Description
The Cleveland Institute of Art is seeking a qualified individual to fill a full-time, ranked faculty position as Assistant/Associate Professor and Chair of Game Design.
The Game Design program at the Cleveland Institute of Art is known internationally by its faculty, alumni and visiting artists. Culminating in the BFA degree, the Game Design program offers a comprehensive curriculum that masters industry standard techniques, cutting edge technology and software to creatively translate conceptual ideas into interactive experiences. Our students work with innovative production processes including 3D modeling, animation, programming, visual design, audio, interactive storytelling, and game production, as well as theory, criticism, and context of video game culture and digital media. This is a unique opportunity for a dynamic candidate to play an instrumental role in delivering the program’s pedagogy while leading and shaping the program’s vision for the future.
The ideal candidate should possess a versatile skill set in game design and production while demonstrating a passion for educating the next generation of game designers. As such, candidates with experience in college-level teaching, curriculum development, course management, and project management will be strongly considered. The successful candidate will teach a full course load, oversee students in external community-based projects, internships and/or client-based work, and thus must be willing to cultivate experiential opportunities and foster industry relationships for students. All full-time, ranked faculty members are evaluated on the basis of their teaching, professional practice, and service.
The ideal candidate should also be able to successfully fulfill chair responsibilities effectively and efficiently, with a special obligation to build a department strong in teaching capacity and creative activity or scholarship. In addition to their teaching responsibilities, chair duties include guiding departmental curriculum planning and implementation, making teaching assignments and scheduling classes, budget management, supervisory responsibility for faculty and staff, convening regular departmental meetings and fostering departmental communication, evaluation and assessment, and student advising. Consequently, candidates who exhibit strong organizational, leadership (as evidenced through past roles), and communication skills, furthered by experience in entertainment industry relations, academic advising, and curricular planning and assessment, will be strongly considered.
CIA seeks applicants whose creative practice, research, and service will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education. We particularly welcome individuals who come from non-traditional educational backgrounds and who understand the needs of groups historically underrepresented in higher education.
Required Qualifications
· BFA or Bachelor’s degree and professional experience within the game design industry and a record of professional work and achievement
· At least 2 years of industry experience in game design (entertainment and/or serious games) and or equivalent published work showcasing technical knowledge
· Proficiency in programming languages such as C++, C#, Javascript, Lua, or the visual scripting process
· Experience with interactive design and real time development
· UE4 and Unity 3D familiarity with expertise in one of these game engines.
· Experience with digital illustration and/or 3D modeling.
· VR and/or AR production experience and or comprehensive understanding of its application and history
· Comfort in serving a role in developing and managing game design program goals and missions
· Strong game/entertainment industry connections and/or relevant resources for partnerships
· Familiarity with the history of game culture and its relationship to the larger entertainment industry
· Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
· Ability to align the program’s program goals and outcomes to the college-wide strategic plan
Preferred Qualifications:
· MFA or advanced degree in Game Design or related field
· College-level teaching experience
· Ability to conduct a critical dialogue about game culture with respect to contemporary art, activist art, the moving image, and debates within the game industry.
· Understanding of UI and UX design
· Animation knowledge of both 2D and 3D
· Esports familiarity
· Demonstrated Motion Capture experience
Application requirements:
Applicants must submit the following:
1. Cover letter summarizing experience and credentials
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. 15-20 digital files representing your creative work, including annotated list/descriptions
4. Current Demo reel (up to two minutes; must include a demo reel breakdown)
5. Statement of teaching philosophy, focused on Game Design (one page maximum)
6. Contact information for (email address, phone numbers) for three current references
7. Optional: 10-15 digital files of student work
· All application materials must be submitted in a single pdf file in the order listed. Limit pdf file size to 10MB or less and label the file as follows: lastname_firstname_GameDesign2020.
· Examples of video/animation/motion graphics must be listed as hyperlinks within pdf file and link to portfolio web sites or video sharing sites such as Vimeo. Do not email video or .exe files
· Applicants are required to set up an account on Slideroom.com (free) to submit complete application file to: http://www.cia.edu/gamedesignfacultysearch
Application review will begin in late April and continue until position is filled. Finalists will be notified in mid-May, and additional materials may be requested at that time. Academic transcripts and background check authorization will be required for finalists. Finalists must be eligible to work in the United States on or before July 1, 2020.
The Institute offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Rank and compensation are commensurate with experience and qualifications.
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The Cleveland Institute of Art is one of the nation's leading accredited independent colleges of art and design. Since 1882, the college has been an educational cornerstone in Cleveland, Ohio, and produces graduates competitive as studio artists, designers, contemporary craftsmen, and educators.
CIA is committed to leadership and vision in all forms of visual arts education with 15 majors in the arts, crafts, integrated media, and design. CIA delivers faculty mentorship, studio and academic rigor, cutting edge curriculum, and state-of-the-art facilities. By the time they graduate, all CIA students participate in Engaged Practice learning—professional projects involving collaboration with external partners. CIA is uniquely well-positioned among world-class colleges and universities, museums and galleries, parks, gardens, hospitals, and major partners in industry. The campus is in the heart of Cleveland’s culturally rich University Circle neighborhood, home to Case Western Reserve University; Cleveland Museum of Art; Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland; Cleveland Clinic; Cleveland Museum of Natural History; Western Reserve Historical Society; Cleveland Botanical Garden; and Severance Hall, home of the Cleveland Orchestra. Cuyahoga County provides generous public funding for the arts and supports hundreds of arts and cultural organizations.
Mission:
To cultivate creative leaders who inspire people, strengthen communities, and contribute to a thriving and sustainable economy through an innovative education in art and design.
The Cleveland Institute of Art is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, committed to building and sustaining a culturally and ethnically diverse campus environment, and to the principles that promote inclusion.
Visit our website at: www.cia.edu