Assistant Professor, Bachelor of Design - Visual Communication Design

Competition # 20.10.096

MacEwan University inspires students through a powerful combination of academic excellence and personal learning experiences. Located in culturally enriched, downtown Edmonton, Alberta, our comprehensive undergraduate university offers over 65 programs to 19,000 full- and part-time students. With a dedication to teaching excellence informed by scholarly research and creative activity, MacEwan provides an exceptional collaborative and supportive learning environment with a commitment to environmental sustainability and opportunities for community engagement. In support of faculty professional development, unique and enhanced services are provided through the MacEwan Office of Teaching and Learning.

Three years ago, the Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications (FFAC) moved to the new, world-class, $200-million Allard Hall as part of MacEwan University’s main campus in downtown Edmonton. Allard Hall includes the following dedicated design spaces: three design studios, two drawing studios, three photo/video studios, two computer labs and a student workroom.

Job Description

The Design program in the Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications (FFAC), MacEwan University, invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor. This is a full-time, continuing faculty appointment with both teaching and curriculum development responsibilities in the area of Visual Communication Design.

Candidates for this position must have demonstrated professional expertise in the area of visual communication design, including a holistic approach to the design of products, experiences and/or systems. The candidate will demonstrate their ability to teach in one or more of the following areas: brand strategy and research, art direction in advertising, corporate identity systems, and information design. Candidates should possess the ability to teach a variety of design subjects at multiple levels in the curriculum, from foundation studies to senior studios and seminars, and are expected to contribute in developing curriculum.
 
The candidate will hold a minimum of a MDes or master’s degree in a related field, have teaching experience in design at the post-secondary level and extensive industry experience as a designer. The candidate must demonstrate excellence or clear promise of excellence in teaching and research. Knowledge of, and skills with, visual communication design foundations, such as research, problem definition, ideation, refinement, typography, image, layout, and communication theory, are also required.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following (other duties may be assigned):
 
●    Instruct students in visual communication design courses.
●    Provide learning activities that stimulate student involvement and encourage critical thinking.
●    Provide concrete, constructive, respectful and actionable feedback to students during group and in-person critiques.
●    Maintain professional competencies in the subject area and currency in instructional methodologies through professional associations and professional development.
●    Maintain an active research and creative practice.
●    Participate in curriculum development and implementation.
●    Serve on University-wide, Faculty and departmental committees, as needed.

About the MacEwan Design Program

The MacEwan Design program has been graduating well-respected designers for more than 40 years. We just launched a 4-year baccalaureate degree in the Fall of 2019. This degree is unique in Canada, envisioning design as not just an applied art but also an applied social science. This human-centred approach will allow students to better understand the audience/users they are designing for, and to more effectively evaluate their design solutions. The degree will start with four pathways – Visual Communication Design; User Experience Design; Photo, Video & Motion Graphics; Illustration – with plans for others in the future. As Edmonton’s downtown university, MacEwan encourages students and faculty to engage with the surrounding community through teaching and research.
 
The Design program at MacEwan University prepares students to become the creative design leaders of tomorrow. Students are immersed in the knowledge, processes, methods and skills of the discipline: the ability to research and identify problems and provide communication solutions within a given social and environmental context; use tools of the field to give form to their concepts while recognizing the cultural significance and meaning of them; communicate and defend solutions to team members and stakeholders; organize and manage design projects and client relations.

Benefits
 
Your salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Our total compensation package includes:
•    Competitive base pay
•    Generous vacation time
•    Secure pension plan
•    Excellent benefits package
•    Effective recognition and retention programs
•    Continuous learning culture
•    Opportunities for career growth

About Edmonton and its Design Community
 
Edmonton is the capital city of the province of Alberta and has a metro population of over 1.3 million people. It boasts the largest urban park in North America with many opportunities for recreation in the summer and winter. Edmonton is known as “Festival City," home to North America's oldest and largest Fringe festival as well as more than 30 major festivals celebrating music, theater, dance, visual arts, street performers, ethnic food, and more.
 
Edmonton’s design community is very strong. The GDC Alberta North holds multiple public events each year, from workshops to lectures with world-renowned speakers. The Advertising Club of Edmonton (ACE) is also very active holding the largest ad award show each year, the ACE awards. Edmonton also has a vibrant meetup community including Creative Mornings, Pecha Kucha, Photography Group, Film Makers Group, Game Camp, International Association of Business Communicators meetings and Nerd Nite to name a few.
 
To learn more about Edmonton, click here: http://exploreedmonton.com/

Application Details
 
Applicants should submit the following:
●    cover letter (with competition number stated)
●    curriculum vitae
●    recent teaching evaluations
●    a statement of teaching philosophy and approaches (including sample course outlines, projects and student work)
●    a statement of research interests and experience (including examples of your work, communications and publications)
●    portfolio of professional work
●    names and contact information for three references

Review of applications will commence February 15, 2021 and the competition will remain open until the successful candidate has been found. Likely start date for this position is July 1, 2021.

Questions about this position may be addressed to Robert Andruchow, Chair, Department of Art and Design: andruchowr@macewan.ca

How to Apply   

Only applications received electronically will be considered.  To apply, go to http://www.macewan.ca/careers and select the job posting. 

Thank you for your interest in employment with MacEwan University. We will be reviewing all applications to select the candidates whose qualifications and experience most closely meet our needs. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

For general inquiries, please contact us at careers@macewan.ca

This position is included under the Faculty Association collective agreement.

MacEwan University is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.  We encourage Indigenous people, persons living with a disability, sexual and gender minorities, women, and members of all minority groups to apply and to self-identify. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.