with OSHA regulations for the safe handling and disposal of materials. Serves as the lead staff contact with central facilities to arrange appropriate pickup and train Departmental Managers and Assistants on appropriate policies and procedures.
• Partner with the Dean of Academic Affairs and Dean of Student Services on a regular basis to ensure communication, transparency, and cohesion across the Academy.

Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required, along with at least 3 years experience in facilities or project management. Background and knowledge of art and design facilities are preferred but not required.
• Excellent organization and communication (both written and verbal) skills required. Candidates should be comfortable interacting with diverse audiences.
• Must demonstrate an ability to work collegially with colleagues around the Academy and with central Facilities.
• This position requires a demonstrated ability to think and plan strategically in order to successfully accomplish goals and objectives.
• Must be computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• The incumbent must possess a creative interest in art education, facility management, and equipment oversight and repair.
• The position requires a valid Michigan driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.

Cranbrook offers competitive compensation and benefits that include medical, dental, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, and retirement programs with employer contributions. We also offer generous paid time off, 11 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays, employee discounts, and a unique environment in an educational setting that values collaboration.

For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter.

APPLY HERE.

Cranbrook Academy of Art, ranked nationally as one of the top graduate programs in art, architecture and design, is now accepting applications for an Alumni Relations Manager. Reporting to the Manager of Enrollment and Financial Aid, the Alumni Relations Manager is responsible for supporting the development of alumni programming to build and strengthen long-term, meaningful relationships between the Academy of Art (the Academy) and its alumni base. Central to this work will be to successfully implement and manage a robust alumni relations program, to increase the Academy’s outreach to alumni and to increase alumni involvement as advocates, donors and volunteers. 

This position is responsible for maintaining a deep knowledge of Academy alumni and amplifying their activities to show the impact and success of the Academy to prospective students, donors and stakeholders. The Alumni Relations Manager will provide oversight and coordination of alumni and community outreach by developing dedicated programs, communications, digital engagement, volunteer management, and the creation of alumni affinity groups. At an administrative level, this position is also responsible for the ongoing maintenance of alumni data, maintaining and drafting web content, creating regular e-news communications and providing content on alumni activity for Academy social media accounts. 

The Alumni Relations Manager serves as the lead staff liaison to the Board of Governors in support of alumni activities and plays an integral role in connecting alumni engagement to the wider strategic priorities outlined by the Directors office. This position requires active engagement with Metro Detroit based alumni, regular travel to recruitment events, alumni chapter gatherings, and affinity group conferences (roughly 6 per year).  Additionally, this position must work in collaboration and partnership with key Academy staff, including Advancement, Communications, and Recruitment. 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:  

• Implementing and managing a robust alumni relations program to broaden the Academy’s outreach to alumni and to increase alumni involvement as volunteers, advocates and donors for the Academy. 
• Cultivating and fostering alumni relationships by providing regular content, updates and biographical information for the development of profiles for the alumni webpage, E-News, and serving as the alumni primary point of contact. 
• Organizing an annual schedule of special alumni events directed at increasing involvement by alumni and friends with a special focus on major geographic centers of alumni populations and the City of Detroit (Metro Detroit). 
• Compiling data and written reports on employment trends and opportunities within specialized areas for alumni. Collect, maintain, and present data on alumni accomplishments and conduct regular outreach on how the Academy can best serve the needs of graduates. 

• Help identify and draft alumni content to support the Academy’s communication team in developing appropriate and regular communications for alumni cultivation, recognition and engagement. 
• Overseeing alumni awards and special alumni recognition opportunities. 
• Coordinating the production of an annual alumni publication. 
• Identify opportunities to bring alumni back to campus for participation in targeted initiatives, educational programming, student engagement, and community outreach. 
• Contributing to Academy marketing, communicating, and branding initiatives by co-developing online, video, and printed materials for current and prospective students. 

