Communication Design Affiliate Instructor

City and County of Denver; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 1,741,286 - 2,041,603; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Access to a diverse student population

Teaching flexibility in delivery mode

Job summary

The City and County of Denver invites applications for a part-time affiliate faculty position in Communication Design at MSU Denver. The instructor will teach courses covering topics such as design fundamentals, typography, and UI/UX in various settings.

Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, with a minimum of three years of relevant experience. This role emphasizes teaching in an inclusive environment, catering to a diverse student population.

Qualifications

• Three years of professional and/or teaching experience.
• Experience with diverse urban student populations, including students of color and non-traditional students.

Responsibilities

• Teach classes in various design subjects including typography, branding, and UI/UX.
• Deliver course content, grade student work, and provide timely feedback.

Skills

Teaching experience

Communication design knowledge

Diversity sensitivity

Education

Bachelor of Arts in communication design or related field

MFA or MA in an appropriate field

Job description

Position Summary

The Department of Art at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) invites applications for part‑time affiliate faculty teaching positions in Communication Design. Candidates will teach curriculum that examines art and design in contemporary society with an emphasis on emerging and interdisciplinary practices.

Responsibilities

• Teach one to three classes in communication design—including design fundamentals, typography, interactive design & development, branding, narrative and time‑based media, publication design, design research, UI/UX, community‑based design, portfolio development, professional practices or internship supervision—in person, remote or hybrid settings.
• Deliver course content and lesson plans; grade student work; provide timely, robust feedback; address student questions; provide academic support; comply with university, college and department policies on student evaluation and peer observation; adapt to new modes of instruction; and remain sensitive to the needs of a diverse student population.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts in communication design, visual communication, graphic design, art or a related field.
• Three (3) years of professional and/or teaching experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• MFA or MA in an appropriate field plus six (6) years of relevant professional and/or teaching experience.
• Experience working with and sensitivity to the needs of a diverse urban student population, including students of color, LGBTQIA students, students from low‑income backgrounds, first‑generation students, students with disabilities, undocumented students, non‑traditional students, student veterans and English‑language learners.

Terms of Employment

Affiliate faculty are part‑time, at‑will employees hired to teach on a per‑credit‑hour basis for specific classes, usually on a semester‑by‑semester basis. Affiliate faculty are not eligible for benefit coverage under the University’s benefit program. All teaching assignments are dependent on budget and enrollment. Qualified candidates will be expected to teach in person/on campus upon hire.

Salary

The final salary is based on the number of credit hours assigned at a rate determined by university policy. Rate of pay per credit hour assignment can be between $1,264 and $1,482. For more information, view the pay rates under College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences: Affiliate‑Rates‑AY‑25‑26.

How to Apply

Candidates must apply online through MSU Denver’s career site https://www.msudenver.edu/careers. Complete applications should include the following required materials: curriculum vitae; cover letter; copies of all unofficial transcripts; a list of three professional references with contact information. Transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire. Contact Matthew Jenkins, Chair and Professor of Fine Art, Department of Art at [e-mail] or 303‑615‑0634 for application questions. Posting representative: Katie Lynch, email [e-mail].

Benefits

Affiliate faculty are not eligible for the University’s benefit program. The University’s benefits package is available to eligible full‑time employees and includes medical, vision and dental; an RTD pass; tuition reimbursement; life and supplemental insurance plans; retirement plans and other programs such as long‑term disability (LTD). For a brief overview, see https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.

Background Checks

All finalists for positions at the University undergo background checks prior to employment. The University conducts these checks to ensure a safe and secure environment for faculty, staff, students and visitors.

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a designated Hispanic‑Serving Institution and a unique, access‑oriented campus community that values diversity, equity and inclusion. The student population is almost 58% first‑generation students and over 50% students of color. The University commits to equity and inclusion in all its forms and seeks individuals who demonstrate a commitment to these principles.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled.