Front-end Development for Interactive Applications instructor

FACULTY POSITION TITLE: FRONT-END DEVELOPMENT FOR INTERACTIVE APPLICATIONS (FDIT) PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR – Design related courses – Competition ID: 3366
POSITION TYPE: Qualified Faculty List (QFL)

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) proudly offers all learners opportunities to achieve success in a diverse range of programs that blend theory and practice, critical understanding, and social and ethical awareness necessary for good citizenship and rewarding careers.

KPU takes its name from the Kwantlen First Nation. We work, study, and live in a region south of the Fraser River which overlaps with the unceded traditional and ancestral lands of the Kwantlen, Musqueam, Katzie, Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen, Qayqayt, and Kwikwetlem peoples.

FACULTY OVERVIEW
Imagine working in a new, cutting-edge facility backed by a 30-year history as an industry leader. The Wilson School of Design (WSD), located on our Richmond campus, has eight different programs that encourage students to take risks and innovate in small, personalized classes offering intensive hands-on learning experiences and state-of-the-art equipment.

The discipline of (a collaboration between the Wilson School of Design and the Melville School of Business) occupies a pivotal role in digital technology, serving as a crucial bridge between designer and developer.  
Professionals in this discipline are trained to translate static design concepts into dynamic, functional realities, creating responsive websites, mobile applications, and software interfaces that resonate with end-users. Can you picture yourself working with dedicated students and colleagues integrating fusion of artistry and technical expertise, emphasizing effective communication, adaptability, critical thinking, and precision in a collaborative classroom? Come and be a part of our team. 

POSITION OVERVIEW
The FDIT program is seeking to hire candidates for our Qualified Faculty List (QFL) to be part of a dynamic team in two distinct, yet related areas: Design-related courses and Computer Science and Technology (CSIT) courses within the Front-End Development for Interactive Applications program. In the design-related courses, we are looking for individuals with expertise in visual communication, user experience design, and design thinking. These positions will focus on fostering creativity and innovation in areas such as graphic design, branding, and design strategy. For the CSIT courses, we seek candidates with a strong background in software development, web development, and computer programming. These positions will involve teaching courses in programming languages, software engineering, and emerging technologies, with an emphasis on hands-on learning and practical application. While the two roles are distinct, they are interconnected, with opportunities for collaboration and interdisciplinary coursework to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between design and technology (also see the FDIT PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR – CSIT-related courses posting).

Qualified Faculty List (QFL) is utilized for Non-Regular type 1 contracts as they become available. A non-regular Type 1 faculty member is a non-regular faculty member who is hired for a defined period, to teach specific courses or perform specific work such as substitutions, vacation coverage, short-term emergency hires and other work that is not expected to be ongoing. The FDIT program is also vetting current instructors from across KPU to be inventoried for our QFL. Calendar descriptions for each course are included at the end of the posting. We are seeking applicants who are qualified to teach one or a selection of the following courses:

Design - Year 1 | Term 1 & 2

• FDIT 1120: Design Foundations for Interactive Applications
• FDIT 1130: User Interface (UI) Foundations
• FDIT 1140: User Experience (UX) Foundations
• FDIT 1230: Design Systems for Interactive Applications
• FDIT 1240: Responsive Design: Principles and Prototyping

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
Faculty members of FDIT are also expected to contribute and participate in any of the following: 

• Curriculum development and review.
• Assisting students outside of scheduled class time.
• Preparation processes and site visits.
• Service and representation of the programme on various university committees, internally and externally.

QUALIFICATIONS: (DESIGN)

• Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, interaction design, or related disciplines or academic credentials and experience appropriate to areas of responsibility. 
• Post-secondary teaching experience, minimum 3 years preferred, or a teaching credential and 5 years related work experience.
• Experience working in a teaching-intensive post-secondary institution is an asset.
• Proven track record of leading teams and project management within a design-related industry role.
• Specialized knowledge of graphic design and layout. 
• Extensive knowledge of and ability to work in Adobe Creative Suites, including motion and building animations.
• Extensive knowledge of UX artifacts such as Customer Journey Maps, User Personas, User Scenarios, Information Architecture, User Flows and Prototypes.
• Extensive experience with wireframing, product visual design and prototyping tools.
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge and understanding of UX design principles, UX research methodologies, UI design and usability guidelines through strong hands-on experience and a compelling portfolio.

APPLICATION

Applications must include:

• Include your resume and cover letter (include evidence of teaching/design experience and scholarly/industry accomplishments) preferably as a PDF file. 
• All applicants must include a link to their portfolio and teaching portfolio (if applicable). 
• In addition, elaborate on the relevance of your academic &/or professional qualifications for EACH of the courses you are applying to teach. 

