Position Title: Darkroom Photography Faculty 

Reports to: Manager of Adult Education 

Position Classification: Part-Time Faculty 

Wage Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt 

Start Date: Fall 2026 Term September 2026 – November 2026, with the possibility of additional term opportunities 

Position Summary 

Fleisher Art Memorial is seeking a passionate and experienced teaching artist to lead multi-week introductory darkroom photography classes, with a focus on black-and-white film development and printing processes.  

The ideal candidate is excited to introduce foundational darkroom techniques in a supportive and inclusive studio environment. Classes emphasize creative exploration, technical skill-building, and individual expression. Faculty provide hands-on instruction, thoughtful feedback, and culturally responsive teaching that welcomes learners from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. This is an opportunity to share your expertise, inspire creativity, and contribute to a vibrant community of artists and students. 

Who You Are 

You are an enthusiastic and skilled photographer with a strong foundation in analog and darkroom processes, and you have experience working with both youth and adults in a studio setting. You design engaging, well-structured, and inclusive lessons that build technical skills while encouraging creative expression. 

You are patient, communicative, and adaptable, able to support beginners while also guiding more experienced students in developing their skills. You value a wide range of artistic traditions and are excited to support Fleisher’s mission of making art accessible. You create a welcoming classroom where students of all ages feel empowered to experiment, take creative risks, and grow artistically. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Design and implement a well-structured, multi-week lesson plan that introduces specific techniques for black-and-white film development and darkroom printing appropriate for beginner-level students 
• Communicate with appropriate Education Manager regarding supply needs, curriculum development, and studio logistics 
• Maintain a safe, respectful, and clean darkroom environment for all participants 
• Provide constructive, individualized, and group feedback throughout the course 
• Notify Fleisher staff promptly of any schedule changes or class absences  

Qualifications 

• Practicing photographer with a strong foundation in analog and darkroom techniques, including film development, enlarging, and printing processes 
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining a safe, well-organized darkroom environment, with knowledge of best practices for chemical handling, ventilation, light safety, and proper disposal procedures 
• Minimum of two years of teaching experience, or equivalent, working with diverse groups of students across different age groups 
• Experience developing multi-week class curricula that are engaging, inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and aligned with safety protocols 
• Ability to clearly demonstrate and communicate technical processes, both verbally and visually, with an emphasis on safe and responsible darkroom practices 
• Culturally responsive teaching practices and enthusiasm for working in a community arts environment 
• Organized, punctual, and responsive in communications with Fleisher staff 
• Language skills in Spanish, Indonesian, Khmer, Mandarin, or Cantonese are a plus 

Compensation and Benefits for Part-Time Faculty 

• $35/hour (includes paid time for setup and cleanup) 
• Annual Fleisher Faculty Exhibition opportunity 
• Tuition waived for one class or workshop per term 
• Free admission to the Philadelphia Museum of Art 
• Complimentary annual membership to Fleisher Art Memorial 

To Apply 

If this position aligns with your passion for teaching, community engagement, and photography, please submit your cover letter, resume, and three references (all in one document) via Submittable. No phone calls, please. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

Interview Process 

The interview process includes a brief phone conversation with the Manager of Adult Education, followed by an in-person interview and studio tour with members of the Education and Facilities Department. 

Equity and Inclusion at Fleisher 

Fleisher’s core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and maintain a diverse and inclusive environment. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that provide equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected factor. We strongly encourage individuals from marginalized and underrepresented communities to apply.  

ColorWheels is Fleisher’s mobile art studio, launched in 2012 and delivering creative experiences directly to community members in neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia.

The van is equipped with the tools and supplies needed for Fleisher’s teaching artists to guide community members in hands-on, culturally inspired mini-workshops, collaborative public art projects, and demonstrations of art techniques.