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The University of Southern Maine’s Art Department invites applications for a full-time, 9-month tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin in Fall 2026.

We are seeking a dynamic and innovative teacher-scholar with expertise in any field of Art History to oversee our art history program and majors, manage and update the art history curriculum, and facilitate art history’s role within the broader university.

We invite candidates who are committed to undergraduate education and enthusiastic about developing innovative art history curriculum. This position offers possibilities for cross-disciplinary collaboration across various USM departments, as well as opportunities for departmental leadership. We welcome candidates with a collaborative, creative, and collegial approach to program development and leadership. The successful candidate will also hold a track record of professional and scholarly contributions to their area(s) of specialization.

This is an in-person position based on our Gorham and Portland campus. The standard teaching load is three courses per semester. Responsibilities include undergraduate teaching, maintaining an active research agenda, student advising, facilitating student internship placements, curriculum development, and departmental and university service. Rank of initial appointment is Assistant Professor, with possible additional consideration for experienced candidates.

About the USM Art Department:

The Art Department (https://usm.maine.edu/art) is a nationally accredited program that prides itself on giving students a rigorous studio experience, historical understanding of the complexity of art practices, and the critical skills needed to become informed visual artists, art educators and art historians. With exhibition venues on both campuses the USM art galleries present the work of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists and play a major role in the cultural life of the Southern Maine region.

About the University:

The University of Southern Maine (https://usm.maine.edu/) is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond. USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University (https://usm.maine.edu/about-our-university/) .

The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community.

We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness.

The targeted starting date for this position is Fall 2026 and will pay a base salary of $60,000 plus benefits. Candidates must reside within commutable distances from the USM campuses. This requirement is essential for the ability to participate in supporting and building upon our university culture of "student focused every day" and allows for regular participation in on-campus activities, meetings, and fulfills the responsibilities of the role effectively.

The University of Southern Maine provides highly competitive benefits (https://usm.maine.edu/campus-human-resource-services/benefits-and-wellness/#xd\_co\_f=OTZlMjgzOTAtNWZlOS00NDI4LWI0ZTMtNThjMGVjNDRkOTA3~) that include health, dental and vision insurance; life insurance; short- and long-term disability insurance; a tuition waiver program for employees and tuition discounts for spouses and eligible dependents; a 403(b)-retirement plan with 10% employer contribution; and more. To learn more, please review the Benefits Information Summary (https://usm.maine.edu/campus-human-resource-services/wp-content/uploads/sites/235/2022/07/Single-Page-Benefits-AFUM.pdf) .

Required Qualifications:

+ Ph.D. in Art History or ABD with evidence of completed doctoral degree to be provided by the position start date.

+ Evidence of effective teaching of Art History courses.

+ Active scholarly agenda leading to peer-reviewed publications.

+ Effective written and oral communication skills.

+ Commitment to student engagement, advising, and mentorship.

+ Collegial, team-oriented approach to academic collaboration.

How to Apply:

Please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button or visit USM Careers (https://fa-ewca-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX\_1/jobs?lastSelectedFacet=ORGANIZATIONS&mode=location&selectedOrganizationsFacet=300000014113625) and submit the following materials:

+ Cover Letter including statement of research and scholarly activity

+ Curriculum vitae

+ A teaching philosophy describing your approach to undergraduate education

+ One sample of representative scholarship - e.g., published article, book chapter, or dissertation chapter

+ Two sample course syllabi representing one introductory and one upper-level art history course

+ Contact information for three references

We will begin reviewing candidate packages immediately. To ensure full consideration, materials should be submitted by October 1, 2025.

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

At this time, the University of Southern Maine is unable to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Clery Act:

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR), and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. View the University’s Annual Security Report (PDF) (https://usm.maine.edu/public-safety/annual-security-and-fire-safety-report/) . If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact our Public Safety Office at 207.780.5211.

EEO Statement:

The University of Southern Maine is an EEO/AA employer and is committed to nondiscrimination. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207-581-1226. TTY 711 (Maine Relay System)