Chair of Foundation Studies

SCAD Savannah seeks a chair of foundation studies, a position that assists in the development of a thoughtfully curated series of courses that provides students with a studio foundation that builds visual, conceptual, and creative abilities essential to their development as professionals. These skills propel students into major-specific disciplines where their achievements are internationally recognized with honors, from European Product Design Awards and Student Emmy Awards to American Advertising Awards and more.

In this full-time role, you will develop curricula and assist professors within the department through class observations and reviews of student evaluations, contributions to departmental goals, and service and professional development. In consultation with the foundation studies dean, associate dean, and department members, you will develop a strategic plan for the department that is consistent with its goals and the overall SCAD strategic plan. You will provide professional development opportunities for professors, foster interdepartmental collaboration, and continue to enhance the reputation of the SCAD foundation studies program in academic and professional circles. Among other duties, you will also work with admission to recruit undergraduate and graduate students and teach classes annually as assigned.

The successful candidate is able to motivate students and faculty of diverse backgrounds to think creatively and critically. The candidate demonstrates the leadership ability to transform strategic vision into implementation through measurable actions, as well as a commitment to teaching, learning, and excellence in academics. Outstanding interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as is evidence of success in creative and collaborative endeavors.

Requirements

- Terminal degree in fine art or another related art and design discipline
- Distinguished record of teaching and professional expertise
- Strong portfolio of related professional work
- Experience with foundations-level courses in a university environment required

Minimum Qualifications: • Terminal degree in the discipline or in a relevant field is preferred.
• Leadership and supervisory experience in academics or significant professional experience in an appropriate discipline.
• Distinguished record of scholarship, teaching and/or professional expertise.
• A successful career as a faculty member and/or discipline professional, including a reputation for model leadership, excellence in the field, high standards and innovation.
• Leadership ability to transform strategic vision into implementation through measurable actions.
• A commitment to teaching and learning, and excellence in academics.
• Thorough understanding of curriculum development and the utilization of assessment to improve student learning and academic programs.
• Ability to conduct thorough, thoughtful and fair performance evaluations, including classroom observations, productive individual evaluation meetings and clearly stated written evaluations that reinforce a faculty member’s strength and opportunities for improvement with suggested strategies and support for improvement.
• The knowledge to define the needs of the department on new faculty hires and the personnel judgement to make appropriate recommendations to the dean for hiring and reappointment.
• The judgement to make good and fair decisions in the student’s best academic interests with regard to various waivers and expectations and the ability to capture those decisions in appropriate reports.
• Willingness to collaborate with admission on the recruitment and review of students, with career and alumni success on employment and internship opportunities for students and on building links to careers related to the discipline and with other academic and non-academic departments in the best interests of students and the university.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and exceptional work ethic to meet expectations and deadlines in such matters as academic scheduling, budgetary management and oversight, and preparation of required reports.
• Outstanding interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills.
• Evidence of success in creative and collaborative endeavors.
• Innovative, energetic and model leadership.
• Dedication to personal and professional integrity.

Work Hours:As noted in the Employment Agreement.

ADA Tag: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.