Position Summary
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is seeking a dynamic, student-centered part-time instructor to help develop and teach courses in our Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Graphic Design program. Housed within the Fine Art program alongside our vibrant Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) in Visual Art degree, our program fosters a collaborative studio environment where graphic design and fine art students work side by side. We believe that exceptional design is rooted in strong traditional principles. Our curriculum emphasizes foundational approaches to making, rigorous brainstorming and conceptualization techniques, and meticulous craftsmanship before students lean into the advanced capabilities of industry-standard design software. Our students are actively preparing to enter the professional design field or transfer to a four-year undergraduate design program.
While our primary instructional focus centers on core studio foundations, coursework also introduces students to a broad spectrum of contemporary disciplines, including:
- Web development and design for the web.
- Digital marketing and brand strategy.
- Design for print and packaging.
- Animation and UX/UI principles.
The ideal candidate will share our commitment to bridging traditional artistic foundations with modern digital applications, guiding students to become adaptable, thoughtful, and technically skilled creative professionals.
Special Instructions to Applicants: Please include a PDF of your artwork (up to 20 images labeled with title, year, medium, size) OR a link to your website. If applicable, please include a PDF of your students work (up to 20 images labeled with the year, title of project, and medium).
Duties and Responsibilities
- Successfully prepare, manage, and deliver course content in order to achieve course objectives, accommodate diverse learning styles, and meet student learning outcomes.
- Actively engage students and provide prompt, objective, respectful, and effective feedback.
- Communicate and follow the course syllabus content in accordance with directions provided and administrative guidance.
- Work collaboratively with the College's support services to identify and address the student's academic support needs.
- Utilize College technology for the delivery of instruction and completion of operational processes; this includes but is not limited to the College's learning management system, email and calendaring solution, document management system(s), student information system, and employee portals.
- Meet deadlines, including maintaining and submitting accurate class records, employee records/requests, and other assigned tasks.
- When applicable, ensure laboratories are appropriately stocked with required supplies and equipment is in safe operating order.
- Facilitate a positive, student-centered, and professional environment among students, faculty, and staff.
Required Education/Experience
Applicants must meet one of the following credentialing pathways:
- Pathway 1: An MFA in a design concentration (such as Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or Interactive Design).
- Pathway 2: An MFA in a related fine art or visual arts discipline (such as Printmaking, Drawing, Painting, or Studio Art), plus either a lower-level degree in graphic design (e.g., a BFA or AAS in Graphic Design) or a strong professional design portfolio demonstrating substantial industry experience.
Additional Required Qualifications:
- Thorough knowledge of the current Mac platform and industry-standard Adobe Creative Suite software.
- Demonstrated ability to teach introductory and intermediate levels of graphic design, emphasizing foundational studio principles, conceptualization, and craftsmanship.
- Strong organizational and reliability skills, with the ability to maintain and share a collaborative studio workspace effectively.
- Commitment to participating in college communications, meeting departmental and academic deadlines, and maintaining regular communication with the supervisor.
- Willingness to collaborate closely with other faculty members on interdisciplinary projects and ensure student artwork representation in department exhibitions.
Preferred Education/Experience/Skills:
- Curriculum Development Experience: Demonstrated experience developing coursework, modules, or programs related to Interactive Media Design, user interface/user experience (UI/UX) principles, or motion graphics.
- Specialized Software Proficiency: Advanced technical proficiency and professional or teaching experience in Adobe After Effects and Adobe Photoshop, with the ability to instruct students in both foundational imaging and time-based digital media.
- Industry & Studio Background: Professional background in digital design, multimedia production, or motion design, with an active creative portfolio that bridges static visual principles with interactive or dynamic media.
