University Faculty Graphic Design
Requisition Number: F00442P
Job Description:
The Department of Visual Art and Design [DOVAD] at Weber State University seeks a talented educator/professional designer to join our design program as a full-time tenure-track University Faculty of Graphic Design with an emphasis in web, interaction and experience design, at the assistant professor level, to begin July 1, 2025.
DOVAD values the examination of the world through the multitude of cultural discourses that inform pedagogy, scholarship, and collaboration with university, industry, and local and regional communities. We seek a faculty member with a forward-looking vision and approach to design, excellent design skills, and a strong professional record of industry experience that can contribute to expanding the areas of expertise within our department, and extend departmental connections beyond the university. We welcome applications by candidates who have experience working with a wide variety of students and community populations.
Weber State University is a dual-mission institution, providing associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degree programs in liberal arts, sciences, and technical and professional fields.
Program InformationThe design area within the Department of Visual Arts and Design (DOVAD) at Weber State University offers a BFA in graphic design that includes the study of design thinking, principles, theory, and practices, with courses including typography and publication design, web design, interaction design, and the history of design. We recognize that the field of design is expanding, with increasing emphasis on interaction, new content structures, human-centered communication strategies, and emerging platforms. Graphic design is an integral part of DOVAD’s academic offerings, which also include BFA and BA degrees in art, art education, and a minor in art history. In addition to teaching, design faculty advise and mentor students in AIGA and other professional activities and reviews.
Faculty are eligible for research and professional development grants at the college and university levels. There is also the opportunity to collaborate with the newly established Matthew S. Browning Center for Design. Weber State is an Adobe Campus, which means Faculty, staff, and students have access to the Digital District which provides coordinated teaching and learning spaces equipped with innovative technology, tools, and support services. DOVAD has a well-equipped Digital Lab for large-scale printing and digital illustrations.
Job Duties:
Candidate will teach courses in Interaction, Experience Design, Typography, and Branding as well as foundations, general education and design curriculum courses. The full-time faculty teaching load is 12 credits (3 studio classes) per semester.
DOVAD values a human-centric and socially engaged design approach in both teaching and professional practice. Experience with prototyping software (such as Figma and Adobe XD), 3D Modeling software (such as Blender) and motion design software will be valuable for teaching.
Department faculty are expected to maintain active professional practices, contributing to their field through client work, exhibitions, publications, or other venues appropriate to their discipline. Active participation in service is required. The candidate will collaborate with other design faculty and participate in curriculum development.
Required Qualifications:
- RequiredA terminal degree (MFA, PhD, or equivalent) in Graphic Design or a closely related field is required by July 1, 2025.
- A minimum of one year teaching experience.
- A portfolio of creative work in graphic design with an emphasis in web, interaction and experience design.
Preferred Qualifications:
- PreferredTwo or more years of professional or industry experience.
- Ability to develop and teach a variety of courses within the Graphic Design curriculum, including Typography, the use of industry-standard software and Design History.
Benefits Summary:
WSU offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, long-term disability, life insurance, retirement, a wellness program with release time and paid incentives, tuition benefits, free tickets to athletic and performing arts events, and paid holidays.
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Notes to Applicants: The salary for this position starts at $60,000 and it comes with a generous benefits package.
To apply, all applicants must complete the required online application and electronically submit the following:
1. Use the Cover Letter option to attach as one PDF (10 MB max), including:
- A cover letter specifically addressing the candidate’s experience in design pedagogy
- Curriculum Vitae
- Teaching philosophy that also addresses experience with, and commitment to, teaching and mentoring students.
- Contact information for three professional references (phone and email)
2. Use the Other Document 1 option to attach as a PDF (10MB max) a current professional portfolio with an image list (including, title, media/project type, dimensions, date, and a short description), or a URL to a website with equivalent information. Note: video and other digital submissions of work not well represented by still images are acceptable where applicable, sent as URLs.
3. Use the Other Document 2 option to attach as a PDF (10MB max) a portfolio of the applicant’s students’ work with an image list (course/assignment, dimensions, media/project type, date, and short description).
Please include up to three sample course syllabi and any other evidence of teaching effectiveness like student evaluations if applicable.
For full consideration, submit a completed application by November 29, 2024. The position will be open until filled.
Successful first-screen applicants will be contacted for an interview via Zoom.
We actively encourage applicants who will contribute to the mission of Weber State University to provide transformative educational experiences for all students through learning, service, and scholarship.
DOVAD is housed in the Ethel Wattis Kimball Visual Arts Center, one of the most comprehensive studio arts facilities in the Intermountain West. The department is also home to the Mary Elizabeth Dee Shaw Gallery, which produces and mounts exhibitions of national and international scope, in addition to showing student works and works by regional artists. Weber State University is located in Ogden, Utah, home to The Monarch and Nine Rails Creative District. The City of Ogden is 35 miles north of Salt Lake City. Northern Utah, the site of the 2002 and 2034 Winter Olympics, provides many world-class outdoor recreational opportunities.
To apply, visit https://jobs.weber.edu/postings/23892
