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Photography Instructor – UCLA Extension

Position overview

Position title: Instructor
Salary range: 2,706.00 per course, quarterly

Application Window

Open date: July 12, 2024

Next review date: Monday, Jun 30, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Monday, Jun 30, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.

Position description

UCLA Extension is considered one of the top programs of its kind, offering to more than 35,000 students per year approximately 4,500 classes and non-degree certificate programs to meet the professional development, continuing education, and personal enrichment needs of the full spectrum of nontraditional students as well as companies and organizations throughout and beyond the Los Angeles region.

Course / Program Description

Get a solid foundation in the technical and visual aspects of digital photography. Learn digital image capture, editing, composition, and the fundamentals of lighting from experienced professionals who have successful careers of their own. Explore the fundamental technical and aesthetic principles of digital photographic processes, including DSLR camera operation, composition, and digital retouching and manipulation.

Job Description

UCLA Extension is the open-access, self-supporting continuing education division of UCLA. The Department of the Arts offers a wide variety of certificate programs and courses, including post-baccalaureate credit-bearing (400-level), continuing education (CEU) credit, and non-credit bearing general interest
courses.

Course disciplines in the Visual Arts span subject areas such as Design Communication Arts, User Experience, Photography, Studio Arts and Art History. Our courses and certificate programs offer students the opportunity to learn from highly qualified practitioners who are passionate about teaching.
Applications to teach are accepted throughout the year in order to fill immediate program needs and to increase the depth of the instructor pool, but interviews will only be scheduled with qualified applicants who can fill anticipated openings.

Qualified applicants possessing current industry knowledge and experience in the following topic area(s) are encouraged to apply:
Fundamental technical and aesthetic principles of digital photographic processes, digital file manage and editing with Lightroom and Photoshop, photographic portraiture techniques, portfolio development, drone photography.

For a certificate program overview, visit:
https://www.uclaextension.edu/design-arts/arthistory-studio-arts-photography/certificate/photography

Three class formats are available: online/asynchronous, online live via Zoom and in-person. Each course is 11 weeks, enrollment limited to 20 students.

Instructor Duties:

  • Develop or update course syllabus to meet campus approval requirements, in consultation with the UCLA Extension Program Director and Program Manager.
  • Use subject-matter expertise to impart knowledge to students and leverage additional resources appropriately to enhance the curriculum (i.e. make arrangements for guest speakers, etc.)
  • Design interactive and motivational classroom activities to fully engage participants and to reinforce student learning
  • Update materials periodically, and regularly monitor course evaluations in order to make adjustments and improvements to the curriculum.
  • Respond to student questions and learning needs in a timely manner.
  • Communicate with Program Director and Program Staff in a timely manner.
  • Complete required administrative tasks in a timely manner including: completing all new hire paperwork, submitting updated quarterly syllabus, posting bio and photo on the UCLA Extension website, accepting quarterly contract, submitting required textbook orders, and communicating classroom needs to the appropriate people.
  • Participate in required orientations and instructor training programs.
  • Employ culturally competent teaching methodologies in the classroom inclusive of both domestic and international student populations.
  • Stay current regarding the professional body of knowledge in the field
  • Respond to student inquiries about final grades and consult with Program Director as needed.
  • Maintain a record of final grades for up to 13 months following the last class session.

General Employment Information

Employment as a UCLA Extension Instructor is dictated by contract terms and conditions. Please take the time to read the UCLA Extension Instructor Employment Policies.

For information on UCLA Extension instructor benefits, please visit Pay, Benefits, & Privileges.

Access, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (AEDI) is one of UCLA Extension’s guiding principles. We strive to extend access to UCLA, our programs, and services to underrepresented communities and populations, while serving as a model organization for AEDI in the field of continuing higher education. Committed to attracting and retaining diverse staff & instructors, UCLA Extension welcomes your experiences, perspectives, and unique identity.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications
  • At least 5 years as a professional artist in the field, including relevant gallery shows or related publications.
  • Ability to provide visual samples of work that demonstrates excellence in the field.
  • Commitment to the highest level of academic standards and integrity.
  • Current knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency in subject area.
  • Highly effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey conceptual and complex ideas and information.
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence.
  • Proficiency in or willingness to learn the use of instructional technology and online teaching tools.
  • College-level and/or continuing education teaching experience (preferred).
  • Experience designing curriculum and measuring student performance (preferred).
Preferred qualifications
  • College-level and/or continuing education teaching experience (preferred).
  • Experience designing curriculum and measuring student performance (preferred).

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae / Resume - Your most recently updated C.V. / Resume

  • Cover Letter

Reference requirements

References are requested from candidates after the interviewing stage, and references are only contacted for finalists via SkillSurvey system.

Apply link: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF09616

Help contact: ehr@unex.ucla.edu

About UCLA

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy, please visit https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

Job location

Los Angeles, CA