Assistant Professor of Illustration and Program Lead (Entertainment Art Focus)
Job Description
Rocky Mountain College of Art +Design is looking for an Assistant Professor and Program Lead with expertise in Concept Art for its Illustration Program within the Visual Communication Design Department. Program Leads are experienced faculty and discipline experts. As such, they offer insight 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 application will have demonstrated knowledge and overall experience in the Entertainment Industry in workflows encompassing various design and production skills (character, prop, creature, environment, etc), matte painting, 3D modeling, color scripting and art direction. This position supports the continued design, development, and delivery of dynamic, studio-centered curricula and the advancement of learning outcomes to prepare students for careers in Entertainment.
Required Qualifications:
- A graduate degree (MA, MS, MFA, MDes, or equivalent) in Art, Design, Illustration, Animation, Entertainment Arts, or a closely related field, OR a bachelor’s degree plus a substantial, sustained record of professional practice in Concept Art, Visual Development, or Entertainment Arts 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 lead with mentoring or training responsibilities).
- 2+ years of teaching experience in an accredited postsecondary institution with proven expertise in teaching Entertainment Arts 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 Concept Art, Visual Development, or Entertainment Arts (film, games, animation), demonstrated through credits, exhibitions, portfolio and 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 with industry-standard and emerging design technologies and workflows, including but not limited to Adobe Suite, Procreate, Blender, and ZBrush.
- Ongoing engagement with contemporary, emerging industry practices and pipelines.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Comprehensive knowledge of illustration, concept art, visual development, character, background and prop design, video games, and the publishing pipeline for children's books and graphic novels.
- 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, illustration, 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 illustration education and practice.
Primary Responsibilities:
Teaching + Instruction:
- Program Leads at RMCAD teach an approved course load. They 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 Illustration curriculum, with specific emphasis on integrating Concept Art best practices and modern design 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 other 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, internship opportunities 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.
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.
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 (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
- Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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