• Develop strategies for connecting alumni with employment opportunities, exhibition and residency venues, and other forms of engagement after graduation. Cultivate relationships with external constituents to create and manage online resource sharing for alumni and to raise the profile of the Academy with prospective organizational partners. 
• Support development initiatives by engaging alumni in Academy fundraising goals and CEC campaigns to increase operational resources. 
• Maintain accuracy, confidentiality, attention to detail, attendance, punctuality and other performance standards set forth in Cranbrook’s employee handbook. 
• Participate in regular staff meetings and working groups.
   

Requirements: 

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required. A graduate degree (M.F.A. or M.Arch) from Cranbrook Academy of Art or another accredited graduate art or design program is beneficial, but not required. 
• A minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in higher education with a focus in alumni relations, customer relations, development, communications/public relations or comparable employment experience is required. 
• Demonstrated ability to think and plan strategically to successfully accomplish goals and objectives. 
• Experience must demonstrate a record of successful customer relations, management and organizational skills. 
• Must demonstrate ability to write effective letters, introductions, proposals, acknowledgements, and alumni/donor communications. 

• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills are required in order to work successfully with high level alumni, Board members, and other internal and external constituents. 
• Personal computer literacy and understanding of computerized relational database operations and ability to perform data management, retrieval and analysis are essential. 
• Demonstrated experience with Raiser’s Edge or similar CRM software is a plus. 
• Requires a valid Michigan driver’s license with satisfactory driving record. 

Cranbrook offers competitive compensation and benefits that include medical, dental, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, and retirement programs with employer contribution. We also offer generous paid time off, 11 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays, employee discounts, and a unique environment in an educational setting that values collaboration. 

Interested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae or résumé and a cover letter detailing interest in the position and relevant experience. Apply here. Priority consideration will be given to those who apply by June 23. The position will remain listed until filled.  

Cranbrook Academy of Art ranked nationally as one of the top graduate programs in art, architecture, and design, is now accepting applications for a Recruitment Coordinator.  The Recruitment Coordinator provides administrative and programmatic support to increase the number of top-tier applicants and meet enrollment targets at Cranbrook Academy of Art.

The Recruitment Coordinator will assist in the implementation of a robust recruitment strategy for eleven departments (2D Design, 3D Design, 4D Design, Architecture, Ceramics, Fiber, Metalsmithing, Painting, Photography, Print Media, and Sculpture) as well as summer programming. This position requires excellent organizational skills to coordinate materials, maintain records, and prepare reports. Travel is required to support the Recruitment Manager to international and national portfolio and recruitment events, specialty conferences in the arts, and visits to undergraduate programs in art and design. This position reports to the Recruitment Manager.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Support the Academy’s efforts to implement a robust year-round recruitment plan to support admission-related strategies, increase awareness of the Academy, and attract high-quality applicants for graduate study in the fields of Architecture, Art, and Design.
• Meet with prospective students to explain the Academy’s admission policies and procedures, and answer questions on academic programs.
• Reply to program inquiries from prospective applicants and assist in communication with partner programs.
• Organize materials, prepare mailings, maintain records, and submit reports documenting visits and evaluate their effectiveness.
• Maintain recruitment data in the Academy’s student information system.
• Ensure seamless processes and provide accurate and timely follow-up with all constituents.
• Coordinate logistics for events related to graduate student recruitment.
• Track prospective student contacts and manage database entries.
• Participate in regular staff meetings and working groups.
• Maintain accuracy, confidentiality, attention to detail, attendance, punctuality, and other performance standards set forth in Cranbrook’s employee handbook.

Requirements:

• A High School Diploma or GED is required, bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of strong administrative experience is required along with 2 years experience in higher education recruitment preferred. Communications/public relations or comparable employment experience is also preferred.
• Must be well organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Required to have strong writing skills and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively both in verbal and written form.
• Candidates should be comfortable with public speaking and possess excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with diverse audiences.
• Must be computer literate and proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and proficient in working with database systems.
• The position requires a valid Michigan driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.

Cranbrook offers competitive compensation and benefits that include medical, dental, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, and retirement programs with employer contributions. We also offer generous paid time off, 11 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays, employee discounts, and a unique environment in an educational setting that values collaboration.

For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter.