Position Description

INTRODUCTION

The University of Connecticut (UConn) is pleased to invite applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position in Graphic Design in the Department of Art & Art History at the rank of Assistant Professor. The Department of Art & Art History has over 170 undergraduate majors, 15 graduate students, and a full-time faculty of 21, along with a number of specialist adjunct faculty and a committed team of staff. The department is dedicated to the cultivation of artists and scholars with a wide-ranging understanding of the concepts, aesthetics, techniques, and social functions of contemporary art practices within broader historical and cultural contexts. The Department of Art & Art History offers a BA in Art History, a BFA in Studio Art, a BA in Art, and an MFA in Studio Art. The Department is also committed to enriching the wider university and regional community through a range of courses for non-majors, minor programs in Studio Art and Art History, and a variety of offerings at UConn’s regional campuses across the state, as well as through major public exhibitions and thematic programming in collaboration with other departments and schools across the University. Additional information about the Department of Art & Art History can be found at: http://art.uconn.edu

The Graphic Design program focuses on graphic design as an exploratory process within a fine arts context. A hands-on, conceptual approach to typography, design, interactivity, objects, and environments is sought. The anticipated start date is August 23, 2024.

The successful candidate for this position will have the experience and ability to contribute significantly to the vision and objectives of Graphic Design within the Department. Central to the position is directing Design Center Studio, a professional practice course that operates as a design studio. The successful candidate will share a curiousness, inquisitiveness and eagerness to explore multifaceted collaborations and cooperative conduits between disciplines within the Department (Art History, Painting/Drawing, Photography/Video, Printmaking, Sculpture/Ceramics, Illustration/Animation, Industrial Design), as well as within the University at large; embrace the approach that art and design are evolving modalities in which thinking and making require both mastery and improvisation; able to write and direct compelling project briefs that develop and challenge intellectual curiosity; value concept and the generation and communication of those concepts into clear and appropriate form; interested in the creative potential of technology and its function within artistic, social and cultural dynamics; possess a fluency in skills, processes, and approaches, intersecting at the crossroads of art and design. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to research and scholarship through extramural funding (in disciplines where applicable), high-quality publications, impact as measured through citations, performances and exhibits (in disciplines where applicable), and national recognition such as honorific awards. The successful candidate will share a deep commitment to effective instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels, innovative courses and instruction methods, and mentoring of students in research, outreach, and professional development. Successful candidates will also be expected to broaden participation among members of under-represented groups; demonstrate through research, teaching, and/or public engagement the commitment to, and support of, diversity in the learning experience; integrate multicultural experiences into instructional methods and research tools; and provide leadership in developing pedagogical techniques designed to meet the needs of diverse learning styles and intellectual interests.

Information about the undergraduate Graphic Design program in the Department of Art & Art History can be found at https://art.uconn.edu/graphic-design/.

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teach five three-credit undergraduate courses per academic year with a 3/2 (or 2/3) teaching load, which may include all levels of courses in Graphic Design, particularly courses focused on typography, interactivity and creative computation, and advanced design.
• Direct and manage the Design Center Studio, a professional practice course that operates as a full-service design studio engaging clients as well as research-based and experimental work. Project management skills are essential, as well as the ability to work with students to navigate all stages of design work from ideation to budgeting to final production.
• Opportunity to direct a semester-long study abroad program in London, which currently rotates among full-time graphic design faculty.
• Additional duties include advising students and serving on departmental and University committees.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• MFA degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or closely and demonstrably related study.
• Expertise in graphic design and typography as defined broadly to include applied and conceptual issues and practices, with experience in both traditional and digital media.
• Two years of teaching experience beyond Teaching Assistantship at the college level and three years of professional experience in graphic design either as a freelance practitioner or in a design studio.
• Evidence of exceptional and creatively interpretive and conceptually astute work.
• Evidence of student outcomes in courses taught.
• Ability to teach both introductory and advanced level courses that encompass conceptual and applied issues.
• Project and client management skills.
• Proficiency in current web design technologies and interactive practices.
• Fluency with digital tools (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Visionary skills to foster and expand the Design Center Studio.
• Knowledge of contemporary and historical issues and theory in graphic design.
• Innovative visual thinking in both analog and digital processes.
• Experience working within a strong art department situated within an equally strong liberal arts institution, and a reflection of this in teaching pedagogies.
• A range of experiences working in different design environments, including but not limited to studio, freelance, and in-house; successful record of managing and overseeing junior designers.
• Experience with student advising, departmental service, and evidence of continuing creative activity and professional development in the field, in addition to a record of effective teaching.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, tenure-track position with an anticipated start date of August 23, 2024. The successful candidate’s academic appointment will be at the Storrs campus, though faculty members may also be asked to teach at one of UConn’s regional campuses or online as part of their ordinary workload. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/26758 and submit the following application materials:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Teaching statement (including teaching philosophy, teaching experience, commitment to effective learning, concepts for new course development, etc.)
• Research and scholarship statement (innovative concepts that will form the basis of academic career, experience in proposal development, mentorship of graduate students, etc.)
• Commitment to diversity statement (including broadening participation, integrating multicultural experiences in research as well as instruction and pedagogical techniques to meet the needs of different learning styles, etc.)
• Submit 20 digital images of professional work (or URL), 20 digital images of students’ work as available, and examples of creative briefs from courses taught, preferably in a single PDF with embedded links to online work. As an alternative, materials can be linked via Cloud service (Dropbox, Google Docs, etc.)
• Contact information for three professional references

Review of applications will begin on January 15, 2024, and applications will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, application materials should be submitted no later than January 15, 2024.

Please contact Kelly Crossen at kelly.crossen@uconn.edu, Educational Program Assistant for the Department of Art & Art History, with any questions.

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

This position will be filled subject the budgetary approval.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.