Professor, UX Design (2nd role)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Professor, UX Design (2nd role)

Company: Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)

Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Education / Art & Design / UX Design

Date Posted: June 11, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

🚀 Role Summary

• This role involves shaping and delivering a progressive UX Design curriculum at the collegiate level, focusing on preparing students for evolving industry demands.

• The professor will be responsible for guiding students through advanced UX design methodologies, including user research, design systems, and interface design, with a strong emphasis on practical application.

• A key aspect of this position is fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and connecting students with real-world industry challenges and opportunities.

• The role requires a forward-thinking educator passionate about cultivating innovation, critical thinking, and diversity within the design field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2nd role" in the job title suggests this might be an additional faculty position within the UX Design department, possibly indicating growth or specialization within the program. The emphasis on "award-winning faculty" and "progressive curriculum" signals a high standard for teaching and innovation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver engaging course content for UX Design, integrating theoretical foundations with practical, hands-on exercises and projects.

• Guide students in mastering core UX design principles, including user research (qualitative and quantitative), wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and visual storytelling.

• Champion the effective use and creation of design systems, teaching students how to leverage components, patterns, and style guides for consistent and scalable design solutions.

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive learning environment that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and innovation among students from diverse backgrounds.

• Cultivate strong connections with the UX design industry, seeking opportunities for guest lectures, industry projects, internships, and alumni engagement to enhance student preparedness for professional careers.

• Stay abreast of emerging trends, tools, and methodologies in UX design and related fields (e.g., interaction design, industrial design, AI in design) and integrate them into the curriculum.

• Provide mentorship and academic guidance to students, supporting their academic and professional development.

• Collaborate with faculty across different SCAD locations and disciplines to foster interdisciplinary learning experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility of "shaping a progressive curriculum" and "encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration" indicates a strategic role beyond standard teaching, requiring input into program direction and cross-departmental initiatives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Terminal degree (or equivalent, e.g., Master's degree with extensive professional experience) in UX Design, Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Graphic Design, or a closely related field. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in UX Design or a closely related field, with a strong portfolio showcasing impactful projects.

• Demonstrated experience in creating and utilizing design systems.

• Experience in project management, specifically related to curriculum development or leading design initiatives. Required Skills:

• UX Design Expertise: Deep understanding of user-centered design principles, methodologies, and best practices.

• Figma Mastery: Proven proficiency and mastery of Figma for design, prototyping, and collaboration.

• User Research Proficiency: Extensive experience conducting both qualitative (e.g., interviews, ethnography) and quantitative (e.g., surveys, analytics) user research.

• Prototyping & Usability Testing: Skilled in creating interactive prototypes and conducting rigorous usability testing to iterate on designs.

• Design Systems Knowledge: Expertise in the principles, creation, and application of design systems.

• Visual Storytelling: Ability to communicate design concepts and user journeys effectively through visual means.

• Teaching & Mentorship: Passion for and experience in educating and mentoring students at the collegiate level.

• Critical Thinking & Innovation: Ability to foster creative problem-solving and innovative thinking in students.

• Diversity & Inclusion Advocacy: Commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment that values diverse perspectives.

Preferred Skills:

• Collegiate Teaching Experience: Prior experience teaching UX Design or related subjects at the university or college level.

• Industry Engagement: Active participation in industry organizations, attending/presenting at conferences, or contributing to publications.

• Proficiency in Additional Software: Experience with other industry-standard design and prototyping tools beyond Figma.

• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with professionals from related fields (e.g., industrial design, marketing, sustainability).

• Design Management Principles: Understanding of how UX design integrates with broader design management strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "Academic and professional credentials to teach in a certain discipline" and "Experience in or knowledge of related professions" alongside the terminal degree emphasizes a balance of academic rigor and practical industry relevance, which is crucial for a Professor role in a design field.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 10 years of professional UX Design work, demonstrating expertise across the entire design lifecycle from research to implementation.

• Specific case studies highlighting the creation and application of design systems, detailing the process, challenges, and outcomes.

• Examples of user research methodologies employed, including data analysis and how insights informed design decisions.

• Demonstrations of digital prototyping capabilities, showcasing interactive mockups and user flow designs.

• Evidence of effective visual storytelling and the ability to articulate design rationale clearly.

• Projects that illustrate cross-disciplinary collaboration or integration with other creative fields. Process Documentation:

• The portfolio should implicitly or explicitly document the candidate's systematic approach to UX design projects, including:

  • Workflow Design: Detailing how projects are initiated, planned, and executed.
  • Methodology Application: Explaining the rationale behind choosing specific research, design, and testing methods.
  • System Implementation: Showcasing how design systems were developed, documented, and adopted.
  • Performance Analysis: Presenting how the success of designs was measured (e.g., through usability testing metrics, user feedback, or business impact).

📝 Enhancement Note: For an academic role, the portfolio is not just about showcasing finished work but also about demonstrating a pedagogical approach to design processes and systems. It should reflect the ability to teach these processes effectively.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Professor positions in Art & Design at reputable institutions in major metropolitan areas like Atlanta, and considering the 10+ years of experience required, the estimated salary range is $85,000 - $130,000 per year. This range can vary significantly based on the candidate's specific qualifications, terminal degree status, and prior teaching experience at the collegiate level. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 403(b) or similar) with potential employer matching contributions.

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Faculty development funds for professional growth, research, and conference attendance.

• Tuition remission or discounts for employees and potentially their dependents.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Access to university resources, libraries, and campus facilities.

