Assistant Professor in Visual Communication Design

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD); Lakewood (CO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time Off Package

Tuition Assistance

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Job summary

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD) is seeking a Full-Time Assistant Professor with expertise in Visual Communication Design, emphasizing Motion and Web Design, to join the Graphic Design program and campus in Lakewood, CO.

The successful candidate will teach across Graphic Design courses, integrate AI-driven tools into the curriculum, and advance student learning in a dynamic, studio-centered environment.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Graphic Design, Digital Media, Motion Design, Web Design or equivalent.
• Proficiency teaching industry-standard software including After Effects, Figma, Adobe Suite, HTML/CSS/JavaScript.
• 2+ years teaching experience at an accredited postsecondary institution with expertise in teaching motion and web design.

Responsibilities

• Teach a full instructional load as defined by RMCAD and commensurate with rank, including on-campus and online modalities.
• Course topics include Typography, Layout Design, Web Design, Motion Design, Interaction Design, UX/UI, and Design Systems.
• Advise students, participate in co-curricular activities, and contribute to curriculum development.
• Participate in committees, program reviews, and assessment activities.
• Attend college events and engage with community organizations.

Skills

After Effects

Figma

Adobe Suite

HTML/CSS/JavaScript

Prototyping tools

Motion Design

Web Design

Interaction design

Typography

Education

Graduate degree in Graphic Design or related field

Bachelor’s degree with professional work in Digital Media/Web Design

Tools

Prototyping tools

Job description

Assistant Professor in Visual Communication Design (Motion and Web Design)

Location: Lakewood, CO

Salary: $65k - $68k per year

Application Deadline: 12/1/2026

Overview

Rocky Mountain College of Art +Design is looking for a Full-Time Professor who has expertise in Visual Communication Design with an emphasis in Motion and Web Design for its Graphic Design program. The faculty member reports to the Chair and Lead of the Graphic Design program working closely with students, faculty, and administrative staff to advance teaching, student clubs and activities, co-curricular experiences, and curriculum development. They will work with academic leadership with a focus on monitoring and improving student learning and success, supporting faculty, and performing duties as assigned by the Chair and the Program Lead.

RMCAD’s Visual Communication Department offers degree programs rooted in industry-aligned practices, emerging technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The successful applicant will have demonstrated expertise in Graphic Design workflows, with an emphasis on all areas of digital media including: interaction design, motion graphics, and web modernities. In alignment with our commitment to innovation, candidates must be proficient in the integration of AI-driven tools and emerging methodologies into the design process and curriculum. This position supports the continued design, development, and delivery of dynamic, studio-centered curricula and the advancement of learning outcomes to prepare students for leadership in an evolving digital landscape.

Required Qualifications

• A graduate degree (MA, MS, MFA, MDes, or equivalent) in Graphic Design, Digital Media, Motion Design, Web Design OR a Bachelor’s degree with a sustained record of professional or studio-based work in Digital Media, Graphic Design, Motion Design or Web Design demonstrated through credits, exhibitions, portfolio and live projects.
• Proficiency using and teaching industry-leading design software, including, but not limited to After Effects, Figma, Adobe Suite, HTML/CSS/JavaScript, prototyping tools, and modern web/mobile design methodologies.
• 2+ years of teaching experience in an accredited postsecondary institution with proven expertise in teaching motion and web design, design principles and related software.
• Examples of pedagogical approaches that align with the institution's mission and values, along with evidence of effective and inclusive teaching that values a diverse student body.

