Interactive Media Arts Instructor – Character Animation (Adjunct)

About this position

Interactive Media Arts Instructor - Character Animation (Adjunct) School of Communication, Media, and Technology: Interactive Media Arts Location: Five Towns College, Dix Hills, New York About Five Towns College: Founded in 1972, Five Towns College is a private, coeducational, non-sectarian institution of higher education. The College serves the cause of music, media, and the performing arts. Additional areas of emphasis in teacher education, business, and the liberal arts and sciences are strongly aligned with the College's overarching relationship with the arts and communication. Located on a beautiful 40-acre campus in Dix Hills, the geographic heart of Long Island, New York, the College is a creative center for learning, which attracts artists and scholars from around the world who seek to be enriched by the unique educational experiences it offers. Five Towns College offers associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs in eight major areas of study. The most popular degree programs include music, film/video, theatre arts, business management, and mass communication. Programs of study begin twice each year in the fall and spring following a traditional academic semester calendar. Summer, evening, and part-time learning opportunities are also offered. The College delivers classes in traditional, hybrid and blended formats. The College holds an Absolute Charter granted by the New York State Board of Regents, and its programs of study are registered with the New York State Education Department. Five Towns College is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The College also holds programmatic accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), and its Court Reporting Programs are approved by the National Court Reporters Association. Its Business Division is a candidate for accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Approximately 650 students enroll at the College each year, with about 200 residing on-campus in the Five Towns College Living/Learning Center. You can learn more about Five Towns College at www.ftc.edu. Position Overview Five Towns College is seeking a qualified and experienced Adjunct Instructor in Interactive Media Arts to teach Character Animation I, an undergraduate course focused on the principles and techniques of 2D character animation. The course introduces students to traditional frame-by-frame and digital animation workflows, emphasizing the 12 Principles of Animation, character construction, timing, spacing, body mechanics, and expressive performance. Students will develop original animated characters and explore walk cycles, facial expressions, acting, and visual storytelling through progressive exercises and projects. The successful candidate will bring professional experience in 2D character animation, a strong understanding of animation principles, and the ability to guide students through the creative and technical processes of character animation production. Key Responsibilities Instruction and Curriculum Development Deliver engaging, hands-on instruction in 2D character animation techniques and industry-standard workflows. Teach the 12 Principles of Animation, including timing, spacing, squash and stretch, anticipation, arcs, follow-through, and overlapping action. Guide students in character construction, model sheets, key poses, breakdowns, in-betweening, walk cycles, body mechanics, facial expressions, and character performance. Develop and evaluate assignments and projects that strengthen students' technical skills, creativity, and understanding of character movement. Animation Software and Production Workflows Provide instruction in professional 2D animation software such as Toon Boom Harmony, Clip Studio Paint EX, TVPaint, Adobe Animate, or comparable applications. Demonstrate traditional frame-by-frame and digital 2D animation workflows. Guide students through character animation development from initial concept through completed production. Stay current with evolving animation software, production techniques, and professional industry practices. Student Mentorship and Departmental Collaboration Conduct constructive critiques and provide individualized feedback on student work. Maintain course materials, assignments, attendance, and grades through the College's Learning Management System (Canvas). Collaborate with faculty and staff within Interactive Media Arts and the School of Communication, Media & Technology. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and professionally oriented learning environment. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Animation, Digital Arts, Illustration, or a closely related field. Professional experience in 2D character animation or a related animation production field. Demonstrated proficiency in traditional frame-by-frame animation and digital 2D animation workflows. Strong understanding of character movement, anatomy, timing, posing, body mechanics, and expressive performance. Proficiency with at least one professional 2D animation application. Strong communication and organizational skills. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in Animation, Digital Arts, Illustration, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional industry experience. Previous college-level teaching, professional training, or instructional experience. Professional credits in animated film, television, streaming, game production, or related media. Experience with Toon Boom Harmony, Clip Studio Paint EX, TVPaint, Adobe Animate, or comparable professional animation software. Experience developing character animation from initial concept through completed production. A professional portfolio or demo reel demonstrating character animation and performance. Application Process Interested candidates should submit the following to thomas.calandrillo@ftc.edu with "Inte

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