Assistant/Associate Professor, Data Visualization/Graphic Design full-time
About the School of Communication Design at ACAD
We believe in the value of a professionally focused, studio-based design education, and the importance of portfolio. Our Alumni speak to the quality and history of our program: Sam Weber, Riley Rossmo, Fiona Staples, Jillian Tamaki, Doug Fraser, Tim Okamura, Eddie Guy, Ali Truch and Kim Biggs, Thomas Porostocky, Chase Toole, and Matt Luckhurst, to name a few. SCD Faculty are leading figures in the international design industry and dedicated educators who are mentoring and developing Canada’s next group of award-winning innovators.
Students in the School of Communication Design gain the skills to become successful practicing professionals and industry leaders – locally, nationally and internationally. They are capable of authorship, critical and creative thinking, and generate original content with an individual voice and an entrepreneurial intent. Successful graduates see the design profession not only as a means of a livelihood, but also as a rewarding career that can positively, ethically and meaningfully contribute to commerce, culture, and society.
The Position
(Competition #1516-NO-FP-12)
Expertise in the following areas: data visualization, information design, interaction design, emerging media, visual communications, brand strategy and visual identity.
Key skills/qualifications:
An MDes in Social Innovation; an equivalent degree in a relevant or related field or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience may be considered in exceptional circumstances
Time-based experience, demonstrated ability to develop a social innovation (design for social change) component in existing curriculum, creative writing experience and presentation skills
Demonstrable professional experience in creating campaigns for a broad spectrum of media (print, outdoor, broadcast, time-based, and online media etc.)
Experience with a broad range of clients, projects and media
Accomplishment with turning ideas into innovative multi-platform programs
A strong understanding of concept-driven and strategic creative on multiple platforms
Responsibilities include:
Teach, demonstrate an active professional/applied research practice, and contribute to the strategic plan of the College through engagement in administrative service.
Teach in all levels of the BDes program, including the hybrid curriculum of character design and illustration, and/or design + advertising
Contribute actively to curriculum and program development in the School of Communication Design and the strategic initiatives of ACAD’s Office of Research and Academic Affairs
Maintain an active professional/applied research practice and contribute to applied research and scholarship in the field of Visual Development
Demonstrate a commitment to curricular development and pedagogical and academic excellence
Demonstrate a deep commitment to the learning experience, an in depth knowledge of curricula and curricular development appropriate for a four year professional Visual Communications Design degree
Distill knowledge into a comprehensive professional curriculum that is applicable to the education of students intent on becoming leaders in their field
Provide service to the Faculty and College governance framework, including outreach activities that contribute to program recruitment as well as the academic life and profile of the College
The successful candidate will have:
A minimum of five (5) years of professional practice in a relevant field
A minimum of two (2) years post-secondary teaching experience in a related professional degree program and an in depth knowledge of curricular development
A record of applied research in the field
Excellent communication, interpersonal, time management, and organizational skills
A community-minded and team oriented attitude
Preference will be given to candidates with the above qualifications and the following:
A masters level degree
Significant professional and teaching experience
Experience in managing teams in a professional environment and/or academic faculty
Experience in developing professional degree curricula
Recognized professional accomplishments
At least five years in the field in a senior position
Strong national and international industry connections
An established publication record
Assignment of rank will be commensurate with educational credentials, teaching and professional experience, as well as the candidate’s record of research, and creative activities.
Why ACAD?
The Alberta College of Art + Design (ACAD), founded in 1926, is one of Canada’s most distinguished training grounds in art, craft, and design. ACAD offers a broad and dynamic spectrum of study at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Its 14 academic departments offer courses in diverse disciplines including art history, theory, and criticism; ceramics; fibre; glass; jewellery and metals; painting and drawing; performance; photography; printmaking; sculpture; sound; media arts; graphic design; advertising; character design and illustration. In addition to studio-based education and training, a strong program in liberal studies emphasizes the critical role that the humanities and social sciences can play in students’ development.
ACAD offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Innovation and renewal in our curriculum is an ongoing process that responds to cultural and technological shifts in arts, crafts and design practice on students’ curricular needs. Our faculty is comprised of renowned professionals who are first-class instructors as well as active practitioners. As leaders in their fields, they are committed to building a diverse, stimulating environment for the exchange of ideas and the acquisition of technical skills and crafts.
ACAD is located in Calgary, Alberta in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Calgary is a cosmopolitan urban centre, with a diverse population of over 1.2 million people. This vibrant city has outstanding post-secondary and cultural institutions as well many varied recreational opportunities.