Program Director BFA Design, Art & Technology, BFA Web Development and Interaction Design

The University of the Arts is seeking an Associate Professor to act as Program Director for two of its programs- BFA Design, Art & Technology (DAT) and BFA Web Development and Interaction Design (WDID). This is a multi-year contract/non-tenure track faculty position; salary and rank commensurate with experience.

These two new programs were developed in tandem as part of the major curricular renewal at the University of the Arts, based on its Academic Plan. The University of the Arts is committed to inspiring, educating and preparing innovative artists and creative leaders for the arts of the 21st century. Its programs develop the student’s talent, aesthetic sensibility, conceptual and perceptual acumen, cultural awareness, and professional expertise. University curricula integrate specific knowledge and skills needed for technical mastery of the various disciplines with a significant examination of conceptual and humanistic studies. Both DAT and WDID have a strong focus on entrepreneurship and collaboration and, while they have many courses in common, the programs have different aims.

DAT encourages students to transcend disciplinary boundaries to create new processes and innovative ways of thinking that explore the intersections of design, art and technology, and their impact on society and culture. Students use image, sound, text and interactivity as the basis for their exploration. Students may work in virtual and physical computing, motion graphics, data visualization, programming or electronic music.

WDID was created in recognition of the fact that the web and other interactive platforms are increasingly becoming the de facto medium for communicating, doing business, sharing and accessing information and networking. As the sophistication and complexity of interaction increases, the educational experience students are exposed to must change. In WDID, students explore the ways in which people use software applications, products and services. They engage in web design; dynamic web, tablet and mobile phone application development; information architecture; interface design and service design. User-centered design principles are a key focus of this program.

Both programs reside in the College of Art, Media & Design in the University of the Arts and the College has approximately 1200 students. Located prominently on the Avenue of the Arts in Center City Philadelphia, The University of the Arts is one of the oldest and largest comprehensive private institutions of higher education devoted to the arts in the United States. Its undergraduate and graduate programs prepare students for more than 150 professional career paths in the visual, performing, media, design and communication arts and related fields.

The successful candidate will be a good communicator and a community builder. The successful candidate will be able to lead these two linked programs, teach on them and contribute to their curricular development, growing them into substantial and dynamic programs. Preference will be given to applicants who are comfortable with coding and have digital web and game-based experience. Knowledge of contemporary digital practice and theory is required. Entrepreneurial skills/experience are essential.

Qualifications:

An MFA in a related area; minimum five years college level teaching and professional experience beyond graduate school. Candidates will need to demonstrate a commitment to teaching, leadership ability, experience designing curricula and a commitment to professional practice.



To Apply:

Applicants should submit:

A letter of application detailing their qualifications

An up-to-date CV

Sample syllabi

A digital portfolio (MAC-readable) of 20 examples of recent work and 20 examples of work by students

The contact information for four professional references



Send to:

Program Director Search, BFAs DAT/WDID

College of Art, Media and Design

Office of the Dean

320 South Broad Street

Philadelphia, PA 19102

Or via email to: Emma Goidel [email protected]

For more than 130 years, we have defined creativity. The University of the Arts in Philadelphia is one of the only universities in the United States solely dedicated to educating creative individuals in the visual and performing arts and design. Our 2,100 undergraduate and graduate students and 500 faculty members are passionate about what they do, and in the process, are redefining the way we think, teach and create.

Screening begins January 17th and continues until the position is filled. If you will be attending the College Art Association annual conference in Chicago, February 12 - 15, 2014, please include that information in your cover letter.




The University of the Arts is an ADA, Equal Opportunity Employer committed to encouraging diversity among its faculty, staff and students. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.