Assistant Professor in the Arts

The Elizabeth J. Somers Women's Leadership Program (WLP) at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C, invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor beginning Fall 2025. WLP is a selective living-learning program for first-year students designed to build leadership skills within the context of their discipline within a supportive community. Students enroll in one of four WLP cohorts: International Arts & Culture; Science, Health, & Medicine; International Politics; or Globalization, Economics, & Business. Students take foundational courses in their field of study in small classes with their cohort faculty members both fall and spring semesters, and a year-long, experiential leadership symposium course.

We seek candidates for whom art is a central aspect of their work. The successful candidate will join a small, interdisciplinary faculty in the WLP, where they will represent an arts and culture perspective during programmatic planning. The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate courses that excite and engage first-year students interested in women's leadership. Students of the IAC cohort major in a wide variety of disciplines across the humanities, arts, and social sciences. Some are artists, performers, and makers. All are eager to explore the cultural resources of DC. Previous course topics focused on women in the arts, the creative process, and art as activism.

The selected candidate will serve as the primary faculty and Program Coordinator for the International Arts & Culture (IAC) cohort of approximately 20 students in the WLP. The Program Coordinator serves as instructor, academic mentor, and advisor to students in the IAC cohort, helping students navigate their college experience from the first year and beyond. They will teach small classes of WLP students and classes for the general undergraduate population. They will work with the WLP Director and colleagues from across disciplines to integrate co-curricular offerings and activities that enhance the academic experiences of WLP students, bringing an arts perspective to faculty conversations. They will also participate in WLP information sessions for prospective students and join in campus events. The selected candidate will report to the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Affairs and Special Programs. The effort breakdown for the position is 70% teaching, 15% administration/service, and 15% scholarship. The teaching component includes five undergraduate courses each year and co-teaching a year-long, one-credit leadership symposium. Two courses and the symposium are taught to first-year students in the Women's Leadership Program. The remaining three courses are taught to students in the Columbian College of Arts & Science including but not limited to students in the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design. Administrative work is related to the Program Coordinator role, and includes planning co-curricular events and symposium structure. Service obligations may be met by serving on a departmental or university-level committee, engaging with prospective students, and attending major campus events. Scholarship for this role is broadly defined and may include activities such as creating artistic works, presenting at conferences, creating and disseminating curriculum materials, or publishing scholarly research.

Applicants must have excellent teaching skills as demonstrated by student evaluations, and a plan for assuring equity and inclusion in the classroom. They must have a strong desire to teach and mentor first year undergraduates and a commitment to advancing women and gender minorities in leadership. They must hold a terminal degree in an art-related field, including but not limited to performing arts, visual arts, literary arts, or art history. ABD applicants will be considered but must complete all requirements for the degree by date of appointment.

This position is eligible for full-time health benefits. For more information, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/health-benefits.

The contract period will be three years and is renewable. The teaching load is 2/3 plus the 1-credit leadership symposium.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion ( DEI) are core principles of the WLP. We are committed to building and sustaining a community that is supportive and inclusive of all individuals. Strong candidates will have experience and vision regarding teaching and mentorship of students of multiple and diverse backgrounds with attention to structural barriers that limit access to educational opportunities. The university has a strong commitment to achieving diversity amongst faculty and staff. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from members of historically marginalized groups. Learn more about our commitment via the GW Statement on Diversity and Inclusion.

To apply please complete an online application and submit a cover letter that includes a statement of interest in the Women's Leadership Program and discusses contributions to DEI in their teaching, mentorship, and/or professional engagement.

Applicants must also submit curriculum vitae; statement of teaching objectives and methods, including a brief (half page) description of a course you would propose for the Women's Leadership Program arts cohort; evidence of effective teaching through student evaluations; statement of past and/or potential contributions to DEI; and names of three references. Letters of recommendation are not required for the application but will be requested for final candidates. Candidates who are invited for an interview will be expected to give a teaching demonstration on a topic of their choosing along with a presentation of their scholarship.

Review of applications will begin on January 6, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. Only complete applications will be considered.