Continuing Education Instructor, Figma for Graphic Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Continuing Education Instructor, Figma for Graphic Design Company: Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Location: Providence, Rhode Island, United States Job Type: Part-Time Category: Education - Art & Design Instruction Date Posted: January 5, 2026 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years relevant experience inferred) Remote Status: Fully Remote (Asynchronous)

🚀 Role Summary

• Instructional Expertise: Deliver engaging and effective asynchronous online courses focused on Figma for graphic design, fostering student learning and creative development.
• Curriculum Development: Design and implement a culturally diverse and inclusive syllabus, complete with recorded video demonstrations, lectures, and project-based assignments that align with essential competencies for artists and designers.
• Student Engagement & Feedback: Provide timely, constructive, and intellectually stimulating feedback on student work, guiding them through brainstorming, sketching, layout, and iteration processes.
• Operational Adherence: Maintain clear communication with RISD Continuing Education staff, adhere to college technology requirements, and manage course content through a Learning Management System (LMS).

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is specifically for Continuing Education (CE) and is part-time and asynchronous, indicating a focus on delivering specialized knowledge to adult learners outside of traditional degree programs. The emphasis on "culturally diverse syllabi" and "inclusivity" suggests a commitment to equitable educational practices.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and deliver asynchronous online instruction for a course on Figma for Graphic Design, utilizing recorded video demonstrations and lectures.
• Develop a comprehensive and culturally diverse syllabus that outlines course objectives, learning outcomes, and assessment criteria.
• Provide consistent, timely, and constructive feedback on student assignments, projects, and creative processes, fostering intellectual and creative growth.
• Facilitate student learning through a series of Figma-based projects, guiding them in developing digital assets, design systems, and presentations.
• Engage students in critical thinking and the application of formal aesthetics using Figma's advanced features.
• Respond promptly to student inquiries and provide support throughout their learning journey.
• Collaborate with RISD Continuing Education division staff to ensure course alignment with institutional standards and student needs.
• Uphold RISD's technology requirements for delivering online content and managing course materials.
• Model inclusive teaching practices that cater to a diverse student population with varying skill levels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities emphasize not only teaching the technical aspects of Figma but also the pedagogical approach, including syllabus design, feedback delivery, and fostering critical thinking within an inclusive online environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• MFA preferred or equivalent in established professional practice in the area of study.

Experience:

• A demonstrated track record of professional experience in graphic design, with a strong emphasis on utilizing Figma.
• Proven experience in teaching, including the ability to develop syllabi, lesson plans, and tie them to specific learning outcomes.
• Experience in leading classes and critiques that promote inclusivity within diverse learning environments.
• Experience in course content development, including the creation of video demonstrations and lectures.

Required Skills:

• Figma Proficiency: In-depth knowledge and hands-on expertise with Figma for graphic design, including vector tools, collaborative workspace features, and prototyping capabilities.
• Graphic Design Principles: Strong understanding of graphic design fundamentals, visual aesthetics, and digital asset creation.
• Instructional Design: Ability to structure and deliver online courses, develop syllabi, and create engaging learning materials.
• Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills for effective student interaction and feedback.
• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage course content, deadlines, and student progress efficiently.
• Inclusivity & Diversity: Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment for diverse student populations.
• Constructive Feedback: Skill in providing actionable and encouraging feedback that promotes creative and intellectual growth.
• Asynchronous Teaching: Experience or ability to teach effectively in an asynchronous online format, including content development and student engagement strategies.

Preferred Skills:

• Online Teaching Experience: Prior experience teaching in a collegiate or adult education setting, preferably online or utilizing a Learning Management System (LMS).
• LMS Proficiency: Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (e.g., Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard) for course delivery and management.
• Video Production: Experience in creating high-quality video content for educational purposes.
• Adult Education Pedagogy: Understanding of adult learning principles and effective teaching strategies for adult learners.
• Culturally Responsive Teaching: Experience in developing and delivering curriculum that is sensitive to and inclusive of diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Lifelong Learning: Demonstrated interest in continuous learning and staying updated with advancements in Figma and graphic design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly prioritize practical, professional experience with Figma and a strong pedagogical foundation for online, asynchronous instruction. The emphasis on inclusivity and cultural diversity in curriculum development is a key differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Professional Work Samples: A curated digital portfolio showcasing professional graphic design projects created using Figma. This should demonstrate proficiency in areas such as digital asset creation, branding, UI/UX elements, and interactive prototypes.
• Figma Integration Showcase: Specific examples within the portfolio that highlight the effective use of Figma's collaborative features, design system capabilities, and advanced prototyping tools.
• Process Documentation (Optional but Recommended): For key projects, brief explanations detailing the design process, challenges encountered, and how Figma was utilized to overcome them.
• Teaching Materials Showcase (Optional): If available, examples of teaching materials, such as sample lesson plans, project briefs, or student work examples (with appropriate permissions), can further illustrate instructional capabilities.

