The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), located in the historic city of Savannah, Georgia, stands as a beacon for creative professionals seeking meaningful careers in higher education. Founded in 1978, SCAD has grown into one of the largest and most influential art and design universities in the United States, with campuses also in Atlanta, Georgia; Lacoste, France; and Hong Kong. Jobs at SCAD span faculty positions, administrative roles, and support staff opportunities, all centered around fostering innovation in fields like graphic design, animation, film, fashion, architecture, and interactive design. The university's commitment to career preparation means that employees play a pivotal role in bridging classroom learning with real-world industry success, making it an attractive destination for talented individuals passionate about art and education.
SCAD's employment landscape is dynamic, reflecting its multi-campus structure and global reach. In Savannah, the flagship campus, jobs often involve hands-on teaching in state-of-the-art facilities, including the Jen Library and the SCAD Museum of Art. The institution employs over 2,000 faculty and staff, serving more than 15,000 students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. Whether you're a seasoned designer or an emerging academic, SCAD offers positions that emphasize practical skills, portfolio development, and industry connections.
SCAD began as a visionary project by Paula Wallace, May Poetter, Paul Poetter, and Richard G. Rowan, who restored a historic Savannah building to launch the college. From its humble beginnings with just a few students, SCAD expanded rapidly, acquiring buildings in Savannah's historic district and establishing additional campuses. This growth has directly influenced its job market, creating demand for faculty who can teach in restored 19th-century structures turned into creative studios. By the 1990s, SCAD was recognized for its accredited programs by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), attracting top talent in creative fields.
Today, SCAD's history of innovation continues to shape jobs at the university. The institution pioneered online education in art and design in 2001 through SCADnow, opening remote higher ed jobs in digital pedagogy. Its emphasis on accreditation in over 40 majors ensures rigorous hiring standards, prioritizing professionals with real-world experience. Understanding this history helps job seekers appreciate SCAD's unique blend of tradition and modernity, particularly in Savannah where the campus integrates with the city's artistic heritage.
SCAD offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across the schools of Fine Arts, Design, Fashion, Film & Acting, and Creative Technology. Departments frequently hiring include Animation (for 3D and 2D roles), Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design, and Performing Arts. In Savannah, the architecture program stands out, leveraging the city's historic environment for hands-on learning. Faculty jobs here involve teaching software like Rhino and AutoCAD while mentoring students on sustainable design projects.
The university's interdisciplinary approach means jobs often cross departments, such as collaborative roles in motion media design or user experience (UX) within the digital media school. With campuses in multiple locations, Savannah positions benefit from the city's cultural scene, including collaborations with the Savannah Film Festival. Prospective employees can explore higher ed faculty jobs tailored to creative disciplines.
Jobs at Savannah College of Art and Design encompass faculty, adjunct professor jobs, administrative positions, and specialized roles like research assistants in creative tech. Faculty positions range from assistant professors to department chairs, focusing on studio-based teaching. Administrative jobs include admissions counselors, career services advisors, and HR roles supporting the creative community. For a full breakdown, visit our university job types page.
To secure faculty jobs at SCAD, candidates typically need a terminal degree such as a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in fields like painting, sculpture, or fibers. For professorial tracks, a PhD may be preferred in interdisciplinary areas like historic preservation. Administrative roles often require a bachelor's or master's in education, business, or arts administration. SCAD values accreditation alignment, so degrees from SACSCOC-recognized institutions are advantageous. Entry-level lecturer jobs might accept a BFA with substantial professional experience, defined as five-plus years in industry.
SCAD prioritizes applied research over traditional academic publishing. Expertise in areas like sustainable fashion, virtual reality in animation, or urban design for historic contexts is highly sought. Faculty are expected to contribute to SCAD's research initiatives, such as the Sidewalk Film Festival or collaborations with industry partners like Adobe. In Savannah, expertise in adaptive reuse architecture resonates with the campus's historic buildings.
Preferred experience includes professional portfolios showcased at events like SIGGRAPH or New York Fashion Week, publications in Creative Quarterly, and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts. Teaching experience at art schools, mentorship records, and industry advisory roles strengthen applications. SCAD favors candidates with 3-5 years of post-degree professional work.
Core skills include mastery of industry tools (e.g., Cinema 4D for motion graphics), project management for student collaborations, and communication for critiques. Competencies like adaptability to emerging trends, cultural sensitivity for diverse students, and entrepreneurial mindset align with SCAD's career-focused ethos. Soft skills such as collaboration and innovation are crucial in team-taught studios.
The application process starts on SCAD's careers site, where you submit a CV, cover letter, portfolio link, and references. Review job postings for specific requirements, like video reels for film roles. Tips include customizing your portfolio to SCAD's style—vibrant, professional—and referencing university initiatives like SCAD StoryFest. Network at events or via LinkedIn. Prepare for interviews with portfolio critiques and teaching demos. Use our guide on writing a winning academic CV and free cover letter template. Follow up promptly and highlight Savannah-specific interests.
SCAD champions diversity through the Inclusion by Design initiative, which recruits faculty from underrepresented groups in creative fields. Examples include scholarships like the SCAD African American Scholarship and partnerships with organizations like the National Association for Black Journalists for design programs. The university hosts affinity groups, diversity training, and hires via inclusive practices, ensuring a representative faculty that mirrors its global student body. In Savannah, community outreach includes collaborations with local HBCUs.
SCAD fosters work-life balance with flexible teaching schedules, sabbaticals after six years, and wellness centers offering yoga and counseling. The Savannah campus buzzes with creativity—think student exhibitions, guest lectures by Pixar animators, and proximity to Forsyth Park. Employees enjoy perks like tuition remission, professional development funds, and events at the SCAD Museum of Art. Atlanta campus offers urban vibrancy, while remote options exist for some roles. The supportive community emphasizes recharge amid intense creative projects.
Jobs at Savannah College of Art and Design offer a unique blend of artistic passion and educational impact in Savannah, Georgia. From faculty roles requiring MFAs and strong portfolios to administrative positions supporting global creativity, SCAD provides rewarding opportunities. Explore more higher ed jobs, get career advice via higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. Connect with like-minded professionals shaping the future of art and design.
Ready to join? Check current openings and prepare your application with SCAD's emphasis on innovation in mind. For lecturer paths, see how to become a university lecturer.
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