Assistant Professor of Graphic Design and Program Lead

Assistant Professor of Graphic Design and Program Lead (UI/UX Focus)
Location: Lakewood, CO
Target Salary: $65,000 - 75,000 per year
Application Deadline: Open until filled

Rocky Mountain College of Art +Design is looking for an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design and Program Lead who has expertise in UI/UX Design for its Graphic Design Program within the Visual Communication Design Department. Program Leads are experienced faculty and discipline experts. As such, they offer discipline expertise to the department and focus on performance metrics related to teaching and learning.

Program Leads provide academic leadership and administrative support within the program, with a focus on curriculum, improving student learning and success, mentoring and

supporting part time faculty, and assisting the department chair with administrative functions such as studio activities and events, scheduling, budgeting, and program management. Program Leads hold a faculty rank with an approved teaching load.

RMCAD's Visual Communication Department offers degree programs rooted in industry-aligned practices, emerging technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The successful applicant will have demonstrated expertise in Graphic Design workflows, with an emphasis on UI/UX design, interaction design, motion graphics, and web modernities. In alignment with our commitment to innovation, candidates must be proficient in the integration of AI-driven tools and emerging methodologies into the design process and curriculum. This position supports the continued design, development, and delivery of dynamic, studio-centered curricula and the advancement of learning outcomes to prepare students for leadership in an evolving digital landscape.

Required Qualifications:

• A graduate degree (MA, MS, MFA, MDes, or equivalent) in Graphic Design, UI/UX Design, or Interaction Design, OR a bachelor's degree plus a substantial, sustained record of professional practice, client work, or in-house design or creative agency experience that is widely recognized within the field.
• 2+ years of leadership experience in an academic, curricular, or professional context (e.g., Program Lead, curriculum coordinator, department head, studio, agency, or corporate management position with mentoring or training responsibilities).
• 2+ years of teaching experience in an accredited postsecondary institution with proven expertise in teaching UI/UX principles and related software.
• Examples of pedagogical approaches that align with the institution's mission and values, along with evidence of effective and inclusive teaching that highly values a diverse student body.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across faculty, instructional design, and academic leadership structures.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A terminal degree (MFA or PhD) in Art, Design, Illustration, Education, or a related discipline OR equivalent professional distinction recognized at a national or international level.
• A sustained record of professional or studio-based work in Graphic Design, UI/UX Design, or Interaction Design, demonstrated through portfolio, exhibitions, client-based and studio work, or live projects.
• Experience and a proven track-record of success in leading or supporting curriculum development, assessment, accreditation initiatives and delivering quality online education.
• Proficiency and the ability to teach industry-leading UI/UX design software (including, but not limited to Figma, Adobe Suite), prototyping tools, and modern web/mobile design methodologies.
• Ongoing engagement with contemporary, emerging industry practices and pipelines with demonstrated expertise in media through creative interventions in areas such as but not limited to: artificial intelligence as medium and cultural system, platform culture and interface aesthetics, design for accessibility and emerging crossover disciplines

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of UI/UX design, interaction design, motion graphics, and web modernities, with a demonstrated ability to integrate AI-driven tools and emerging methodologies into the design process.
• Candidates should possess deep expertise in brand identity systems, typography, and cross-platform visual storytelling while maintaining a forward-looking approach to curriculum development that prepares students for leadership in an evolving digital landscape.
• Ability to teach and mentor students from a broad range of life experiences and educational paths.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving and respecting all students, staff, and faculty, including but not limited to those of different races, genders, sexual orientations, and backgrounds.
• Broad knowledge of the history of art, contemporary art and design.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills across multiple teaching modalities.
• Ability to work autonomously, taking initiative on tasks, and meeting deadlines.
• Outwardly contribute to a respectful, positive, and professional workspace.
• Interest in emerging trends and technologies in design education and practice.

Primary Responsibilities:

Teaching + Instruction:

• Program Leads at RMCAD teach an approved course load. They may also coordinate studio activities and portfolio reviews as part of their teaching activities.
• Maintain a high standard of teaching effectiveness as evident by student evaluations, retention, and other pedagogical metrics.
• Offer peer-to-peer instructional mentorship, coaching, and support to part-time faculty (new and those identified as needing additional support and guidance) in teaching, curricular implementation, and assessment.
• Maintain a practice of scholarship, professional achievement, and ongoing professional/creative research.

