Instructor, Graphic / Interactive Design

$71,935 - $133,544/Yr

Foothill-De Anza Community College District - Los Altos, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Onsite - Los Altos, CA

Educational Services

About the position

The Foothill-De Anza Community College District is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Instructor for the Graphic / Interactive Design program at Foothill College. This position is designed for a graphic design generalist who possesses a broad understanding of graphic and interactive design principles. The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching a diverse range of courses to both majors and non-majors, focusing on advancing visual communication through the study of graphic design techniques and history. The department is part of the Fine Arts and Communication Division and aims to prepare students for careers in graphic design. In this role, the instructor will be expected to teach courses that span from foundational design principles to advanced new media design. The pedagogical approach should effectively balance design theory with practical application, fostering innovative design practices across both traditional and emerging media. The instructor should be comfortable teaching both technical skills and conceptual frameworks, ensuring that students develop a comprehensive understanding of the field. Standard duties for this full-time faculty position include the development, assessment, and revision of curricula and textbooks, conducting program reviews, assessing Student Learning Outcomes, maintaining scheduled office hours, and attending department and division meetings. Faculty members are also expected to engage in professional growth activities, serve on district and college committees, collaborate with other departments and community partners to enhance student success, and fulfill other responsibilities consistent with the role of an instructor. The ideal candidate will embody the qualities of a lifelong learner and independent thinker, fostering a democratic learning environment that encourages creativity and responsible resource use.

Responsibilities

• Teach a variety of courses in graphic and interactive design to majors and non-majors.
• Develop, assess, and revise curricula and textbooks for graphic design courses.
• Conduct program reviews and assess Student Learning Outcomes.
• Maintain scheduled office hours for student support.
• Attend department and division meetings regularly.
• Engage in professional growth activities and service on district and college committees.
• Collaborate with other departments and community partners to improve student success.
• Foster a democratic learning environment that encourages creativity and responsible resource use.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and two years of professional experience in graphic design, or an associate's degree and six years of professional experience.
• Understanding of and sensitivity to diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds of community college students.

Nice-to-haves

• Professional experience in graphic and interactive design with the ability to convey industry expectations to students.
• Teaching experience in graphic and interactive design at a community college, college/university, or vocational pro-school.
• Experience with online teaching and instructional technology/learning management systems in both online and hybrid settings.
• Knowledge of graphic design foundations as applied to communication design and industry-standard software.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with others.
• Knowledge of equity-minded and culturally responsive teaching strategies.

Benefits

• Medical coverage for employee and eligible dependents.
• Dental and vision care.
• Employee assistance program.
• Long-term disability insurance.
• Retirement benefits and basic life insurance.
• Voluntary benefits such as legal assistance, pet insurance, and long-term care.
• Paid professional development leaves and stipends for educational and professional development.