Adjunct Faculty Communication Design and Strategy - 3D Motion

STATUS: Part Time

DIVISION: Communication Design & Strategy

REPORTS TO: Communication Design & Strategy Chair

SUPERVISES: N/A

FLSA STATUS: Non Exempt

Position Description:

The Communication Design department is seeking a creative and technically proficient Adjunct Faculty member to teach CDS 324: Motion 3D, an advanced elective course for third- and fourth-year students. In-person, hybrid, or remote teaching options.

Course Overview:

This course serves as the third installment in our motion design sequence. You will guide students as they expand upon the foundational concepts of typography, image, video, and sound introduced in Motion I and II, now integrating complex 3D and 4D concepts into their work.

The curriculum focuses on:

• Dynamic Systems: Integrating typography, color, and 2D/3D/4D imagery into sophisticated communication solutions.
• Technical Mastery: Teaching professional use of digital hardware and software, including strict file management and naming conventions.
• Strategic Design: Applying typographic hierarchy and compositional strategies within a dynamic, sequential system to meet specific project goals.
• Process & Critique: Leading students through an iterative design process, from initial ideas to finished outcomes, while fostering the ability to defend design choices through critical judgment.

Position Accountabilities and Essential Functions:

• Provide detailed briefs for each project that define criteria for creativity, craft, and conceptual depth.
• Support 3rd and 4th-year Communication Design majors as they apply core skills from prerequisite courses to expansive, open-channel communication contexts.
• Grade students based on project outcomes, visual sketch processes, meeting deadlines, and participation in course critiques.
• Maintain active communication via email and Canvas and ensure students use class time effectively for project development.

Qualifications and Experience:

• BFA in a design field.
• Expertise in Cinema 4D motion design tools and digital/analog applications.
• Strong understanding of editorial message structures and audience-driven design.
• Ability to cultivate a professional environment where students are prepared for individual and group critiques.
• Teaching experience preferred, but not required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This job operates in a professional office and college campus environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to maintain a stationary position, use a computer and other office equipment, and communicate effectively in person, by phone, and virtually. Frequent interaction with others, including staff, faculty, students and third parties is required. The employee may occasionally be required to move files or other objects weighing up to 25 pounds, including from low and high places. The ability to move around within the office and between buildings on campus, attend off-site meetings and events, and travel between Ford Campus site to Taubman Center site are required. CCS will make reasonable accommodations that will allow individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

About CCS:

The College for Creative Studies (CCS) is a nonprofit, private college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and authorized by the Michigan Education Department to grant Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. CCS, located in midtown Detroit, strives to provide students with the tools needed for successful careers in the dynamic and growing creative industries. CCS fosters students’ resolve to pursue excellence, act ethically, engage their responsibilities as citizens, and learn throughout their lives. With world-class faculty and unsurpassed facilities, students learn to be visual communicators who actively use art and design toward the betterment of society. The College is a major supplier of talent to numerous industries, such as transportation, film and animation, advertising and communications, consumer electronics, athletic apparel, and many more. Its graduates are exhibiting artists and teachers, design problem solvers and innovators, as well as creative leaders in business.

To apply:

Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. The search will close when a suitable candidate is hired. Interested candidates should submit the following in PDF format: Resume, portfolio, and a letter of application should be submitted to: [email protected]

CCS website:

The College for Creative Studies, a leading college of art and design, represents a community composed of individuals with many perspectives, personal experiences, values, identities and worldviews and we value what this brings to our organization. CCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, height, weight, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

The College for Creative Studies subscribes to the principle of equal opportunity in its employment, admissions and educational practices and strives to provide an environment and workplace free from unlawful harassment or discrimination. We encourage applications from all.