Front-end Development for Interactive Applications Instructor

Kwantlen Polytechnic University; Richmond; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is seeking a Front-End Development for Interactive Applications Instructor to join the dynamic FDIT program. The role involves teaching both design and development courses, focusing on hands-on learning and collaboration. Candidates should have a strong background in software development and be committed to student success.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include a bachelor's degree in relevant fields.
• Three years of software development experience required.
• Post-secondary teaching experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach design-related and developer-related courses in the FDIT program.
• Contribute to curriculum development and student support.
• Participate in university committees and service.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Organizational Skills

Leadership

Innovation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Bachelor's Degree in Interactive Media

Tools

JavaScript

Front-End Development Frameworks

Back-End Development

Version Control Systems

Job description

Front-End Development for Interactive Applications (FDIT) Instructor
POSITION TYPE: Non-regular Type 1 contract
POSITION START: September 1, 2025

FACULTY OVERVIEW:

Imagine working in a new, cutting-edge facility backed by a 30-year history as an industry leader. The Wilson School of Design (WSD), located on our Richmond campus, has eight different programs that encourage students to take risks and innovate in small, personalized classes offering intensive hands-on learning experiences and state-of-the-art equipment.

Professionals in this discipline are trained to translate static design concepts into dynamic, functional realities, creating responsive websites, mobile applications, and software interfaces that resonate with end-users. Can you picture yourself working with dedicated students and colleagues integrating fusion of artistry and technical expertise, emphasizing effective communication, adaptability, critical thinking, and precision in a collaborative classroom? Come and be a part of our team.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) proudly offers all learners opportunities to achieve success in a diverse range of programs that blend theory and practice, critical understanding, and social and ethical awareness necessary for good citizenship and rewarding careers.

KPU takes its name from the Kwantlen First Nation. We work, study, and live in a region south of the Fraser River which overlaps with the unceded traditional and ancestral lands of the Kwantlen, Musqueam, Katzie, Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen, Qayqayt, and Kwikwetlem peoples.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The FDIT program is seeking to hire candidates for our Qualified Faculty List (QFL) to be part of a dynamic team in two distinct, yet related areas: Design-related courses and Developer-related courses within the Front-End Development for Interactive Applications program. In the design-related courses, we are looking for individuals with expertise in visual communication, user experience design, and design thinking. These positions will focus on fostering creativity and innovation in areas such as graphic design, branding, and design strategy.

For the Developer-related courses, we seek candidates with a strong background in software development, web development, and computer programming. These positions will involve teaching courses in programming languages, software engineering, and emerging technologies, with an emphasis on hands-on learning and practical application. While the two roles are distinct, they are interconnected, with opportunities for collaboration and interdisciplinary coursework to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between design and technology.

Qualified Faculty List (QFL) is utilized for Non-Regular type 1 contracts as they become available. A non-regular Type 1 faculty member is a non-regular faculty member who is hired for a defined period, to teach specific courses or perform specific work such as substitutions, vacation coverage, short-term emergency hires and other work that is not expected to be ongoing. We are seeking applicants who are qualified to teach one or a selection of the following courses:

DEVELOPER-RELATED COURSES - YEAR 2 | TERM 1 & 2

• FDIT 2100: Front-End Development Frameworks and Libraries II
• FDIT 2120: Web Applications Development Project
• FDIT 2200: Special Topics in Web Development

CALENDAR DESCRIPTIONS:

FDIT 2100: FRONT-END DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORKS AND LIBRARIES II - Term 1
Students will learn to create modern web designs and user interfaces for various deployment platforms using component-based frameworks and libraries. Students will learn advanced techniques in JavaScript Syntax Extension (JSX) and use them in manipulating the Document Object Model (DOM) which defines the logical structure of front-end applications. Students will also learn to implement event handlers and apply routing libraries to enhance user experience when interacting with front-end applications.

FDIT 2120: WEB APPLICATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT - Term 1
Students will work as a group to develop a full-stack web application which includes a front-end, a back-end and a database. They will integrate the concepts and skills learned in the first two semesters of the program to analyze project requirements and design the solution using an object-oriented methodology. Students will also learn to use version control systems to manage the programming codes for their web application projects.

FDIT 2200: SPECIAL TOPICS IN WEB DEVELOPMENT - Term 2
Students will investigate selected topics in web development. Topics include performance optimization, serverless architecture, custom Application Programming Interface (API), web security, and software design patterns. The student experience will be a combination of hands-on labs, seminar presentations and class discussions.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
Faculty members of FDIT are also expected to contribute and participate in any of the following:

• Curriculum development and review.
• Assisting students outside of scheduled class time.
• Preparation processes and site visits.
• Service and representation of the programme on various university committees, internally and externally.

More information concerning the working conditions for a faculty member are outlined in Article 12 of the Kwantlen Faculty Association (KFA) Collective Agreement

QUALIFICATIONS: (Developer-related courses)

• Minimum qualifications include a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, interactive media, or related fields.
• Post-secondary teaching experience is preferred, experience in a teaching-intensive post-secondary institution is an asset.
• Three years of software development experience is required, preferably in the last 5 years.
• Specialized knowledge in Front-End and Back-End Web Programming and Development.
• Extensive experience with software development frameworks and libraries, and the ability to adapt to emerging technologies.
• Additional minimal qualifications for courses as per AC13 policy:
  • Industry Experience in the last 3 years doing Front End Web Development
  • Experience working with a Design/UX team (as a partner)
  • Experience working with a Product/ Business team (as a partner)
  • Knowledge and Experience working with Industry-standard software
  • FDIT 2200: Special Topics in Web Development NOTE: Requirements for this course depend on the topic of the course. Must have demonstrated expertise in the proposed topic, as well as relevant professional experience.

CANDIDATE PROFILE:

• Student-focused: Demonstrates appreciation for students and the role of a learner-centered institution.
• Collaborative: provides evidence of strong interpersonal communication and embracing a collaborative style of working. A team player committed to fostering consensus building towards the success of the program. Demonstrated teamwork abilities in a creative and collaborative working environment.
• Leader: Strong academic leadership qualities and experience
• Organizational skills: diplomatic, consultative, and democratic. Organized, pays attention to details and is a multi-tasker; able to manage and prioritize multiple demands and various levels of accountability. Understands institutional policies and procedures.
• Strong communicator: effective written and oral communication skills
• Interpersonal skills: dedicated and reliable; positive and eager; flexible, open-minded, adaptable, and resilient. Confident, self-directed, proactive, action-oriented, 'can-do' personality. Embraces diversity. Has a sense of humour. Dedicated to creating and maintaining a motivational climate and work closely with other faculty.
• Innovative: a broad, innovative, creative, and big-picture thinker

Candidates will be required to demonstrate an understanding of Front-End Development for Interactive Applications as well as their interest and abilities to consult with and represent the program.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Applications must include:

• Include your resume and cover letter (include evidence of teaching/design experience and scholarly/industry accomplishments), preferably as a PDF file.
• All applicants must include a link to their portfolio and teaching portfolio (if applicable).
• In addition, elaborate on the relevance of your academic &/or professional qualifications for EACH of the courses you are applying to teach.

*SALARY INFORMATION:

Placement on the salary scale will be dependent on level of education and relevant teaching experience. Advancement up the pay scale is based on FTE and employment status.