Assistant Educator/Assistant Teaching Professor of Audio Production-Sound Design

Department: School of Digital Arts

Campus Location: Wichita, KS-WSU Shocker Studios (Harry Street)

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm: Varies depending upon teaching schedule.

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

Woosh, Scratch, Step, Boom! Craft your soundscape at the School of Digital Arts at Wichita State University. We're seeking a master of sonic storytelling, a Sound Design Faculty member who can turn a picture into a story. This isn't just a teaching gig-it's an opportunity to shape the next generation of digital artists in a city where the creative scene is exploding. You'll be the ultimate guide, helping students find their voice and build an auditory universe that leaves a lasting impression. Picture this: your day might kick off on the Foley stage, guiding students as they conjure the sound of a rustling jacket or the creak of a dungeon door. You'll be the ultimate coach, helping your students master every facet of the craft, from ADR and dialog editing to sound supervision for film and games. Your students learn by doing, and with your advising you'll help them navigate their path to success. While the core of your work is immersive sound design, you also get a thrill from the perfect placement of a musical cue. A working knowledge of scoring for media, including syncs and placements, is a definite plus. You're brilliant at connecting students to the real world and will help recruit the next generation of talent and contribute to the growth of our curriculum. Our facilities are your creative toolkit. In addition to our recording studios, you'll have access to a virtual production LED wall, a film studio, a motion capture room, and a game design studio. You will collaborate with the other areas of concentration within the School of Digital Arts and more. You'll be at the heart of it all, integrating sound design into every project and helping talented students find their rhythm. If you're ready to make some noise and help us create the soundtrack for a production hub on the rise, we want to hear from you.

The Assistant Teaching Professor/Educator of Audio Production Sound Design is a full-time non-tenure track faculty position that will teach, advise, mentor and recruit undergraduate digital arts students in audio production with a specialization in sound for digital media. The academic appointment for this position will be effective August 2, 2026.

About the School of Digital Arts (SODA)
Offering a Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA) in Media Arts with concentrations in Acting for Digital Arts, Animation, Audio Production, Collaborative Design, Filmmaking, and Game Design, the School of Digital Arts stands out as the fastest growing school within the university. Its enrollment and programmatic expansion are outpacing initial projections and contributes to the institution's record-breaking growth. The School of Digital Arts at Wichita State University is deeply connected to industry partners, giving students first-hand, applied learning experiences that bridge the classroom and real-world practice. These opportunities prepare students to enter their chosen fields with practical skills, professional networks, and clear career pathways: https://www.wichita.edu/digitalarts

About the College of Fine Arts (CFA)
Wichita State University's College of Fine Arts includes four schools: Art, Design and Creative Industries, Digital Arts, Music, and Performing Arts. The college is a beacon for arts leadership and economy in the city, state, and region. Learn about the CFA arts and cultural impact: https://www.wichita.edu/about/strategic_plan/documents/2021-WSU-Impact-report-digital.pdf

Job Summary

Teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels using various instructional deliveries (e.g., traditional (face-to-face), hybrid, and fully online). To foster applied learning into the course design and engage with industry and local business community applied projects. To advance knowledge through scholarly activities (e.g., active involvement in committees, student mentorship, recruitment and retention initiative, outreach activities, etc.)

Essential Functions

Meet expectations for teaching and service, as set forth by the department and college.

Job Duties

Our new colleague will teach courses in Sound Design, Post-Production Audio, ADR, Foley, and Media Composition. The Filmmaking, Acting for Digital Arts, and Game Design concentrations will be enhanced greatly by the addition of a sound design faculty who can work across these areas.

Required Education and Experience:

• Graduate level degree or Equivalent Experience in the Field
• Teaching experience

Faculty Requirements

• Undergraduate in Audio Production or related field, or significant industry experience.
• Professional experience in the field.
• Willingness to accommodate a variety of learning styles and strategies in instructional delivery and learning activities, including online and blended learning, flexible teaching methods, and applied learning approaches.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Professional experience in sound design, and audio production for film, television, games, or digital media.
• Proficiency with industry-standard DAWs and audio software (e.g., Pro Tools or similar).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3+ years professional experience in field
• Experience with media composition (scoring for picture, game audio, or interactive media).
• Experience teaching or mentoring students in applied learning environments, including collaborative projects with film, acting, or game design.
• Record of professional creative work in audio production with regional, national, or international impact.
• Experience in emerging technologies in audio (e.g., spatial audio, immersive/interactive sound, VR/AR applications).
• Membership in an industry related professional organization.

Additional Information:

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS:
Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Teaching Philosophy
Portfolio of Creative and/or Scholarly Work (URL): include up to 15 examples of your artistic, creative, or scholarly achievements.

For more information, contact Irving Aguirre, Audio Production Program Coordinator, Chair, Audio Production Search Committee, irving.aguirre@wichita.edu

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position - Frequent 60-90%; Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators - Frequent 60-90%

Additional Physical Requirement: