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Job Description
Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) is seeking candidates for a 1 year full time faculty appointment in the Industrial Design Department beginning fall of 2024.
MassArt is the oldest, and one of two public, state supported, independent colleges of art and design in the country. We are committed to serving the public, and the broad demographic of students from across the Commonwealth, the region, the nation, and beyond. MassArt seeks to be a leader in increasing diversity within its curriculum and supports programs, faculty, staff, and student populations in reaching this goal. As we aim to promote an inclusive environment, we seek candidates who can actively participate in our shared goals. We encourage applicants to identify their strengths in the area of diversity and inclusiveness. In this urgent time MassArt prioritizes the teaching of sustainability in art and design and defines it as addressing and solving the problems at the intersection of social justice, health and wellbeing, and the environment.
MassArt strives to be a model of diversity and inclusion; the campus community reflects the layers of cultural and self-identity that proudly make up our region, nation, and world. We respect, value, and celebrate the strengths, characteristics, and perspectives of all and promote an inclusive environment that leverages the unique contributions of each individual, group, and organization into all aspects of our work.
Social inclusion at MassArt honors our commitment to diversity & inclusion by recognizing the integrity, contributions, strengths, and value of different cultural, language, and social groups. Social inclusion includes, but is not limited to, race/ethnicity, physical abilities/qualities, disability, gender, sexual orientation, age, religious beliefs, class, educational background, and employment category.
MassArt's Industrial Design undergraduate program empowers students to become creative, holistic problem solvers who impact our society through the development of meaningful & relevant designed products & experiences. By employing a user-centered design & iterative approach to exploring ideas, students utilize empathic integration of social & functional needs when considering materials & manufacturing options for concept development. Visual and verbal communication skills are a hallmark of the program, allowing our students to understand & pragmatically convey the value of design to businesses, communities & people.
The program utilizes a hands-on approach to thinking and making with designated resources and studio spaces for students to learn and develop best practices. It is well connected to a vibrant design community, influential alumni, and several universities in Boston, providing students exposure to industry-based projects and opportunities to learn in multidisciplinary design teams. The faculty recognizes and values diverse practices, from client-driven to self-authored and from artifactual to work grounded in process and experiences
What We Offer as a Department
A traditional two-semester calendar (each semester is approximately 15 weeks, punctuated with winter and summer breaks). Some flexibility to set class schedules (there's complexity and multiple stakeholders, but we'll work with you and your needs).
A diverse, dynamic, and supportive team of full-time, part-time, and adjunct faculty who are highly engaged in the evolving industry. We meet regularly to discuss the students, the curriculum, the college, and near-term and longer-term goals. We're excited to welcome a new member to the team!
Relative autonomy in designing and creating your curriculums (using curriculum standards as a guide). We celebrate trying new ideas to expose students to emerging themes in design and engage students in new ways.
A group of demographically diverse and engaged students who are hungry to graduate and work at industry-leading organizations. A dynamic student-led studio culture focused on personal growth and supporting each other. A growing network of alumni participation and support.
The ideal applicants will be accomplished designers, evidenced by their creative, scholarly, or professional work, who demonstrate teaching and/or mentoring abilities that will engage a diverse body of students to excel.
We seek candidates that are thought leaders with an interdisciplinary approach to their design practice and teaching philosophy. They will have an aesthetic sensibility, strong technical skills, an understanding of contemporary professional practices and methodologies, and a vision of the future regarding the profession and design education.
The successful applicant will also demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student success.
Salary: $64,000 - $74,000 Commensurate with experience
Position is governed by the MSCA collective bargaining agreement
Summary of Duties
Teach three courses per semester for a total of 6 courses per year.
Hold regular office hours.
Advise, mentor, instruct, evaluate and motivate students.
Participate in college-wide, department, and professional activities including, but not limited to; review boards, governance committee assignments, department committees and initiatives, professional outreach and organization of annual student exhibitions.
Work cooperatively with the Industrial Design Department faculty, Studio Manager, Maker Specialist, and the design community to support an innovative and integrated curriculum.
Commit to engaging and supporting a diverse and inclusive community
Actively continue scholarship, research, creative and innovative practices
Requirements:
Minimum Qualifications
To contribute to the ongoing vitality of the department and the college's future, applicants are required to:
Be fluent in design discourse and studio practice and in balancing the conceptual, aesthetic, and technical demands of the discipline. These would include design craft, 2D visual communication, 2D/3D form-visualization and/or 3D form-construction, and experience with traditional and digital fabrication
Hold a BS in Industrial Design, a BFA in Industrial or an equivalent degree
Design industry experience
Evidence of design studio (hands-on) teaching experience and ability commensurate with the rank the applicant is seeking, which may include course assistantships, teaching assistantships, youth programs, or other hands-on teachings at the college or university level in the area of Industrial design or related fields.
Be an individual who is highly motivated and engaged in a creative, research, and/or professional practice
Show evidence of leadership and collaborative work
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Applicants' compatibility with the following will also be considered:
A terminal degree or strong portfolio in product/ industrial design or a related field
Evidence to teach, from a student-centered perspective, at least five of the following subjects; analog and digital drawing, information architecture in static and/or dynamic media, human factors, CAD, design research, softgoods, consumer products, sustainable design practices, light programming, service design, materiality and manufacturing, digital hacking/ prototyping, medical and healthcare design, lighting design, structural packing, system design, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies/ experiences e.g., AI, IoT, blockchain, AR, VR, etc
Evidence of work that is socially engaged, globally informed, environmentally responsible, and challenges the status quo
Experience in the application of theories and methods of psychology in the field of design and development
Additional Information:
Please note MassArt does not provide the following:
Employment-based visa sponsorship or non-student exchange visitor visa sponsorship.
E-Verify.
Reimbursement for travel.
Selected candidates must complete all onboarding tasks including a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) background review and verification of the Form I9, Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. You are required to show proof of your identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of the start of your employment. You will not be authorized to work in any capacity until all paperwork has been completed. For a list of all acceptable documents please click here
Comprehensive Benefits:
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Please click here to view MassArt Benefits.
MassArt provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, genetic information, pregnancy or a pregnancy-related condition, or membership in any other legally protected class. MassArt complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the college operates. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.