Adjunct Faculty, 2D Animation

Job Description

Salary: $2,440 (lecture) – $3,340 (studio) per class, per term

Location: Lakewood, CO

Target Fill Date: June 1st, 2026

Rocky Mountain College of Art +Design is looking for an Adjunct Professor who has expertise in 2D Animation. The faculty member works with the Chair and Program Lead of the Animation program, working closely with students, faculty, and administrative staff to advance teaching, student clubs and activities, co-curricular experiences, and curriculum development. They will work closely with academic leadership with a focus on teaching, monitoring and improving student learning and success, and performing duties as assigned by the Chair and the Program Lead.  

RMCAD’s Digital Arts + Media Department offers degree programs rooted in industry-aligned practices, emerging technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The successful applicant will have demonstrated expertise in Animation workflows, with an emphasis on character motion studies, performance-based animation, and scene development using Toon Boom Harmony. This position supports the continued design, development, and delivery of dynamic, studio-centered curricula and the advancement of learning outcomes to prepare students for leadership in an evolving digital landscape.

Required Qualifications

• A graduate degree (MA, MS, MFA, MDes, or equivalent) in Animation, Game Art, Game Design, relevant Motion Graphics, OR a bachelors degree with a sustained record of professional or studio-based work in these areas.
• Proficiency using and teaching industry-leading 2D Animation software, including, but not limited to ToonBoom Harmony (required), Storyboard Pro (required), Adobe Photoshop (bonus) Adobe After Effects (bonus), etc
• Examples of pedagogical approaches that align with the institution's mission and values, along with evidence of effective and inclusive teaching that values a diverse student body. 

Preferred Qualifications

• A terminal degree (MFA or PhD) in Art, Design, or a related discipline OR equivalent professional distinction recognized at a national or international level.
• 2+ years of teaching experience in an accredited postsecondary institution with proven expertise in teaching Animation or related digital media.
• A sustained record of professional or studio-based work in Animation or related digital media, demonstrated through published short/feature films, series work, studio credits, freelance projects, portfolio, and/or client-based productions.
• Ongoing engagement with contemporary, emerging industry practices and pipelines with demonstrated expertise in 2D animation production workflows, including character animation, scene development, and rigging/puppetry in Toon Boom Harmony. Experience with storyboarding, motion graphics, or visual development pipelines is also valued.
• Courses taught may include 2D Animation I–IV (motion studies through advanced scene work), Drawing + Acting for Animation, Storyboarding, and Motion Graphics.
• Candidates should have experience with character animation, performance-based animation, and scene development using Toon Boom Harmony. Experience with puppetry and rigging workflows in Toon Boom Harmony is strongly encouraged.
• Knowledge of Storyboard Pro, Adobe Photoshop, and After Effects is preferred.

Working Conditions

This position involves teaching in a higher education environment and may include in-person and/or online instruction depending on course assignment. The role may require a flexible schedule, including daytime and evening hours. Work is typically performed in a classroom, studio, and/or computer-based environment and involves regular use of digital tools and software. The position requires interaction with students in both individual and group settings. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is an Equal Opportunity Employer