Art and Design Foundations Professor

Job Description Summary

Faculty are essential to Liberty University’s mission of Training Champions for Christ. It is expected that ‎‎‎‎‎‎a faculty member model a personal commitment to the goals and values of Liberty University, engage ‎‎‎‎‎‎in an active commitment to, and experience of, personal spiritual formation within a biblically informed ‎‎‎‎‎‎Christian worldview. Faculty should view their teaching, engagement with students, and scholarship as a ‎‎‎‎means to a significant educational ‎‎end. They should strive to employ a variety of techniques for the ‎‎‎‎development of good learning ‎‎conditions, view each student as a unique individual, and insofar as it is ‎‎‎‎possible, provide for individual ‎‎differences, abilities, and interests.

The Instructor’s primary role is to teach in their areas of expertise, maintain the ‎‎integrity of ‎‎‎course and ‎instructional programs, and to ensure that their delivery is in alignment with the University ‎‎‎mission and ‎‎‎vision for the student experience. As such, faculty are responsible for creating an academic ‎‎‎atmosphere ‎‎‎of mutual respect and consideration for individual dignity. Faculty members may be asked ‎‎‎to aid in the ‎‎‎development of curriculum in the residential and distance education environments, as well ‎‎‎as engage in ‎‎‎research/scholarship or creative activity that varies depending upon the expectations of ‎‎‎their respective ‎‎‎college or school and any additional activities involving service to students and their ‎‎‎professional ‎‎‎discipline.

Faculty attain the rank of Instructor based upon scholarly and professional achievements. An ‎‎earned master’s degree at an accredited institution in an area relevant to ‎‎‎the faculty member’s area of teaching; at least 18 hours of graduate credit in the specific teaching field is required.‎ This is the initial rank for faculty in, but not having completed, doctoral programs, and those with master’s degrees considered terminal and without teaching experience.

Instructors are contracted for 10, 11, or 12 months (30, 33, or 36 load hours, respectively).‎ ‎‎Release from contracted teaching load is determined each semester by the Dean, per Liberty University Faculty Handbook.

Job Summary

The faculty member will bring vision and commitment to building a strong art and design foundations program. The faculty member will manage curriculum, teach, and supervise Teaching Assistants (TAs) in foundational courses such as Intro to 2D Design, Intro to 3D Design, Art as Communication, Art Appreciation, Intro to Graphic Design, and Media Design. Faculty must be able to teach both residential and online courses and demonstrate a willingness to participate in professional development activities and conferences, serve on school and university committees, conduct student advising, student recruitment, curriculum, development, assessment, and achieve creative or pedagogical research. The faculty member must be able to operate learning management software and other technological tools utilized to facilitate content creation, communication, and planning. There must be an ability to participate in professional development activities and conferences, serve on school and university committees, conduct student advising, student recruitment, curriculum development, and assessment.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in both studio and digital art disciplines. with the ability to utilize industry-standard software (Adobe in a Mac environment). Applicant must have a strong commitment to teaching art and design foundations Strictly adheres to Liberty University policies, representing the University in an exemplary manner. Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s mission. Operate learning management software to facilitate communication and planning.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Faculty may be asked to oversee a Graduate Student Assistant (GSA)/Teacher Assistant (TA) if assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS: EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

The faculty member should have an MFA in studio or design-centered program. Additionally, the preferred faculty member should have at least three years of teaching experience beyond the Teaching Assistant position and/or creative professional experience. Applicants should be able to demonstrate evidence of professional/academic activities, and achievement, be able to combine theory with practice in a liberal arts context and be able to demonstrate strong teaching skills. The preferred candidate will have experience with online and/or remote teaching environments and a demonstrated history of pedagogical excellence.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension

Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated information. Ability to understand, speak, and write English to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner. Possess effective communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of environments. Strong organizational skills. Computer and scheduling skills.

Problem-Solving

Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment to solve problems routinely and complex in nature. Flexibility in a swiftly changing environment.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

Required to travel to local and campus locations. Regularly required to sit to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard. Regularly required to hear and speak to effectively communicate orally. Regularly required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the campus. Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel, or stoop to conduct business. Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment

The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled setting. It is well-lit, and the noise level is moderate. Working environment also includes facilitation of events off campus occasionally.

Driving Requirements

Use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position. Proof of a valid Virginia driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.

Disclaimer Liberty University’s hiring practices and EEO Statement are fully in compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment preference to members of their own religion. Liberty University is in that category.