Curricular Leadership:

• Lead the assessment of student learning within the program by identifying, implementing, and managing assessment projects.
• Lead the development of a forward-looking Graphic Design curriculum, with specific emphasis on integrating UI/UX best practices, responsive design, and interactive media trends to ensure program currency and industry alignment.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) - revising, designing, and developing course curriculum or program requirements, as required.
• Oversee Subject Matter Experts (SME) in course revision, design, and development activities, (including new courses). Manage and coordinate contracts in collaboration with the Department Chair.
• Supervise and/or coordinate with Division/Department Coordinators, if and as assigned.

Program Operations:

• Assist the department chair (as requested) with course set-up reviews, syllabi approvals, course observations, and annual reviews for part-time faculty.
• Assist the department chair with hiring part-time faculty. This may include, but is not limited to application reviews, interviewing, and making hiring recommendations to the department chair.
• Purchase determined supplies, equipment, etc. as approved in the budget. Support consistent fiscal management practices in collaboration with department and division leadership.
• Provide information related to program budgets, faculty assignments, scheduling, student needs, curriculum, and program related initiatives to the department chair.
• Provide coordination and support for program events, activities, initiatives, and meetings - including but not limited to student clubs or groups, professional associations, community organizations, and program advisory boards.
• Support students with respect to grade changes, prerequisite waivers, incompletes, section switches, etc. as needed. Help with student complaints and concerns in collaboration with faculty, advising, and the department chair.

Program Development:

• Work collaboratively with all departments to support program health and student recruitment, enrollment, and success efforts, including, but not limited to admissions, marketing, advising, academic, and co-curricular divisions.
• In collaboration with senior leadership, department chairs, and deans, support the research, analysis, design, build, launch, growth targets, and maintenance of new degree and non-degree academic programs.
• Participate in regional, state, and specialized accreditation efforts, as needed.
• Attend events, co-curricular activities, strategic initiative activities, accreditation activities, advisory boards, regional and local community events important to RMCAD, its programs, faculty, and leaders.
• Other duties as assigned.

Note: This position is on ground, requiring Program Leads to be on campus as required by senior leadership at RMCAD.

About RMCAD:

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD) is an innovative, rigorous, and community-oriented global learning environment that inspires passion for critical thinking and prepares learners to be forces of change in the creative industries, our communities, and the world. RMCAD was established in 1963 by Philip J. Steele, who had a vision to provide students with a quality higher education in art and design. RMCAD continues to experience growth since its comparatively modest beginnings and now thrives on a lush, historic campus including more than 23 acres of land and 16 buildings. We are also pioneers in the online learning environment for art and design. RMCAD currently has over 2,000 students enrolled.

RMCAD is dedicated to living its mission and values, specifically that "Our students come first." The college continuously works with faculty and staff towards developing an evolving student-ready paradigm. RMCAD is dedicated to diversity and inclusion and maintains a policy of inclusiveness that recognizes values and reflects the diversity of the community it serves. The college fosters a dynamic learning and working environment that encourages multiple perspectives and the free exchange of ideas. We welcome people from a multitude of backgrounds who are committed to creativity, academic excellence, societal and cultural evolution and betterment, civility, mutual respect, social justice, and the free and open exchange of ideas.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

The work environment is a typical office environment which may include moderate noise, some evening or weekend hours, confined workspaces, fast work pace with unscheduled interruptions, the need to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and extensive time sitting and working with computers. Occasional overnight travel required.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or change the duties of the position at any time.

Our Benefits:

• Time Off Package including paid vacation, sick and holidays (7 Most Observed, Birthday, & December Gift Holidays)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Basic Life & AD&D
• Short & Long Term Disability
• 401k employer match
• Tuition Assistance
• Other Voluntary Benefits Offered

Application Required Materials:

• CV, including list of courses taught
• Cover Letter articulating how your specific skillsets align with the Program Lead responsibilities.
• Teaching Statement including pedagogical and teaching approaches that align with the institution's mission and values. Include how you integrate AI-driven tools and emerging technologies into your workflow or curriculum to advance student engagement and success.
• 3 Sample syllabi of courses taught
• 20 images of professional work, with image/client list uploaded as a PDF
• 20 images of student work with image list and description uploaded as a PDF
• List of three to five professional references

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay Range: $65,000 - $75,000 per year