Adjunct Associate Professor of Animation and Digital Arts – Business of Animation

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world‑class research university and a member of the "Trojan Family," which is comprised of the faculty, students and staff that make the university what it is.

The John

C. Hench Division of Animation + Digital Arts of USC's School of Cinematic Arts teaches animation from a maker's point of view with a focus on creation, design and innovation. Classes are taught by seasoned filmmakers and current industry professionals who inspire and enable students to develop as artists and embark on creative careers.

The division is seeking applicants for a faculty position at the Adjunct Associate Professor level to teach a Business of Animation course to graduate students pursuing their Master of Fine Arts. This course is taught in person at the USC campus in Los Angeles for Fall 2026 semester.

Qualified candidates will have significant professional experience at major animation studios working in production, studio management, and/or talent management. You should be currently engaged in the entertainment industry and possess first‑hand knowledge of industry business practices and trends with strong hands‑on experience with productions of animated features and/or episodic series from development to postproduction, partnering with Directors and studio executives, and nurturing and hiring key creative talent.

Previous teaching experience is preferred.

Minimum Education:

BA or BFA degree from an accredited university

Minimum Experience:

• 15 years of professional experience working in animated features and/or animated episodic series

Preferred Education:

MFA degree from an accredited university

Preferred Experience:

• Demonstrated teaching experience, ideally at the college level, but inclusive of professional and community seminars, workshops, and mentorships.

The core salary range for this position is $38 - $43.75 per hour. This is an adjunct position.

When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC reserves the "Adjunct" appointment for faculty teaching less than full-time at USC, who are employed full-time in a primary profession or career elsewhere. Adjunct faculty typically teach only one course per year but, in exceptional cases, may teach one course per semester, if approved by the dean.