Process Documentation:

• Course Structure Design: Evidence of ability to design a structured asynchronous course, including a logical progression of modules, learning objectives, and assessment points.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Demonstrable ability to provide detailed, constructive, and actionable feedback on design work, focusing on creative and intellectual development.
• Content Creation Workflow: Understanding of the workflow for developing and producing asynchronous learning content, including video demonstrations and recorded lectures.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "process portfolio" in the traditional operations sense isn't explicitly requested, the "Documents Needed to Apply" section mentions a "URL link for your professional portfolio." This implies that the instructor's professional design work, particularly showcasing Figma expertise, will be a primary evaluation criterion. The enhancement focuses on what a strong design portfolio for this role should contain.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on RISD's typical compensation for part-time continuing education instructors and the specialized nature of the subject matter (Figma for Graphic Design), the estimated salary range for this role would be approximately $2,500 - $4,500 per course.

• Methodology: This estimate is derived from industry benchmarks for continuing education instruction in specialized creative fields at higher education institutions. Factors considered include the typical duration of a continuing education course (e.g., 6-8 weeks), the complexity of content development, and the required expertise in a sought-after software like Figma. Actual compensation will be determined by RISD based on course enrollment, instructor experience, and specific course load.

Benefits: As a part-time, contract position for Continuing Education, benefits are typically limited. However, potential benefits may include:

• Access to RISD's extensive library and digital resources.
• Opportunities for professional development and networking within the RISD community.
• Potential for future teaching assignments based on performance and course demand.
• Employee discounts on RISD Museum memberships and certain campus services.

Working Hours: This is a part-time, asynchronous role. The instructor will be responsible for:

• Course Duration: Teaching during the Summer 2026 semester, with course dates from June 15, 2026, to July 26, 2026.
• Time Commitment: While asynchronous, the role requires a significant time commitment for content development (if new), weekly content delivery, student interaction, feedback provision, and administrative tasks. A typical commitment might range from 10-20 hours per week during the course term, depending on student engagement and course complexity.
• Flexibility: The asynchronous nature provides significant flexibility in when work is performed, but requires consistent engagement and responsiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the part-time, contract nature of this role, comprehensive benefits typically associated with full-time employment are unlikely. The salary is estimated per course, reflecting common practice for continuing education instructors.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Art and Design) Company Size: RISD is a large institution with over 1,000 employees and a student body of approximately 2,500 undergraduate and 500 graduate students. Continuing Education operates within this larger framework. Founded: 1877, Rhode Island School of Design is one of the premier art and design schools in the United States.

Team Structure:

• Continuing Education Division: Instructors are part of the broader Continuing Education department, which focuses on providing professional development and enrichment in creative disciplines to a diverse student population.
• Discipline-Specific Groups: Instructors will likely collaborate with other faculty and staff within the Graphic Design or Digital Media disciplines.
• Reporting: Instructors report to the Director or Dean of Continuing Education or a designated program manager within the CE division.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaboration will primarily be with CE program staff for administrative and logistical support, and potentially with other CE instructors for curriculum best practices.

Methodology:

• Learning-Centered Approach: RISD emphasizes a learning-centered environment where student growth, critical thinking, and creative exploration are paramount.
• Inclusivity and Equity: A strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is embedded in the institution's values and educational practices.
• Practice-Based Learning: The curriculum is designed to be hands-on and practice-oriented, reflecting the realities of professional creative practice.

Company Website: https://risd.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: RISD's reputation as a leading art and design institution signifies a culture that values creativity, critical inquiry, and professional excellence. The Continuing Education program aims to extend this ethos to a broader audience, emphasizing practical skills and contemporary industry relevance.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an instructional position, not an operations role in the traditional sense of Revenue Operations or Sales Operations. However, it requires operational excellence in course delivery and management. It can be considered an advanced individual contributor role within the education sector.

Reporting Structure: Instructors report to the administrative leadership of RISD Continuing Education. While not a traditional management role, it requires self-management and adherence to departmental operational standards.

