Assistant Professor of Practice

Position Summary

Design Studio instructor to play a significant role in teaching and curriculum development in web, motion graphics coursework, and other areas of expertise. Responsibilities include advising and committee service. Carnegie statement WCU embraces its role as a regionally engaged university and is designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a community engaged university. Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate a commitment to public engagement through their teaching, service, and scholarship Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position Teaching: This position is a one-year fixed term instructor position in graphic design. The successful applicant should demonstrate knowledge of the practice of contemporary design and be able to teach entry-level to senior-level design classes. Teaching is expected and will include Linear storytelling / animation, 2D design, typography, layout and print design. Applicants are expected to be proficient with the Abode Creative Suite and technical skills related to various analog and digital formats. Course assignments can change based on demand and will be at the discretion of the area Coordinator.The faculty member is expected to be a passionate design practitioner who demonstrates the ability to engage, inspire, and mentor students; integrate innovative pedagogical and technological approaches, and multicultural perspectives into instructional methods; foster collaborative teaching and educational opportunities through diverse and innovative projects, curriculum, and experiences; and promote the efforts of the program in the university and throughout the community. In support of the program’s strong commitment to diversity, the faculty members are expected to foster a welcoming, equitable, and accessible learning environment for all students.Service: As a member of a community-oriented, program and School, the faculty member will provide service such as assisting with student, department, and school-wide initiatives contributing to discussions that support the student community and the administration at each level; academic advising; supporting recruitment initiatives for the undergraduate graphic design program; fostering community engagement opportunities; and serving on program, school, and university committees. Other responsibilities may be assigned by the area coordinator, school, or university administration. Minimum Qualifications MFA in Design /Graphic Design/ Visual Communications or a terminal degree in design or design related field from an accredited institution.Demonstrated competency in working with most, if not all, of the following: motion design / animation, typography, layout design, design thinking, and design foundations.Knowledge of the history of design and related fields.Broad-based expertise in contemporary issues and practices in graphic design for diverse formats.Fluency in the tools, technologies, and software of contemporary design production and instruction. (Examples: Abode Creative Suite, Figma … ).Evidence of collaboration skills, multidisciplinary activities and maintaining professional relationships outside of the university.Demonstrated potential for active university service.Evidence of teaching design and or design related courses through examples of student work.Excellent interpersonal skills as evidenced through professional recommendations. Preferred Qualifications An established creative practice and/or training with a national and/or international record of exhibition or performance.Ability to demonstrate, through their teaching philosophy or record, an ability to mentor undergraduate and/or graduate students to foster collaboration, experimentation, and innovation across departments.Experience in teaching courses, as an instructor of record, in design, at an accredited institution of higher learning.Evidence of skills as a designer working with motion design, Animation or other linear narrative formats.Outstanding conceptual thinking and design skills as evidenced through personal and or professional work.Academic, research and/or professional experiences with underserved populations.Evidence of integrating issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion into design classes. Position Type Permanent Full-Time Number of Hours Per Week 40 Number of Months Per Year 9

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