Photography - Associate Faculty Pool

About the Department

The Opportunity: Skagit Valley College is accepting applications for associate faculty to teach for the Art Department for the 2026/2027 academic year. The purpose of posting this position is to build a pool of qualified instructors interested in teaching introductory and intermediate photography courses, including darkroom photography, digital photography, studio lighting, image editing, image analysis, and visual communication (Photography 1 and Photography 2). This Associate Faculty position will instruct students seeking their degree in visual arts.

The ideal candidate will be an active professional in the field, committed to student success, collaborative program development, and strengthening connections with the campus and broader Skagit arts community.

Please note that this posting is reviewed and hired on a quarter-by-quarter basis. Candidates will be directly contacted by the department as employment opportunities arise.

The Location: Skagit Valley College is on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish People’s, especially on Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, and Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe. Located in a geographically diverse region between the dynamic metropolitan hubs of Seattle and Vancouver, BC, SVC is never far from world-class outdoor recreation, urban arts scenes, and local cultural events. SVC serves our local communities with a campus in Mount Vernon, Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island, and centers in Friday Harbor, a Marine Technology Center in Anacortes, and a Brewing Academy in Burlington.

Mission: Skagit Valley College cultivates student learning and achievement; contributes to the educational, personal, and economic success of students; and promotes equitable and thriving communities.

Vision: The primary focus of Skagit Valley College is student-centered teaching and learning. We are committed to:

• Equitable student outcomes in access, achievement, and community;
• Our Guiding Principles;
• Decisions based on strategy and evidence;
• The development of our employees;
• A diverse and inclusive college community where everyone belongs.

Guiding Principles: Respect, Integrity, Open and Honest Communication, Collaboration, and Compassion.
 
About SVC: Established in 1926, Skagit Valley College is a comprehensive community college within the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) providing associates and bachelor’s degrees, as well as certificates, in high-quality academic transfer pathways, workforce training, basic education for adults, and lifelong learning opportunities. Our equity goals align with SBCTC’s Vision statement; “Leading with racial equity, our colleges maximize student potential and transform lives within a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice in service to our diverse communities.”
 
SVC's commitment to equity and social justice drives our collective work to increase access to higher education, inspire student learning and achievement, and strengthen our diverse community. We embrace equity through our core themes of access, achievement, and community by pursuing the continuous examination and revision of norms, policies, and practices to foster the success of all.
 
SVC aspires to reflect the diverse racial, ethnic, and linguistic demographics in the district, particularly a growing Latinx population. As an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) SVC seeks equity-minded leadership, faculty, and staff that are committed to inclusive practices and diverse environments where students from all backgrounds can thrive via multidisciplinary collaboration and the implementation of an array of services. Candidates representing all aspects of diversity are encouraged to apply. 

Skagit Valley College offers: 

• An unrelenting focus on our mission to improve the lives of our students and to strengthen our diverse community.
• Support for innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship.
• Exciting opportunities for personal and career growth.
• Diverse cultural and environmental benefits of rural, suburban, and urban lifestyles.
• Friendly, supportive, and diverse work environments.
• Excellent benefits include competitive leave packages and an array of health, dental, vision, and retirement plans to meet your current and future needs.

Position Duties

• Develop engaging, inclusive coursework that aligns with program and course outcomes;
• Provide hands-on demonstrations and constructive critiques;
• Support students of diverse backgrounds through regular feedback, mentorship, and portfolio development;
• Maintain photography labs and equipment
• Update curriculum to reflect current technologies
• Participate in departmental planning and assessment
• Engage in college committees and equity initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge and/or understanding of:

• Traditional darkroom Photography techniques, digital and film processes, and photo editing software.
• Contemporary and historical photographic practices.
• Teaching methods for diverse student populations.
• Image composition analysis.

Skills in:

• Clear communication and student mentoring.
• Curriculum development and classroom management.
• Equipment maintenance and studio organization.

Ability to:

• Foster an inclusive, supportive learning environment.
• Adapt teaching to different skill levels and learning formats.
• Collaborate with colleagues and stay current in the field.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Visual Art or a closely related field;
• Experience in the field of fine art photography or professional photography;
• Teaching experience at the college level.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts with a concentration in Photo/Media;
• Bachelor's in Fine Arts with a concentration in Photo/Media;
• One (1) year or more of teaching experience at a community college.

