Game Arts Professor

Description

SUMMARY

The University of Silicon Valley is seeking a dynamic, industry-experienced, and student-focused full-time faculty member to join our Game Art program. This position is ideal for a creative professional with a strong foundation in traditional and digital art who is passionate about mentoring the next generation of video game artists. The successful candidate will teach a range of courses from foundational drawing and digital painting to advanced 3D modeling, environment art, character rigging, and game asset creation for real-time engines.

As a member of a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary team, the faculty member will support students in developing professional portfolios, participate in the ongoing evolution of the Game Art curriculum, and contribute to the university’s mission of producing industry-ready graduates prepared for careers in game development and interactive media. A commitment to hands-on, project-based learning and an enthusiasm for emerging tools and technologies in game art are essential.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teach year-round (15 week trimester system, 4 unit courses), 36 units per year.
• Collaborate with department faculty in curriculum implementation, student support, and continuous program improvement.
• Ensure curriculum and syllabi are up to date and all classes have relevant materials through program review.
• Maintain regular office hours outside of instructional time.
• Participate in department meetings and student success initiatives.
• Participate in program learning assessment.
• Assist in maintaining a pool of prospective adjunct instructors and part time faculty.
• Assist in observing, training, supporting, and orienting adjunct faculty.
• Assist in marketing events.
• Serve as a mentor for students.
• Build and maintain community and industry relationships, including project partnerships, student opportunities.
• Maintain industry knowledge.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

Master’s Degree in Related Field OR Bachelor’s Degree with equivalent experience. Bachelor’s degree is only acceptable with extensive related industry experience.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 5 years of industry experience in the field of Game Art.
• 3 or more credited game titles.
• Portfolio or demo reel showing creative skills and a strong understanding Game Art production.
• Understand of game art assets development in a production pipeline.
• Extensive experience with game art asset production and implementation using Maya or Blender, Substance, ZBrush, and the Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience with related technologies and techniques: motion capture, FX and dynamics,  Unreal or Unity game engines, mobile game production, and XR production.
• Teaching experience in an academic or professional setting is preferred.
• Management Experience in academic or industry setting preferred.

Skills:

• Working industry professional
• Strong traditional art foundation, including: drawing & rendering, figure drawing, painting, sculpture, and concept design.
• Professional production skills in 3D modeling and animation for games, including:  environment art, character modeling, rigging and animation, surfacing, lighting, and UI art.
• Strong computer skills, including the ability to collect, analyze, and report information.
• Ability and willingness to discern and meet the needs of students.
• Competent with Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• 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 strive for a more unified campus where all people are valued, treated fairly, and possess a sense of belonging. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

This job operates in a classroom environment on-ground and/or online with extensive people interaction. Classes may be scheduled at night, during the day, as well as on weekends.

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

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

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities are subject to change at any time.

Salary : $70,000 - $90,000