Visiting Assistant Professor of User Experience Design & Graphic Design

Visiting Assistant Professor of User Experience Design & Graphic Design

Department of Visual Studies

School of Arts and Humanities

The Department of Visual Studies at St. Edward's University invites applications for a one-year full-time non-tenure-track Visiting Assistant Professor to collaborate in building curriculum for its newly launched Bachelor of Arts in User Experience Design (UXDE) program as well as contribute to teaching in the established Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design (GDES) program.

We are seeking an energetic and engaged user experience or interaction designer who is able to translate contemporary design practices into an innovative curriculum for both online and in-person teaching environments. The successful candidate will work effectively with colleagues across disciplines, teach courses in both the UXDE and GDES programs, as well as participate in the program and departmental service.

Pending program approval, the initial one-year appointment will begin in Fall 2021 and may be renewed upon successful completion of the first year. This position is contingent on the approval of the new UXDE program, which is anticipated to be finalized during the Spring 2021 semester.

Responsibilities

• Teach eight undergraduate courses per academic year (e.g., four in Fall; four in Spring) split evenly between the UXDE and GDES programs, online and in-person.
• Participate in curriculum development in collaboration with UXDE and GDES faculty.
• Actively engage in service to the UXDE and GDES programs and the Department of Visual Studies.
• Perform other duties as required in the Faculty Manual.

Required Qualifications

• M.F.A. or equivalent terminal degree in a design-related field.
• Demonstrate a high level of competency and craft in user experience design, user interface design, product design, interaction design or closely related discipline.
• Teaching experience beyond graduate instruction.
• Expertise in relevant contemporary design tools, professional workflows, and research methods.
• Ability to contribute to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at St. Edward's University.

Preferred Qualifications

• Full-time experience in professional UX and/or graphic design positions.
• One or more years of experience teaching full-time.
• Working knowledge of HTML/CSS, plus an additional coding language (java, python, processing, etc.)
• Possess a broad understanding of the design profession, including UX, print, branding, information graphics, and socially-engaged design.
• Active record of creative research.
• Demonstrated record of curriculum development.

Special Conditions

Must be able to work in a studio and computer classroom environment. This position requires daily walking between classrooms in the Fine Arts Center and Trustee Hall.

The Department of Visual Studies, one of seven departments within the School of Arts and Humanities, engages students in the critical understanding and creative production of contemporary culture. A diverse and engaged faculty support students in their efforts to situate themselves within a complex, interdisciplinary and technologically mediated world. We are dedicated to developing the creative and technical skills of students through our programs: Animation, Art, Art History, Graphic Design, Photography & Media Arts, User Experience Design, and Video Game Development.

Graphic Design Program

The Graphic Design program is student-centered and situates visual communication within a dynamic liberal arts context. Through a thoughtfully sequenced curriculum, we challenge our students to think critically as they define their individual path within the design profession and guide them in understanding that their journey is informed by where they come from and who they are as citizens in an ever-changing world. Students work towards their senior thesis year, where they define and propose a self-initiated two-semester investigation that results in a senior thesis project. Graduates of the program are life-long learners who are poised to compete for jobs at top-tier agencies, pursue graduate study, or work in an allied field.

Department of Visual Studies

The Department of Visual Studies, one of seven departments within the School of Arts and Humanities, engages students in the critical understanding and creative production of contemporary culture. A diverse and engaged faculty support students in their efforts to situate themselves within a complex, interdisciplinary and technologically mediated world. We are dedicated to developing the creative and technical skills of students through our programs: Animation, Art, Art History, Graphic Design, Photography & Media Arts, User Experience Design, and Video Game Development.

Application Procedure

Submit the following materials online at http://www.stedwards.edu/careers/faculty-openings/jobs:

• Letter of interest summarizing the candidate's teaching and professional experience (maximum 1 page)
• Statement on diversity that describes the candidate's perspective on advancing a culture of equity and inclusion in the classroom. (maximum 1 page)
• Teaching philosophy statement that details the candidate's commitment to UX and approach to teaching design within a liberal arts context (maximum 2 pages)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Portfolio of relevant teaching and professional design work
  • PDF format, maximum of 20 pages
• Three letters of recommendation emailed to Jacqueline Tamayo, Administrative Coordinator, School of Arts and Humanities (jtamayo1@stedwards.edu).

Full consideration will be given to applications received before March 08, 2021.

Candidates selected for the final stage of review may be asked to send additional materials such as complete syllabi.

The University offers an excellent TOTAL REWARDS package!

United Healthcare Medical & Rx Coverage (HSA & FSA Available)

Sun Life Financial Dental Plan

Sun Life Financial Vision Plan

Short Term Disability (STD) Insurance

Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance

Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Pet Insurance

Annual Leave & Paid Sick Leave

Retirement Plan (TIAA) Employee 5%/Employer Match 7%

Tuition Benefits

Paid Holidays

Services & Discounts

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

St. Edward's University, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

ABOUT ST. EDWARD'S UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1885 by the Congregation of Holy Cross, St. Edward's University is a private, Catholic liberal arts institution of more than 4,000 diverse students located in Austin, Texas. St. Edward's emphasizes critical thinking and ethical practices, as well as small classes, personalized learning, and exciting internship opportunities. The community atmosphere extends to the approximately 800 faculty and staff who work together to make the university a welcoming yet challenging environment for students. An overview of St. Edward's University employee benefits is available at; https://www.stedwards.edu/human-resources/benefits-summary

OTHER ITEMS TO KNOW

Sponsorship:

We are not offering sponsorship at this time.

Background Checks:

A criminal history background check is required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Reference #:J202055

Posted: 01/07/21

Available: Fall 2021