CALENDAR DESCRIPTIONS:

• DESIGN: Year 1 | Term 1 & 2

FDIT 1120: DESIGN FOUNDATIONS FOR INTERACTIVE APPLICATIONS - Term 1
Students will learn relevant digital design and prototyping tools to create visual assets for front-end development, applying best practices for file management. They will develop a foundation in visual literacy by applying the elements and principles of design to creative exploration for user interface contexts. Students will further learn techniques for lateral thinking and practical approaches to understanding and responding to project briefs.

FDIT 1130: USER INTERFACE (UI) FOUNDATIONS - Term 1
Students will learn the principles of user interface (UI) design to strengthen their understanding of the relationship between UI design and UI (front-end) development. They will apply visual design principles, heuristics evaluations, and systems-based problem-solving to front-end design challenges. Students will further learn how to prototype and document common UI patterns as part of a shared design system.

FDIT 1140: USER EXPERIENCE (UX) FOUNDATIONS - Term 1
Students will be introduced to the principles of user experience (UX) design, including design research methodologies, user flows, site architecture, prototyping, and user personas and their relationship to product design decisions. They will better understand the end-to-end workflows associated with interactive applications, from concept to launch, as well as the opportunities for front-end developers to collaborate on successful project delivery.

FDIT 1230: DESIGN SYSTEMS FOR INTERACTIVE APPLICATIONS - Term 2
Students will examine design systems for front-end developers in-depth, drawing from their user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) foundations, to learn about the practical application, design, and maintenance of reusable patterns and components for interactive applications. Students will further learn about the documentation and adoption of design systems across workflow contexts.

FDIT 1240: RESPONSIVE DESIGN: PRINCIPLES AND PROTOTYPING - Term 2
Students will apply their foundational design, user interface (UI), and user experience (UX) skills to prototyping responsive websites across screen sizes. Students will learn about the relationships among responsive breakpoints, content, and visual design principles including hierarchy, type scales, stacking and reflow, as well as integrate accessibility and user-centered needs into their decision-making.

CANDIDATE PROFILE 

• Student-focused: Demonstrates appreciation for students and the role of a learner-centered institution.
• Collaborative: provides evidence of strong interpersonal communication and embracing a collaborative style of working.  A team player committed to fostering consensus building towards the success of the program. Demonstrated teamwork abilities in a creative and collaborative working environment.
• Leader: Strong academic leadership qualities and experience 
• Organizational skills: diplomatic, consultative, and democratic. Organized, pays attention to details and is a multi-tasker; able to manage and prioritize multiple demands and various levels of accountability.  Understands institutional policies and procedures.
• Strong communicator: effective written and oral communication skills
• Interpersonal skills: dedicated and reliable; positive and eager; flexible, open-minded, adaptable, and resilient.  Confident, self-directed, proactive, action-oriented, ‘can-do’ personality.  Embraces diversity. Has a sense of humour.  Dedicated to creating and maintaining a motivational climate and work closely with other faculty. 
• Innovative: a broad, innovative, creative, and big-picture thinker 

Candidates will be required to demonstrate an understanding Front-End Development for Interactive Applications as well as their interest and abilities to consult with and represent the program.

SALARY INFORMATION: 
Placement on the will be dependent on the level of education and relevant teaching experience.  Advancement up the pay scale is based on FTE and employment status.  

Why Join KPU? 

• Recognized as one of B.C.'s Top Employers   
• KPU is committed to actively fostering an equitable and inclusive working environment
• Hybrid environment 
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan – College Pension Plan 
• Extended Medical, Dental, Short-Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, Optional Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Emergency Travel Assistance, Employee and Family Assistance Program, Teledoc 
• Vacation, Professional Development and Accountable Time  
• Maternity and parental leave top-up 
• Campus work environment, outdoor sitting areas and nearby walking trails 
• Campus athletic and fitness centers with a variety of instructor-led classes 
• Tuition waiver program – eligible to waive tuition costs of courses at KPU equivalent to 3 credits per semester 
• Inhouse training and development 
• Networking and social events such as KPU Day, Holiday Social etc. 
• Intercampus shuttle 
• Access to automotive, horticulture, brewery and other programs’ services 
• Clubs: Jeopardy, E-sports, Ted Talks etc. 
• Library and Bookstore (discounts)   

Note to Applicants: 
Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity-deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community. 

If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at humanresources@kpu.ca. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. 

We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.  

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.