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Animation Professor Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Animation Professor information

See Ohio salary details

$55.1K

$109.1K

$179.7K

How much do animation professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for animation professor in Ohio is $109,132.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,800.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an animation professor do?

An Animation Professor teaches students the principles and techniques of animation, including 2D, 3D, stop-motion, and digital animation. They design curriculum, deliver lectures, guide projects, and provide mentorship to help students develop technical and creative skills. Additionally, they often conduct research, collaborate with industry professionals, and stay updated with emerging animation technologies and trends.

What are some typical responsibilities of an animation professor throughout the academic term?

Animation Professors are responsible for designing and delivering course content, leading classroom instruction, and evaluating student progress through projects, critiques, and exams. They often mentor students on portfolio development, oversee capstone projects or collaborative productions, and stay current with evolving animation technologies. Professors may also participate in departmental meetings, contribute to curriculum development, and work closely with industry professionals or alumni to facilitate internships and networking opportunities. Balancing teaching, advising, and creative research makes this role both dynamic and rewarding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the animation professor position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animation Professor, you need advanced expertise in animation principles, digital art, and storytelling, typically supported by a master's degree or higher in animation or a related field, along with teaching experience. Proficiency with industry-standard animation software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Maya, Blender, or Toon Boom, and possibly certification in these tools, is commonly required. Strong communication, mentorship abilities, and a passion for fostering creativity help educators connect with and inspire students. These skills are essential for preparing students for industry demands and maintaining an engaging, effective learning environment.

What careers can you get with an animation professor degree?

An animation professor degree prepares individuals for careers in education, such as teaching animation at colleges or universities. It also provides a foundation for roles in animation production, character design, visual effects, and digital media, often requiring proficiency with industry tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Autodesk software. Advanced positions may involve research, curriculum development, or industry consulting.
Infographic showing various Animation Professor job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,132 per year, or $52.5 per hour.

Visiting Assistant Professor - Communication Design, Myron E. Ullman, Jr. School of Design

Cincinnati, OH • On-site


University of Cincinnati
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

338th of 622 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

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Recommended by students


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Visiting Assistant Professor - Communication Design, Myron E. Ullman, Jr. School of Design
Posting Start Date: 3/11/26
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors
Faculty rank and compensation will be based on experience and academic credentials.
Next Lives at the University of Cincinnati
Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation's best urban public research universities. Home to more than 53,600 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, and over 360,000 living alumni, UC, a Carnegie 1 institution, combines research prowess with a physical setting The New York Times has called "the most ambitious campus design program in the country." UC's momentum has never been stronger as the anchor of the Cincinnati Innovation District, the oldest cooperative education (co-op) program in the country with students earning $94 million annually through paid experiences, an academic health system, and as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The university contributes $10.6 billion in economic impact to the city and $22.7 billion to the state of Ohio. At UC, next is all of us. Learn more at uc.edu.
UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service. We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC's success.
Job Overview
The College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) at the University of Cincinnati invites applications for a one-year Visiting Assistant Professor position in the Ullman School of Design's Communication Design Program for the 2026-2027 academic year. This is a full-time, non-tenure-track appointment with primary responsibility for undergraduate instruction in motion design and related areas of visual communication design. The successful candidate will bring professional experience and demonstrated expertise in motion design and visual communication. Primary teaching responsibilities include courses in motion graphics, digital animation (2D and 3D), and time-based media, with the possibility of teaching additional visual communication design courses beyond motion-specific content.
The Visiting Assistant Professor's teaching, professional expertise, and experience will contribute to the school's initiatives in support of the University of Cincinnati's mission and commitment to excellence among our students, faculty, and staff, and across all institutional activities. Applicants should visit the DAAP website to learn more about CODE, DAAP, and UC. To be considered for this position, please complete the online application.
Essential Functions
  • Teach undergraduate courses in the Communication Design Program's motion design and related areas within the design curriculum
  • Develop and deliver engaging, student-centered instruction
  • Prepare syllabi, assignments, and assessments aligned with program outcomes
  • Maintain accurate academic records and grading
  • Provide timely feedback and support students' career readiness and professional growth
  • Develop and update curriculum aligned with industry standards
  • Participate in departmental meetings and appropriate service activities
  • Other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements
  • BFA or BS degree in Graphic Design, Motion Design, Digital Media, or a closely related field
  • Demonstrated professional experience in motion design and visual communication
  • Demonstrated proficiency in relevant software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite-especially After Effects, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Illustrator; Cinema 4D; Blender, etc.)
  • Strong portfolio of creative and professional work
  • Evidence of effective teaching, training, or mentoring
  • Two years of work experience in the motion design industry, or equivalent professional experience

Additional Qualifications Considered
  • Terminal degree in Graphic Design, Motion Design, Digital Media, or a closely related field
  • Prior college-level teaching experience in time-based media within the visual communication field
  • Experience with online or hybrid instruction

Application Process
Applicants should submit the following materials through the University of Cincinnati's online application system:
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Cover letter that includes a statement of teaching philosophy
  • Digital portfolio (link/web address) that includes both the candidate's work and student work, if prior college-level teaching exists
  • Three references

Review of applications will begin April 1st and will continue until the position is filled.
Compensation and Benefits
UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. (UC Benefits) Eligibility may vary by position and FTE status. Highlights include:
Salary Information:
Comprehensive Tuition Remission
UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.
Robust Retirement Plans
As a UC employee, you won't contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you'll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14-18% of your salary based on position.
Real Work-Life Balance
UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:
Vacation and sick time
11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)
6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents
Additional Benefits Include:
  • Competitive salary based on experience
  • Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
  • Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
  • Professional development & mentorship opportunities

To learn more about why UC is a great place to work, please visit our Careers Page.
UC is an E-Verify employer. If hired into this position, you will be required to provide satisfactory proof of employment eligibility by providing acceptable, original forms of identification for employment verification via the Federal I-9 employment verification process. Click here for a list of acceptable documents.
Important: To apply you must create a profile and submit a complete job application through the UC applicant portal. We are unable to consider "easy apply" applications submitted via other websites. For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact UC HR at jobs@uc.edu.
**FOR ALL FACULTY HIRES OFFICIAL ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS WILL BE REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF HIRE
Equal Opportunity Employer. Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans.
REQ: 101725


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