Operations Impact: The "operations" impact is in the successful and effective delivery of educational content. This directly influences student learning outcomes, RISD's reputation for quality continuing education, and the division's ability to meet enrollment and educational goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Repeat Engagements: Successful instructors are often invited back for subsequent semesters, building a consistent teaching portfolio.
• Curriculum Development: Opportunities may arise to develop new courses or revise existing ones, contributing directly to the CE catalog.
• Networking: Connection with RISD faculty, staff, and a diverse student body can lead to professional networking opportunities.
• Skill Enhancement: Continuous engagement with teaching, digital tools like Figma, and adult education best practices can enhance pedagogical and technical skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is primarily focused on instruction rather than internal business operations. Growth is typically seen in terms of expanding teaching responsibilities, developing curriculum, and continuing to hone pedagogical and technical skills within the educational context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote, asynchronous position. There is no physical office for this role. Office Location(s): Providence, Rhode Island (Company Headquarters), but the role itself is remote.

Workspace Context:

• Home Office: Instructors are expected to have a suitable home office environment conducive to creating digital content (e.g., recording lectures/demonstrations) and managing online student interactions.
• Technology Dependent: Requires a reliable internet connection, a computer capable of running Figma and video recording/editing software, and a quiet space for audio recording.
• Digital Collaboration: Interaction with RISD staff and students will be entirely digital, utilizing college-provided platforms and communication tools.

Work Schedule:

• Asynchronous Flexibility: The primary work is asynchronous, allowing instructors to set their own schedules for content creation and student feedback, provided deadlines are met.
• Seasonal: The role is tied to specific semesters, with the current hiring focus on the Summer 2026 term (June 15 - July 26, 2026).
• Responsive Engagement: While flexible, instructors must be consistently available online to respond to student inquiries and provide feedback in a timely manner throughout the course duration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote and asynchronous nature of this role is central to its work environment. It offers significant flexibility but requires strong self-discipline, time management, and a dedicated home workspace with reliable technology.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Application Submission: Submit a resume and any requested supplementary documents (e.g., statement of interest, portfolio link).
2. Portfolio Review: A committee will review applications, with a strong emphasis on the professional portfolio and demonstrated Figma expertise.
3. Initial Interview (Potentially Virtual): Candidates may be invited for a virtual interview to discuss their experience, teaching philosophy, and approach to online instruction.
4. Teaching Demonstration/Syllabus Development Task: Candidates might be asked to provide a sample lecture segment or develop a sample syllabus outline for the Figma course.
5. Final Interview: A final discussion with the hiring committee to assess fit, pedagogical approach, and commitment to RISD's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Figma Expertise: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects where Figma was the primary tool. Showcase its capabilities in UI/UX, prototyping, design systems, and graphic asset creation.
• Demonstrate Design Process: Include case studies or project descriptions that explain your thought process, problem-solving approach, and how you leveraged Figma's features effectively.
• Visual Clarity and Professionalism: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use high-quality images and clear descriptions.
• Tailor to the Role: If possible, include projects that align with the types of digital assets or graphics mentioned in the job description (social media graphics, branding).
• Provide a Direct Link: Ensure the provided URL is active and links directly to your portfolio.

Challenge Preparation:

• Figma Skills: Be prepared to discuss specific Figma features, workflows, and best practices.
• Online Pedagogy: Articulate your philosophy and strategies for teaching effectively in an asynchronous online environment. This includes how you would structure content, engage students, and provide feedback.
• Inclusivity in Teaching: Be ready to discuss how you would create an inclusive learning experience for students from diverse backgrounds and skill levels, particularly within a design context.
• Course Content: Think about key learning objectives for a Figma for Graphic Design course and how you would translate them into weekly modules and assignments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process heavily relies on the candidate's professional portfolio as a primary indicator of their Figma skills and design capabilities. Interview preparation should focus on both technical proficiency and pedagogical approaches for online instruction.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core software for the course content. Expertise in its full suite of features is essential.
• Learning Management System (LMS): RISD likely uses an LMS (e.g., Canvas, Moodle) for course delivery, assignment submission, and communication. Proficiency with such platforms is expected.
• Video Recording & Editing Software: Tools like Zoom, Loom, Camtasia, Adobe Premiere Pro, or similar for creating recorded lectures and demonstrations.
• Video Conferencing Tools: For potential instructor meetings or student Q&A sessions (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet).

Analytics & Reporting:

• LMS Analytics: Understanding how to interpret student engagement data within the LMS to monitor progress and identify areas of difficulty.
• Student Feedback Analysis: Ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative feedback from student evaluations.

