Head of Department – Game Art & Design

Description

Vancouver Institute of Media Arts is an established, private post-secondary institute located in Vancouver, BC, Canada and has been offering diploma programs in the visual, media and performing arts since 1996. VanArts was recently ranked #1 in Western Canada and #11 in the world by Animation Career Review.  

We are seeking a highly talented, dynamic game art & design artist to join our team of highly skilled professionals who are dedicated to education in the media arts.  The position is Head of Department for Game Art & Design and begins September 4, 2012.

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Head of Department – Game Art & Design

GENERAL
Teach 12 - 15 hours a week character and/or environment asset creation. Manage the department with respect to faculty, course design and curriculum planning, budgets. Assist with promotion of the department to potential students.

REPORTS TO
Dean of Faculty / Senior Educational Administrator  

RESPONSIBILITIES (in collaboration with the Dean of Faculty):

• Create a clear goal for the program and set standards for a uniquely positive learning experience, providing students with an opportunity to excel in their chosen disciplines.
• Define standards and goals in writing, with examples to be made available to Program Advisory Committee, as well as current and prospective students.
• Lead the department’s faculty by ensuring institutional values are being followed, interactions with students are positive and appropriate, and industry standards are being stressed.
• Gather appropriate industry representatives for the Program Advisory Committee.
• Create, maintain and update at each intake, a curriculum that offers students the opportunity to reach the program’s standards and goals.
• Teach your area(s) of expertise in 3D character and/or environment asset creation: at least 12 – 15 hours per week.
• Hire full-time and part-time faculty to deliver their area of expertise, as part of a team in support of reaching the goals set by the program.  
• Participate in promotional and industry networking activities as required.
• Attend and participate in institutional and departmental meetings.
• Conduct annual instructor evaluations.
• Work with VP of Finance to manage budget and payroll requirements.
• Review student evaluations, respond and take appropriate actions accordingly and in a timely manner.
• Work with On-Site Administrators to ensure instructor adherence to institution policies and procedures.
• Organize:
   - Department meetings and documentation.
   - Program Advisory Committee meetings (PAC) and documentation.
   - PAC recommendation evaluations, follow up and documentation.  
   - Guest speakers.  
   - Payroll submission for part-time instructors.  
   - Maintenance and currency of the program’s reference material.