Figure Model

Position Title

Figure Model

Location

Grand Rapids (Kendall)

Department

45000 - KCAD Dean's Office

Advertised Salary

$22 per hour

Benefits

Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.

Part Time Support

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Temporary/Continuing

Temporary

Part-Time/Full-Time

Part-Time

Union Group

N/A

Term of Position

9 Month (non-faculty)

At Will/Just Cause

At Will

Summary of Position

Provide in classroom figure modeling services for classes at Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design’s campus in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The figure model will pose in a studio setting for educational purposes.

Poses may be unclothed or clothed, allowing students to study the human form from observation.

Please note, most class requirements will require unclothed posing.

This position requires the ability to hold poses for extended periods and remain focused and engaged during the session.

This is a part-time, on-call position not to exceed 28 hours per week.

Students currently enrolled in any program at Ferris State University will not be considered for this position.

The anticipated start date of this position is late November 2026. However, this is an estimated date and can be revised if needed.

Position Type

Staff

Required Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Required Work Experience

Previous modeling experience/knowledge of figure modeling techniques preferred but not required.

Must be 18 years of age.

Required Licenses and Certifications

Physical Demands

• Bending
• Reaching
• Sitting
• Twisting
• Balancing
• Standing

Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered

Experience creating sequential or consecutive poses.

Familiarity with the visual arts.

Experience in sports, dance, theater, or other forms of stylized movement.

Experience working in a professional academic setting.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Following direction from the instructor, provide a range of poses, from gestures to sustained poses, that may include static and dynamic positions for extended periods of time.

Maintain a respectful distance from students and student work.

Clearly understand the role and that there are to be no relationships with students.

Demonstrate a range of body movements and positions within physical comfort and ability, allowing artists to study different angles and muscle groups.

Maintain a focused and composed demeanor while posing, respecting the creative process and the privacy of the studio environment.

Communicate with the instructor to clarify pose requests or address any concerns.

Dress appropriately for the instructor and the class assignment.

Arrive on time for scheduled sessions. Models are expected to arrive 10-15 minutes before their scheduled session to prepare and be ready to pose at the start of class.

This position requires someone with a very flexible schedule, as hours vary daily based on specific classroom needs.

Carries out responsibilities in accordance with university policies and applicable laws.

Responsible for maintaining confidentiality of information pursuant to university policies and/or state or federal laws.

Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically.

Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.

Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.

Marginal Duties/Responsibilities

Basic knowledge of human anatomy and the ability to control body positioning.

Comfort with posing in front of others, including being nude or in a partially nude state.

Demonstrated commitment, experience, and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Willingness to receive and implement feedback from instructors in a collaborative environment and adapt to different pose requests.

Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life experiences.

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Optional Documents

Special Instructions to Applicants

Initial Application Review Date

October 26, 2026

Open Until Position is Filled?

Yes

Posting Close Date

EEO Statement

Ferris State University, an Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to cultivating an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences within its community, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.

Click here to learn more about working at FSU.