Department Dean, Game Design & Digital Arts

The University of Silicon Valley, with its rich heritage in the creative industry, is embarking on a dynamic and transformative renewal of its core programs. This exciting phase aims to prepare students for the forefront of the new AI era, equipping them with the latest technologies and cutting-edge skills. Our commitment is to provide our students with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Thus, we are seeking a passionate and dynamic candidate to lead both the animation and game departments, which currently serve 60-80% of our institution's population. The ideal candidate should embody a zest for change, building and shaping programs grounded in data-informed decisions while passionately supporting a student-centric and faculty-supported environment. They should be energized by collaborating with equally dynamic colleagues and an executive team that is supportive of an experimental environment and driven by positive change and results.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Growth – lead sustainable growth in overall program enrollment.

• Collaborate directly with the enrollment team in new student enrollment by participating in recruitment efforts and processes, events, reviewing applications, and transcripts, counseling new applicants, formulating program offerings, and schedules, etc. to support our specific growth goals.


• Stay up to date and connected to the industry bringing connections to the department(s) ensuring their relevancy to the market and enhancing student employability by securing internships and other relevant opportunities.  


• Lead efforts to drive student success at all stages and across the curriculum, including Arts & Sciences courses.


• Define and report on specific student persistence, progress and retention goals.


• Collaborate with Student Services to monitor student progress and provide mentorship and support to students at risk.


• Guide faculty efforts and provide training to promote student success.

Faculty Management – Increase departmental capacity for providing excellent education.

• Lead recruitment efforts for highly skilled and motivated faculty as needed by students and schedule.


• Contribute to the personal and professional development of current faculty through honest and constructive performance review, according to relevant policies.


• Facilitate the growth and development of faculty and improve departmental outcomes through faculty training. Coordinate and/or offer at least one in-service training session to departmental faculty per year.

Administration – Lead departmental processes and maintain records in a timely and effective manner.

• Manage a student-centric class schedule each semester that provides a clear path for student progress and on-time graduation.


• Effectively manage resources against budget constraints, including effective course registration ratios.


• Maintain teaching materials including syllabi and program course Canvas shells in compliance with university policies.


• Maintain academic records including the University Catalog as needed.


• Participate in University governance as a Faculty Senator, Committee member, or Chair.


• Maintain oversight of technical resources as required by the program. 


• Contribute to ongoing maintenance and budget planning for technology and other resources.


• Coordinate with the WSCUC ALO in maintaining all the accreditation standards as well as participate in program reviews.

Program Assessment – Facilitate continuous improvement of programs through institutional review.

• Set goals for, and report on rates of student progress/pace of completion within the relevant programs (including Arts & Sciences courses).


• Set goals for, and report on rates of graduate outcomes and employment with the support of Career Services.


• Perform regular Program Review and Institutional Assessment activities as prescribed by the Program Review Manual, in collaboration with IR & QA department.


• Maintain currency with industry needs and expectations through the Program Advisory Committee.


• Hold all-student “Town Hall” meetings once per semester to deliver news and receive feedback from students.

Teaching Load for Department Directors

Department Deans are also faculty and are as such expected to maintain a teaching load. Their load corresponds to the number of students enrolled in the programs they manage. A larger number of students will reduce the number of courses taught. See the table below.

 

Qualifications

Education: 

Master’s Degree or above in the academic field of the assigned Department’s Program. A Masters or Doctoral degree outside the filed will be considered with appropriate industry experience.

Experience: 

• Over 5 years of industry experience in the field of animation and/or game.


• Portfolio or demo reel showing creative skills and a strong understanding of the principles of animation


• Experience with related technologies and techniques: Virtual Reality, Facial Animation/rigging, motion capture, 2D storyboarding, 2D animation skills, et cetera


• Understand of 3D layout, previsualization, and shot development in a production pipeline.


• Extensive game audio production and implementation using standard industry tools


• Teaching experience in an academic or professional setting is preferred


• Management experience in academic or industry settings is preferred.


• Connection to industry leaders and ability to showcase how you will keep the departments connected to the field serving two goals (student employability and program applicability).

Skills: 

• Excellent organizational skill


• Ability to meet deadlines and juggle multiple, important priorities


• Excellent verbal, written, and listening skills 


• Ability and willingness to discern and meet the needs of students


• Ability to establish interpersonal rapport and relate to individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures


• Strong computer skills including the ability to collect and analyze information


• Competent with Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 


• Ability to work with others in a collegial and productive manner

EEO Statement

USV is an Equal Employment Opportunity & Americans with Disabilities Act institution.  We value diversity and strive for a more unified campus where all people are valued, treated fairly, and possess a sense of belonging.  USV encourages minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities to apply.

Working Conditions

This job may be remote with the expectation to attend some in-person events – some travel to be expected.

Standard duties expected of all faculty include the development and evaluation of curricula, maintaining scheduled office hours, attending department and division meetings, and pursuing professional growth activities.  Full-time faculty also serve on committees and participate in campus activities.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand or sit for long periods; use hands and reach with hands and arms for such activities as keyboarding.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (includes individual PTO plus 10 holidays and winter break)


• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance


• Basic Life & AD&D


• 401k (employee contribution only)


• Short- & Long-Term Disability


• Tuition Remission Benefit


• Other Voluntary Benefits Offered