Assistant Professor in Visual Communication Design (Digital Media Focus)

Assistant Professor in Visual Communication Design (Digital Media Focus) Location: Lakewood, CO
Target Salary: $65k - $68k per year
Application Deadline: 3/1/2026 Overview Rocky Mountain College of Art +Design is looking for a Full-Time Professor who has expertise in Visual Communication Design with an emphasis in Digital Media for its Graphic Design program. The faculty memberworks the Chair and Program Lead of the Graphic Design program working closely with students, faculty, and administrative staff to advance teaching, student clubs and activities, co-curricular experiences, and curriculum development. They will work closely with academic leadership with a focus on monitoring and improving student learning and success, supporting faculty, and performing duties as assigned by the Chair and the Program Lead. 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 all areas of digital media including: 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, Digital Media, Interaction Design OR a bachelors degree with a sustained record of professional or studio-based work in Digital Media, Graphic Design, Interaction Design or Web Design demonstrated through credits, exhibitions, portfolio and live projects.
• Proficiency using and teaching industry-leading UI/UX design software, including, but not limited to Figma, Adobe Suite, HTML/CSS, prototyping tools, and modern web/mobile design methodologies.
• 2+ years of teaching experience in an accredited postsecondary institution with proven expertise in teaching digital media, design 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 values a diverse student body.

Preferred Qualifications

• A terminal degree (MFA or PhD) in Art, Design 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 Digital Media, Graphic Design, Interaction Design or Web Design demonstrated through credits, exhibitions, portfolio and live projects.
• 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 digital media, graphic 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 teaching 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.
• 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

• Teach a full instructional load as defined by RMCAD and commensurate with rank, hold regular office hours, advise students, participate in and contribute to the development of co-curricular activities. Responsibilities include instruction and student engagement across both on campus and online modalities. Regularly give feedback and critiques with a combination of in person and/or online written and video formats.
• Courses taught in this role are in the Illustration Program. They include but are not limited to:
• Typography, Vector Illustration, Layout Design, User Prototyping, Web Design, Visual Sequencing, Experience Design, Motion Design, Interaction Design, and Design Systems.
• Maintain a high standard of teaching effectiveness as evident by student evaluations, retention, and other pedagogical metrics.
• Service to the Department
• Support the Institutional Mission, Vision, and Value Statements, and the Department Mission.
• Participate in institutional and Academic Division committees, program reviews, academic assessment, curriculum revision, and/or course development as needed.
• Attend college events, meetings, and training sessions as determined by the Academic leadership and/or the Department Chair.
• Engage with community organizations and associations that further and promote RMCAD.
• Maintain a practice of scholarship, professional achievement, and ongoing professional/creative research.
• Contribute discipline-based, interdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary scholarship that advances knowledge and learning by producing new ideas and understandings (examples can include but are not limited to peer-reviewed articles, guest speaker events and presentations).
• Produce and exhibit creative works.

Note: This position is on campus, requiring faculty to be on the Lakewood, CO 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. Our Benefits:

• Time Off Package including paid vacation, sick and 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
• Historic and current list of courses taught in non-profit, corporate, K12, or high educational settings.
• Cover Letter articulating how your specific skillsets align with teaching 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 references.

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