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Animation Professor Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Animation Professor information

See Tennessee salary details

$52.6K

$104.2K

$171.5K

How much do animation professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for animation professor in Tennessee is $104,187.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,800.00 and $110,300.00 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Animation Professor jobs in Tennessee? For Animation Professor jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animation Professor jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Professor jobs in Tennessee are:
Animation Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Professor job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 69% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 69% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,187 per year, or $50.1 per hour.
Assistant Professor of Graphic Design

Assistant Professor of Graphic Design

The University of Tennessee

Martin, TN • On-site

$28K - $37K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

The Visual and Theatre Arts Department at the University of Tennessee at Martin seeks an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design who is student-centered, collaborative, and energetic. An ability to spark curiosity, inspire experimentation, and instill professional habits is desired for the position.  Candidates should be prepared to teach all levels of graphic design and contribute to foundations and portfolio reviews. Potential courses taught may include Graphic Design I and II, Page Layout, Advertising, Illustration, Photography, UX/UI, Video, and Animation. As a full-time, tenure-track appointment, candidates should be prepared to perform effectively in teaching, creative scholarship, and service. Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to, collaborative oversight and operation of the graphic design program and its lab, supervising internships, mentoring and advising undergraduate students, contributing to retention and recruitment efforts, and fostering a positive and productive departmental culture.  

The position start date is August 1, 2026. 

Qualifications 

  • A terminal degree (MFA, MDes, PhD in Design) in Graphic Design, Visual Communication Design, Visual Studies, or related field completed by August 1, 2026. 
  • The ideal candidate has a background, education or experience in Graphic Design, Digital Arts, or Communications. 
  • Demonstrated professional design experience (client-driven or self-initiated) with a focus on creative practice or research encompassing areas such as graphic design foundations, UX/UI design, motion or video. 
  • Preferred - One (1) year teaching experience (including graduate teaching). 
  • A background search will be required of the successful candidate. 

About UTM 

The University of Tennessee at Martinis a primary regional university in theUniversity of Tennessee Systemthat includes the main campus and six regional centers in West and Middle Tennessee. UT Martin students experience high-quality academic programs, excellent facilities and outstanding faculty members whose primary focus is teaching, while also engaging in meaningful undergraduate research, service, and outreach initiatives. Fall 2025 enrollment was approximately 8,000 students who came to the university from 88 of Tennessee's 95 counties, 43 states, and 24 countries. The campus is located in Northwest Tennessee approximately 125 miles north of Memphis and 150 miles west of Nashville.  

About the Department 

The department has ten full-time faculty members who support the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program with areas of emphasis in Visual Art, Art Education, Dance Education, Graphic Design, and Theatre and the Bachelor of Art in Arts in Studio, Dance, Graphic Design, Theatre Tech, and Acting. There are approximately 110 majors in the BFA and BAA programs. We encourage a hands-on learning environment allowing students to graduate with experience across the arts.  

To Apply 

  • Cover letter explaining interest in the position 
  • Updated Curriculum Vitae or Resume 
  • Personal teaching philosophy 
  • Portfolio of personal work (10 samples) 
  • Portfolio of student work samples (10 samples) 
  • Unofficial copy of transcripts 
  • Names and contact information of three (3) references. Note that only candidates who reach the final stage will have their references contacted. 

Application:  

Applicants must apply online and attach a letter of application stating qualifications for the position as described, statement of teaching philosophy, a portfolio of personal professional works (10 samples), a portfolio of student work (10 samples), and a complete resume of educational and professional experience (must include at least three references), unofficial transcripts.  For additional information please contact: Prof. Sarah Haig, Chair, Department of Visual and Theatre Arts, shaig1@utm.edu.   

Application Deadline:  

Formal review of applications will begin December 1, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Typical teaching load is 4/4 across all levels of the graphic design degrees. 
  • Sustaining a professional design practice or engaging in scholarly research. 
  • Actively engaging in undergraduate student recruitment and retention efforts. 
  • Participating in Foundations Reviews (typically sophomore year) and senior capstone reviews. 
  • Committee work and service to the University. 
  • Maintaining an awareness of contemporary art, design, and relevant technological advancements and sharing those in the classroom. 
  • Proficient knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud applications in a MAC and PC environment.  

Apply