Careers at Virginia Tech

The School of Visual Arts at Virginia Tech is seeking a faculty member / Professor of Practice to oversee and help re-launch FourDesign, a student-run, faculty-led graphic design agency established as a university center. The successful candidate will be responsible for directing the center and its operations including production management and creative direction. Additional responsibilities include teaching within the undergraduate curriculum, engaging in creative scholarship, participating in committees and outreach opportunities, and handling assigned administrative duties.

The director of FourDesign teaches a dedicated FourDesign class each semester to in-major students; with additional teaching responsibilities (not to exceed 2/2) based on programmatic/FourDesign needs.

This is a full-time, 12-month, non-tenure-track position with the possibility of renewal and promotion. Mandatory teaching responsibilities will be in Fall and Spring. Summer effort will include student internship management and client maintenance.

SOVA is housed within the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design (AAD) at Virginia Tech, a comprehensive land grant research university in Blacksburg, Virginia. SOVA has approximately 275 undergraduate majors within four areas (Graphic Design, Creative Technologies, Studio Art, and Art History). The Graphic Design program has five full-time faculty and about 100 majors. It has been included in GDUSA’s “Top Graphic Design Schools'' for the last six years.

Key Responsibilities:
● Direct and oversee the FourDesign Center, ensuring its smooth operation and high-quality student-led design work that meets industry standards.
● Guide and mentor students through the design process, providing creative direction and feedback on their work.
● Oversee client projects, managing the production process to ensure timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.
● Oversee graphic design student internships, a requirement for graduation of the graphic design program at Virginia Tech.
● Facilitate student industry partnerships, community connections, and research opportunities.
● Teach within the undergraduate curriculum, including the instructional component of the FourDesign program.
● Participate in committees and outreach opportunities, representing the School of Visual Arts and FourDesign Center.
● Collaborate with other programs within the School of Visual Arts and College of Architecture, Arts, and Design, including Studio Art, Art History, Creative Technologies, and Material Culture and Public Humanities, to develop interdisciplinary projects and initiatives.
● Handle assigned administrative duties, such as managing budgets, scheduling, and coordinating events (such as DesignUP, Virginia Tech’s annual philanthropic design-a-thon) and activities.
● Regularly meet with faculty, staff, and administrators to discuss the FourDesign Center’s progress and goals.

The College of Architecture, Arts, and Design at Virginia Tech affirms our collective responsibility to encourage, build, and embrace the polyculturalism of our world. We do this by acknowledging and addressing our past, recognizing our current responsibility, and acting in the interests of building and sustaining communities that are truly safe, supportive, and inclusive for all. Our commitment is to continually and proactively engage in these processes for the benefit of our students, staff, and faculty across the college, and the communities around the world we aim to serve.

● Terminal degree in Graphic Design (i.e., MFA, MDes in Graphic Design) or a related discipline, such as Human-Centered Design, User Experience Design, Web Design and Development, or Information Design, by appointment start date; or a bachelor's degree and significant professional experience in design or related field.
● A strong record of professional practice and industry experience in graphic design.
● Experience in managing design studios and production processes.
● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for students and colleagues.
● Ability to work collaboratively with other programs and departments within the School of Visual Arts.
● Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all academic and professional work aspects.

● Demonstrated ability to teach Graphic Design courses at the university level, including Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced levels courses.
● Experience in teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
● Record of excellence in one or more of the following areas: user-experience design, human-centered design, AI, motion graphics, illustration, immersive experiences, environmental graphics, data visualization, web/interaction, typography, branding, and/or design research.
● Demonstrated ability to work with industry (e.g., ability to work with national and/or international clients).
● Demonstrated ability to teach additional courses depending on the area of specialization.
● Demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and/or research.
● Demonstrated ability to teach graphic design courses to non-majors.
● Demonstrated commitment to academic leadership.

• The letter of intent includes the candidate’s proven experience, the potential capacity to fulfill duties and responsibilities (required and preferred qualifications listed above).
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Statement of teaching philosophy, including pedagogical approach, values, and demonstrated understanding of experiential learning.
• A one-page personal statement detailing the candidate's ideas for supporting an equitable and inclusive educational environment consistent with the Virginia Tech Principles of Community. Specific examples of experiences, activities, and plans will help us identify candidates who can support our college’s aim to sustain an equitable climate and extend our University's commitment to inclusive excellence.
• Up to 20 examples of professional work.
• Up to 20 examples of student work (if available).
• Three references (names and contact information only).

Regular

Salary range is $85,000 - $90,000 per year

January 6, 2025 - review of candidate submissions will commence on this date and continue until the position is filled

For additional questions about this position, contact the Graphic Design Search Committee Chair, Meaghan Dee (meaghand@vt.edu).

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.