Job Description

DIVISION: Undergraduate Studies

REPORTS TO:                     Chair of Foundation

SUPERVISES: N/A

FLSA STATUS:                    Exempt

Position Description

The CCS Foundation Department provides students in all majors with the core skills needed to succeed in their college and professional careers. The Foundation curriculum introduces students to the essentials in drawing, design concepts, digital fundamentals, and materials and processes. It also introduces students to thinking critically about their work and the work of others and articulating informed ideas through oral and written critique.

The full-time 2D/3D/4D Design faculty member in Foundation is responsible for developing and teaching courses as assigned and is responsible for maintaining superior pedagogy in Design in accordance with current standards of practice. The faculty member works with the Department Chair to provide ongoing evaluation and enhancement of the current program curriculum, particularly as it relates to Design and Color Theory, as well as contributes to new curriculum and program development. The faculty member takes an active role in the CCS learning community at large. This position focuses on Design courses, however, faculty with appropriate skills may teach a second Foundation discipline (within the Foundation curriculum as skills allow).

Appointment: 

Fall Semester/ August 2025

Position Accountabilities and Essential Functions

Teaching :

• Teach three courses per semester;
• Solid understanding of the elements and principles of design and how to apply them to conceptual solutions to design problems;
• Develop an understanding of the language, concepts and principles of design, and foster a superior level of craftsmanship;
• Plan, develop, and make continuous efforts to improve the quality of instruction by using a variety of teaching methods and materials that are appropriate for students with differing educational and experiential backgrounds and learning styles;
• Uphold high academic standards, Integrate diversity, equity, and inclusive content into the classroom, and assist students in meeting course learning outcomes;
• Ability to develop and nurture student artistic abilities, including assessment of student skills and ability to succeed;

Technical and Design Expertise : Demonstrated ability to work with and instruct;

• Stop Motion Video, Stop Motion Studio, Premiere Pro, Audio, Storyboarding, Basic Shots, Behavior and Time, 3D Scanning, Polycam, 3D Printing, Laser Cutting;
• Expertise in time-based media inclusive of kinetic objects, cause and effect, movement, rhythm, performance and the body wearables, adapted materials, storytelling, linear and circular time, photography, research and presentation of process;
• Computer Based Skills: Adobe Photoshop, illustrator, InDesign. 3D modeling (such as SketchUp or Rhino 3D);
• Color theory and pigment mixing
• Physical Shop Skills: bandsaw, sander, drill press, lathe, table saw, gas/mig welding;
• Physical Modeling and Finish Skills: clay, foam core, urethane design foam;

Team Collaboration : Work closely with fellow faculty members to contribute to a collaborative and innovative departmental environment. Participate in meetings, contribute to program development, and engage in department and CCS community projects.

Mentorship : Provide guidance and mentorship to students, nurture their individual talents and help them develop a strong foundation in design techniques and methodologies.

Foundation and CCS Community Service:

• Perform the duties of a full-time faculty member as described in the Handbook for Full-Time Faculty, serving on faculty committees as assigned, and participating in faculty governance and other activities of the Department and College, as requested;
• Assist in training new Adjunct and FT faculty as requested;
• Assist with the jury and installation of the annual Student Exhibition;
• Maintain a professional practice and personal research agenda to keep abreast of best practices, techniques, and trends in the discipline and ensure that pedagogy at CCS remains at a superior level.

Qualifications and Experience

• MFA in Studio Art or Design; or a bachelor’s degree and tested equivalent experience in a Design field (minimum of 6 years of experience)
• A minimum of 6 years of college-level teaching experience;
• Minimum of 6 years of active/current professional practice and an established record of professional success as demonstrated by exhibitions, publications, and/or other evidence of accomplishment;
• Tested experience with curriculum design and planning; and
• Knowledge and commitment to health and safety in the arts

WORK ENVIRONMENT: This job operates in a professional office and college campus environment.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to maintain a stationary position, use a computer and other office equipment, and communicate effectively in person, by phone, and virtually.  Frequent interaction with others, including staff, faculty, students and third parties is required.  The employee may occasionally be required to move files or other objects weighing up to 25 pounds, including from low and high places.  The ability to move around within the office and between buildings on campus, attend off-site meetings and events, and travel between Ford Campus site to Taubman Center site are required.  CCS will make reasonable accommodations that will allow individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

About CCS

The College for Creative Studies (CCS) is a nonprofit, private college authorized by the Michigan Education Department to grant Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. CCS, located in midtown Detroit, strives to provide students with the tools needed for successful careers in the dynamic and growing creative industries. CCS fosters students’ resolve to pursue excellence, act ethically, engage their responsibilities as citizens, and learn throughout their lives. With world-class faculty and unsurpassed facilities, students learn to be visual communicators who actively use art and design toward the betterment of society. The College is a major supplier of talent to numerous industries, such as transportation, film and animation, advertising and communications, consumer electronics, athletic apparel, and many more. Its graduates are exhibiting artists and teachers, design problem solvers and innovators, as well as creative leaders in business.

To apply

HOW TO APPLY:

Resume and a Letter of Interest should be submitted along with :

• Teaching Statement/Philosophy
• Professional work: please include a web address or link within the Letter of Interest where design work can be viewed
• Student work: please include a web address or link within the Letter of Interest where design work can be viewed
• Curriculum Vitae with a list of four professional references
• College Transcript

Application should be submitted to:  hr@ccsdetroit.edu

The review of applicants will take place through December 16, 2024

About College for Creative Studies

About CCS: College for Creative Studies is a nonprofit institution; it is one of the leading art and design colleges in the world. CCS is ranked by LinkedIn as a top three design school in the US and the best in the Midwest, based on alumni success. CCS has state-of-the-art facilities to support the complete range of creative production, from traditional art forms such as painting, glassblowing, foundry, and printmaking, to the most contemporary systems, including the latest digital imaging technology and extensive rapid prototyping output tools. The College currently enrolls more than 1,400 undergraduate and graduate students. It offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 13 majors: Advertising Design, Art Education, Art Practice, Communication Design, Craft and Material Studies, Entertainment Arts, Fashion Accessories Design, Illustration, Interior Design, Photography, Product Design, and Transportation Design. It also offers a Master's degrees in four majors: Color and Materials Design, Interaction Design, Systems Design Thinking, and Transportation Design.

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