Description
Assistant Professor – Communication Arts
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts (VCUarts)
Position F28890
Full-time 9-month tenure-eligible position at the rank of Assistant Professor, beginning August 16, 2016
Review of applications begins January 11, 2016 and continues until position is filled.
Description:
The Department of Communication Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts (VCUarts) invites applications for a full-time, 9-month tenure-eligible faculty member at the assistant professor level. The preferred candidate should bring to the program a rich understanding of, and expertise in, concept design for film, television, and video games. As a department that values industry and professional experience, this candidate should bring a national and/or international record of excellence and accomplishment in the field of concept design. The candidate’s expertise should be supported by a demonstrated command of 2D & 3D digital applications as well as traditional media and practices.
The Department of Communication Arts’ mission is to empower our students to create and communicate with insight, vision, and voice. By guiding students to a deeper understanding of past and present artistic practices and methods of visual problem solving, while concurrently fostering a thoughtful awareness of future technologies and theoretical concerns, we increase their ability to devise informed design solutions and present them in a refined and professional manner. Communication Arts encourages critical thinking, discipline, and entrepreneurship: abilities critical for success in the fast and ever changing world in which we live.
Responsibilities:
This position will have teaching responsibilities that include, but are not limited to, the areas of conceptual design, illustration, digital drawing, painting, and 3D modeling. Additionally, the department encourages the development of new courses and curriculum in the instructor’s areas of expertise. The faculty member will be required to maintain a well-developed research/creative practice which has the potential for scholarship or creative expression to complement and expand existing expertise in the department. In addition, the faculty member’s established research/creative agenda will have a clear potential for external funding, as appropriate. The faculty member will serve on departmental, school, and/or University committees as necessary, as well as in a professional capacity in their field, e.g. speaker, juror, panelist, etc. The faculty member could participate in recruitment and admission activities, and could coordinate special educational activities like workshops, special programming, and other duties as assigned, etc., as determined by the Chair.
Qualifications:
- MFA and/or equivalent professional experience and training is required. Professionals well-versed in the rapidly evolving dynamics of the concept design universe, with exceptional national and/or international records of excellence equivalent to a terminal degree, are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Industry experience (Entertainment) as a senior level conceptual designer and/or concept artist.
- Excellent ability to draw.
- Direct experience with professional clients.
- Expertise in 2D & 3D tools, e.g. Photoshop, Maya, Modo, Zbrush, Mudbox, Unreal, Unity, etc.
- Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.
Salary is nationally competitive.
Application Instructions:
Submit the following application materials via VCU eJobs at vcujobs.com:
- Letter of interest;
- Current curriculum vitae;
- Teaching philosophy;
- List of at least three professional references familiar with the applicant’s record as an instructor, and/or creative professional, including names, addresses, and phone numbers (references will not be checked prior candidates’ approval); and
- Examples of professional and/or student work, if available. Digital portfolios of professional and/or student work should be sent as a link to a professional website and can be in either jpg, pdf, or QuickTime format on the website.
Only electronic applications submitted via VCU eJobs will be accepted. The Letter of interest and teaching philosophy should be submitted as one document in the “Cover Letter/Letter of Application” section in eJobs; the CV should be submitted in the “Curriculum Vitae (CV)” section of eJobs (including a link to a professional website if being included); and the list of references should be submitted in the “Other Document” section in eJobs.
Review of applications begins January 11, 2016 and continues until position is filled.
Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, veteran’s status, political affiliation or disability.