CRM & Automation:

• Email & Communication Platforms: Standard professional email and messaging tools for communication with students and RISD staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Figma is non-negotiable. Familiarity with common online teaching platforms and tools for content creation (like video recording software) is also critical for success in this asynchronous role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values: While this is an instructional role, the "operations" are centered around delivering high-quality education. Key values that would likely resonate include:

• Excellence in Instruction: A commitment to delivering clear, engaging, and effective learning experiences.
• Student-Centricity: Prioritizing student learning, growth, and success.
• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the exploration of new design ideas.
• Inclusivity & Equity: Fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all learners.
• Professionalism & Accountability: Adhering to course schedules, providing timely feedback, and maintaining communication standards.
• Continuous Improvement: Openness to feedback and a willingness to adapt and refine teaching methods.

Collaboration Style:

• Independent Delivery: The asynchronous nature means much of the instruction is delivered independently.
• Responsive Communication: Collaboration with CE staff will be vital for administrative support, scheduling, and resolving any issues.
• Peer Learning (Potential): Opportunities may exist to share best practices with other CE instructors, though formal collaboration might be limited.
• Student Interaction: Direct, professional, and supportive interaction with students is a key aspect of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values pedagogical innovation, a commitment to student development, and the practical application of creative skills. Asynchronous teaching requires a high degree of self-management and proactive communication.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Engaging Remote Learners: Maintaining student motivation and engagement in an asynchronous online environment without direct face-to-face interaction.
• Content Development: Creating high-quality, engaging video content and curriculum that effectively teaches complex software like Figma.
• Diverse Skill Levels: Catering to students with a wide range of prior knowledge and technical abilities in Figma.
• Timely Feedback: Balancing personal work commitments with the need to provide frequent and substantive feedback to a cohort of students.
• Technical Issues: Navigating potential technical challenges for both the instructor and students within the online learning environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Pedagogical Advancement: Opportunities to learn and implement best practices in online and asynchronous instructional design.
• Figma Mastery: Deepening expertise in Figma through course development and teaching.
• Instructional Technology: Gaining experience with various online learning platforms and content creation tools.
• Curriculum Design: Developing skills in designing effective learning pathways and assessments.
• Networking: Building connections within the RISD community and with a diverse student body.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around the unique demands of asynchronous online instruction and the technical subject matter. Growth opportunities are focused on enhancing teaching skills, mastering new technologies, and refining curriculum development capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Teaching Philosophy: "Describe your teaching philosophy, particularly as it applies to adult learners in an online, asynchronous environment." Be prepared to discuss how you foster creativity and critical thinking.
• Figma Expertise: "Walk us through a complex design challenge you solved using Figma. What specific features did you leverage, and what was the outcome?"
• Online Pedagogy: "How do you ensure student engagement and provide effective feedback in an asynchronous course? Give specific examples of techniques you use."
• Inclusivity: "How would you ensure your syllabus and course content are culturally diverse and inclusive for students from various backgrounds?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• RISD's Mission: "What interests you about teaching for RISD Continuing Education specifically, and how do you see your expertise aligning with RISD's mission?"
• Online Environment: "What are your expectations for collaboration and communication with RISD Continuing Education staff in a remote setting?"
• Student Support: "How do you handle students who are struggling with the material or facing technical difficulties in an online course?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Figma Focus: Be ready to navigate your portfolio and point to specific projects that best demonstrate your Figma skills for graphic design.
• Explain Your Process: For 2-3 key projects, be prepared to walk through your design process, the challenges you faced, and how you used Figma to achieve the final result.
• Showcase Versatility: If applicable, highlight a range of Figma applications (e.g., branding, UI elements, interactive prototypes) to show breadth of skill.
• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If any projects had measurable outcomes (e.g., increased user engagement, successful brand launch), be ready to discuss them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on a strong understanding of Figma, a well-articulated online teaching methodology, and the ability to demonstrate inclusive practices. The portfolio is central, so be ready to discuss its contents in detail.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Continuing Education Instructor position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your professional experience with Figma and any relevant teaching experience, particularly in graphic design or digital media. Use keywords from the job description.
• Portfolio Curation: Prepare a professional online portfolio that prominently showcases your best graphic design work created using Figma. Ensure the link is easily accessible and the portfolio is well-organized and visually appealing.
• Statement of Interest: Craft a compelling statement of interest that articulates your passion for teaching Figma, your pedagogical approach for online asynchronous learning, and your commitment to inclusivity.
• Interview Preparation: Familiarize yourself with RISD's mission and the specifics of the Continuing Education program. Practice discussing your Figma expertise, teaching methodologies, and how you would address potential student challenges in an online environment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details, especially regarding compensation and specific benefits, should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.