Other Qualifications

Salary and Benefits: The salary rate for part-time faculty is in accordance with the negotiated agreement and may be subject to change based on legislative mandates. In order to be eligible for benefits, state regulations must be met.
 
Rate of Pay: Faculty compensation units (FCU) are computed by total hours (lecture, lab, clinical) identified on the approved course outline for a given course divided by eleven (11). Associate faculty pay is computed by multiplying the faculty compensation unit rate by the number of faculty compensation units. 

The current FCU rate for 2025-2026 at Step A is $1,084.00 (includes I-732 COLA of 3.0% for 2025-2026).
Example of Associate Faculty pay (this is for illustrative purposes only):

• Course: BISC 220 | 33 lecture, 44 lab
• 33 + 44 = 77
• 7/11= 7 FCUs
• A Step A faculty member would be paid 7 x FCU rate $1,084.00 = $7,588.00

Conditions of Employment:

• Prior to employment, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
   
  Additionally, pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employer. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or non-existence of an investigation or findings subject to this statute.

• In the interest of providing a healthy, safe, and secure educational and work environment, and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Skagit Valley College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students. 
• If hired you will be required to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. Citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.   
• Completion of academic degree(s) will be verified through receipt of official transcripts at the time of hire.

Application Procedure:
To be considered for this position, applicants must:

1. Meet the minimum qualifications, and
2. Submit a complete application to the online recruitment system at www.skagit.eduthat includes the following:
   • The online application, which includes answers to all supplemental questions and contact information for at least three (3) professional references;
   • A current curriculum vitae; (Attachment: curriculum vitae); 
   • A cover letter/letter of interest addressing the minimum and desired qualifications for the position. (Attachment: Cover Letter).

Application Deadline: Application materials will be accepted until this position is filled. Applications will be kept on file to be considered for openings that may occur in the future. It is recommended that you resubmit your application for each academic year to remain in the current applicant pool. The College reserves the right to hire one or more candidates.

Please be aware that the College hiring authorities reserve the right to hire one or more candidates and may exercise the option to make a hiring decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process. Only candidates selected to interview will be contacted. 

Application Assistance: If you have questions about the position or require special accommodation, you may contact Human Resources at (360) 416-7794, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time.  SVC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may leave a TDD/TTY message at (360) 416-7718 by the application closing date. Information on SVC's Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found at OPPM 3040.
 
For questions regarding the online application system, you may call NEOGOV Applicant Tech Support at (855) 524-5627 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time. For best results, apply using one of the following browsers supported by NEOGOV: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and later versions of Internet Explorer.
 
SVC Annual Security Report: The U.S. Department of Education and the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act require all colleges to provide information to current and prospective students and employees about campus safety policies, procedures, and statistics on certain crimes, including hate crimes, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault.  We are required to report our campus security information and statistics in an Annual Security Report, which is updated annually each October.  All prospective employees may obtain a copy of the Annual Security Report from the Human Resources Office by calling (360) 416-7794 or by accessing the Report at:https://www.skagit.edu/about/safety-security-parking/
 
Skagit Valley College is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing equitable opportunities for all groups in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices. 

Skagit Valley College provides a drug-free environment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, age, marital status, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status in its programs and employment. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, contact Carolyn Tucker, Vice President of Human Resources/EEO, 360.416.7794 orcarolyn.tucker@skagit.edu. For inquiries regarding sexual misconduct compliance, contact Title IX Coordinator, Sandy Jordan, 360.416.7923 orsandy.jordan@skagit.edu. Mailing address: 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.

Skagit Valley College (SVC) is a public community college in Mount Vernon, Washington. It serves students in Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties in northwest Washington state. Established in 1926, SVC is as the second-oldest continuously operating community college in the state of Washington. SVC grants academic transfer pathways, professional/technical degrees, and certificates. The academic transfer degree and several professional/technical degrees can be completed online. SVC also offers Basic Education for Adults and Community Education courses. Courses are offered during Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters. The SVC district includes two campuses and three centers: the Mount Vernon Campus, SVC's main campus, is located in Mount Vernon, Washington, and the Whidbey Island Campus is located in Oak Harbor, Washington. The San Juan Center is located in Friday Harbor, and the Marine Technology Center in Anacortes, Washington. Also, SVC serves many military and their dependents at the college's Whidbey Island Campus.