Chair, Graphic Design

San Francisco Campus
Full-Time, (37.5 Hours/Week), Exempt
Job #1974
January 2010

About California College of the Arts

Founded in 1907, California College of the Arts (CCA) is noted for the interdisciplinarity and breadth of its programs. It offers studies in 20 undergraduate and seven graduate majors in the areas of fine arts, architecture, design, and writing. The college offers bachelor of architecture, bachelor of arts, bachelor of fine arts, master of architecture, master of arts, master of fine arts, and master of business administration degrees. With campuses in San Francisco and Oakland, CCA currently enrolls 1,800 full-time students. Noted alumni include the painters Nathan Oliveira and Raymond Saunders; the ceramicists Robert Arneson, Viola Frey, and Peter Voulkos; the filmmaker Wayne Wang; the conceptual artists David Ireland and Dennis Oppenheim; and the designers Lucille Tenazas and Michael Vanderbyl. For more information about CCA, visit www.cca.edu.

Summary

California College of the Arts (CCA) invites applications and nominations for the position of Chair of the Graphic Design Program. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. This appointment can begin as early as fall semester, 2010.

The Graphic Design Program at CCA offers a fully accredited four-year undergraduate Bachelor of Graphic Design degree. The program is committed to conceptual and skill-based problem-solving grounded in practical knowledge of technology, sustainability, business, and culture, while also emphasizing the cultural, social and poetic potential of the design practice and its physical manifestations. Situated at the heart of the Bay’s Area’s vibrant design culture, CCA seeks to prepare students for the challenges of professional practice in the 21st century.

The ideal candidate for this position will articulate a vision regarding the future of Graphic Design and Graphic Design education and will demonstrate the ability to lead faculty, students, and staff.

Report to: Director of the Design Division

Department: Design

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and vision in curriculum.
• In collaboration with the Director of the Design Division and with the assistance of the Program Manager, direct all aspects of the academic and administrative operations of the Program.
• Lead and unify the efforts of a diverse group of faculty toward the common goal of educational excellence. Manage and support faculty in their roles as teachers, mentors, and practitioners. Coordinate courses and teaching schedules.
• Build educational partnerships with local and national design organizations as well as the larger professional community.
• Ensure compliance with WASC and NASAD accreditation standards, and oversee department’s continual self-assessment.
• Collaborate with other departments within the College including Architecture, Fine Arts, Design, Humanities and Sciences, and First Year (Foundation).
• Teach at least one class per semester in the Graphic Design Program.
• Develop Graphic Design faculty. In coordination with the Director of the Design Division, implement a multi-year hiring plan including hiring instructors and appointment of visiting faculty.
• Build a strong community with regular, open communication (at least two program meetings per semester) between students, faculty and staff.
• Promote the visibility of the program through publications, competitions, exhibitions and other means that would draw the best students and faculty.
• Perform additional duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

An established and respected figure in graphic/communication design. Teaching experience with a strong interest in developing original curricular and extracurricular programs. Experience in effective administration and management, whether within a professional or an educational environment (or both). Appreciation for the history of CCA’s Graphic Design Program and the needs of a department with a mix of ranked and adjunct faculty that spans a wide breadth of ideologies and practice models. Understanding of the challenges and opportunities of design education in the rich and culturally diverse context of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Interest across the areas of interdisciplinary study, design thinking, design process, experience / screen-based design, design research / theory, sustainability, and design as a positive social force is desired.

Salary

Salary is commensurate with experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Application Instructions

Applicants are invited to submit their CV, work samples, and a letter of interest that addresses their vision for the future of Graphic Design, in both education and the professions, as well as their leadership, pedagogical and administrative philosophy. Applicants should also submit the names and contact information of three professional and academic references. Any work in the digital medium should be burned to a CD / DVD, or please provide URLs, clearly indicated in the materials. PDF and QuickTime file formats also OK. No native files and slides or transparencies, please. Submit materials to:

California College of the Arts
Human Resources (Job #1974)
5212 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94618-1487
fax 510.594.3681
employment@cca.edu

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin February 15. NOTE: If you wish to be notified of the status of your application for this position, please provide a current email address on your resume or cover letter.

CCA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals who will contribute to its diversity.