Preferred Qualifications

• A terminal degree (MFA or PhD) in Art, Design or a related discipline OR equivalent professional distinction recognized at a national or international level.
• A sustained record of professional or studio-based work in Digital Media, Graphic Design, Motion Design or Web Design demonstrated through credits, exhibitions, portfolio and live projects.
• Proficiency and the ability to teach industry-leading design software (including, but not limited to After Effects, Figma, Adobe Suite), HTML/CSS/JavaScript, prototyping tools, and modern web/mobile design methodologies.
• Ongoing engagement with contemporary, emerging industry practices and pipelines with demonstrated expertise in media through creative interventions in areas such as but not limited to: artificial intelligence as medium and cultural system, platform culture and interface aesthetics, design for accessibility and emerging crossover disciplines.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of graphic design, motion graphics, and web modernities, with a demonstrated ability to integrate AI-driven tools and emerging methodologies into the design process.
• Candidates should demonstrate expertise in motion graphics, responsive web design, dynamic typography, and interactive storytelling, alongside a modern pedagogical vision that prepares students to work across emerging digital platforms.
• Ability to teach and mentor students from a broad range of life experiences and educational paths.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving and respecting all students, staff, and faculty.
• Broad knowledge of the history of art, contemporary art and design.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills across multiple teaching modalities.
• Ability to work autonomously, taking initiative on tasks, and meeting deadlines.
• Outwardly contribute to a respectful, positive, and professional workspace.
• Interest in emerging trends and technologies in design education and practice.

Primary Responsibilities

Teaching + Instruction

• Teach a full instructional load as defined by RMCAD and commensurate with rank, hold regular office hours, advise students, participate in and contribute to the development of co-curricular activities. Responsibilities include instruction and student engagement across both on campus and online modalities. Regularly give feedback and critiques with a combination of in person and/or online written and video formats.
• Courses taught in this role are in the Graphic Design Program in the Visual Communication Design Department. They include but are not limited to: Typography, Vector Illustration, Layout Design, User Prototyping, Web Design, Visual Sequencing, Experience Design, Motion Design, Interaction Design, and Design Systems.
• Maintain a high standard of teaching effectiveness as evident by student evaluations, retention, and other pedagogical metrics.
• Service to the Department
• Support the Institutional Mission, Vision, and Value Statements, and the Department Mission.
• Participate in institutional and Academic Division committees, program reviews, academic assessment, curriculum revision, and/or course development as needed.
• Attend college events, meetings, and training sessions as determined by the Academic leadership and/or the Department Chair.
• Engage with community organizations and associations that further and promote RMCAD.

Scholarship + Creative Work

• Maintain a practice of scholarship, professional achievement, and ongoing professional/creative research.
• Contribute discipline-based, interdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary scholarship that advances knowledge and learning by producing new ideas and understandings (examples can include but are not limited to peer-reviewed articles, guest speaker events and presentations).
• Produce and exhibit creative works.

Note: This position is campus-based, requiring faculty to be on the Lakewood, CO campus as required by senior leadership at RMCAD.

About RMCAD

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD) is an innovative, rigorous, and community-oriented global learning environment that inspires passion for critical thinking and prepares learners to be forces of change in the creative industries, our communities, and the world. RMCAD was established in 1963 by Philip J. Steele, who had a vision to provide students with a quality higher education in art and design. RMCAD continues to experience growth since its comparatively modest beginnings and now thrives on a lush, historic campus including more than 23 acres of land and 16 buildings. We are also pioneers in the online learning environment for art and design. RMCAD currently has over 2,000 students enrolled.

RMCAD is dedicated to living its mission and values, specifically that “Our students come first.” The college continuously works with faculty and staff towards developing an evolving student-ready paradigm. RMCAD fosters a dynamic learning and working environment that encourages multiple perspectives, collaboration, creativity, and the free exchange of ideas. We welcome people from a multitude of backgrounds who are committed to creativity, academic excellence, innovation, civility, mutual respect, and the free and open exchange of ideas.

Our Benefits

• Time Off Package including paid vacation, sick and holidays
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Basic Life & AD&D
• Short & Long Term Disability
• 401k employer match
• Tuition Assistance
• Other Voluntary Benefits Offered

Application Required Materials

• CV
• Historic and current list of courses taught in non-profit, corporate, K12, or high educational settings.
• Cover Letter articulating how your specific skillsets align with teaching responsibilities.
• Teaching Statement including pedagogical and teaching approaches that align with the institution's mission and values. Include how you integrate AI-driven tools and emerging technologies into your workflow or curriculum to advance student engagement and success.
• 1-2 sample syllabi of course(s) taught, if applicable.
• 20 images of professional work, with image/client list uploaded as a pdf.
• 10 images of student work with image list and description uploaded as a pdf.

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is an Equal Opportunity Employer.