• Opportunities for participation in faculty governance and committees. Working Hours:

• Full-time faculty appointments typically require a standard academic year commitment with expectations for teaching, research/creative work, and service. Specific weekly hours will be detailed in the Employment Agreement but generally align with a full-time professional role, including class time, office hours, preparation, and departmental/university service.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on data for similar academic positions in the US and reflect the seniority and specialized expertise required for a Professor role in UX Design. Benefits are standard for higher education institutions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education, Art & Design, Technology

Company Size: SCAD is a large, private university with a significant global presence and a substantial number of employees (over 3,500 faculty and staff across multiple campuses). This size offers a stable environment with diverse resources and opportunities for collaboration.

Founded: Savannah College of Art and Design was founded in 1978. Its long history provides a foundation of established educational practices while continuously adapting to industry changes.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design Professor will be part of the SCAD School of Design, which likely houses various design disciplines.

• The immediate team would include other UX Design faculty, program chairs, and potentially faculty from related departments (e.g., Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design).

• Reporting structure would typically be to a Program Director or Dean overseeing the School of Design.

• Collaboration is expected across SCAD's multiple locations (Atlanta, Savannah, Hong Kong, online), fostering a diverse and global academic community. Methodology:

• SCAD's educational methodology emphasizes a "Learn and Launch" approach, focusing on providing students with the skills and experience necessary for immediate career success.

• Emphasis is placed on hands-on learning, project-based work, and direct industry relevance.

• The university encourages interdisciplinary projects and a holistic approach to design education, integrating various creative fields.

Company Website: https://www.scad.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: SCAD's focus on career preparation and its global campus structure are key cultural aspects that shape the expectations for faculty members, particularly in fast-evolving fields like UX Design.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is at the senior academic level of "Professor," indicating a significant level of expertise, experience, and responsibility within the educational institution. It signifies a leadership position in curriculum development and student mentorship. Reporting Structure:

• The Professor will report to a Program Director or Dean within the School of Design. They will work alongside other faculty members and collaborate with university administration and support staff. Operations Impact:

• The Professor’s impact is measured by the success of their students in securing desirable roles in the UX Design industry, their contributions to curriculum innovation, and their role in elevating SCAD's reputation in the design education landscape. Their work directly influences the future talent pool in the UX field. Growth Opportunities:

• Curriculum Leadership: Opportunity to lead curriculum development initiatives, establish new specializations, or chair academic committees.

• Research & Creative Work: Support and encouragement for ongoing professional practice, research, and creative projects, which can lead to publications, exhibitions, or industry recognition.

• Interdisciplinary Initiatives: Opportunities to initiate and lead cross-departmental projects, workshops, or research collaborations.

• Academic Administration: Potential pathways into roles like Program Director, Department Chair, or Dean for those interested in academic leadership.

• Industry Partnerships: Developing and managing relationships with companies for student projects, internships, and curriculum advisement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For faculty in design fields, "operations impact" often translates to student career outcomes and the program's standing, rather than direct business revenue metrics. Growth is typically academic or leadership-focused.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The work environment is a university campus setting, specifically within the SCAD Atlanta campus facilities. This includes classrooms, studios, labs, faculty offices, and common areas. Office Location(s):

• SCAD Atlanta campus, located in midtown Atlanta, Georgia. This is a vibrant urban setting with access to industry, cultural institutions, and public transportation. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Faculty offices may be individual or shared, fostering interaction with colleagues. Classrooms and studios are designed for hands-on learning and group work.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard software (including Figma), hardware, and specialized labs relevant to UX Design and digital arts.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for interaction with students through teaching, office hours, and academic advising, as well as collaboration with fellow faculty and university staff.

Work Schedule:

• The work schedule follows a typical academic calendar, with specific teaching loads, office hours, and service commitments. While there are set class times, there is often flexibility in how faculty manage their preparation and research time, especially outside of core teaching hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "hands-on education" and "interdisciplinary collaboration" suggests a workspace that supports active learning and team-based projects for both students and faculty.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of resumes, cover letters, transcripts, and portfolios against minimum and preferred qualifications.

• Portfolio Presentation/Interview: Candidates may be invited for an interview, which typically includes a presentation of their professional portfolio to a faculty committee. This presentation will assess their design philosophy, process, project outcomes, and ability to articulate their expertise.

• Teaching Demonstration (Optional): A candidate might be asked to deliver a mock lecture or teach a short segment to evaluate their teaching style, pedagogical approach, and ability to engage students.

• Interviews with Faculty and Administration: Discussions to assess cultural fit, understanding of SCAD's mission, and potential contributions to the program and university.

• Final Decision: Based on the overall evaluation of qualifications, portfolio, teaching potential, and fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your expertise in UX Design, design systems, user research, and prototyping. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges encountered, and the ultimate outcomes or impact. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Design Systems: Dedicate specific attention to projects involving design systems, detailing their creation, implementation, and benefits.

• Showcase Teaching Philosophy: If possible, include examples of student work you have mentored or discuss your approach to teaching specific UX concepts.

• Figma Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio or presentation clearly demonstrates your advanced skills in Figma, perhaps through interactive prototypes or system component examples.

• Tailor to SCAD: Research SCAD’s mission, values, and existing curriculum to tailor your portfolio and presentation to align with their educational philosophy and needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your pedagogical approaches to teaching complex UX concepts like user research, information architecture, and interaction design.

• Have examples ready to illustrate how you foster critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills in students.

• Be ready to discuss your vision for the future of UX Design education and how you would contribute to SCAD's program.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount for this role. It serves as the primary evidence of professional expertise and the ability to translate that into educational content and student success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential and explicitly required for UI design, prototyping, and collaborative design system development.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with tools like Adobe XD, InVision, or Axure may be beneficial for diverse project needs.

• User Research Platforms: Experience with tools for surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform), user testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback), and analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, Hotjar).

• Design System Management Tools: Familiarity with platforms or methodologies for documenting and managing design systems (e.g., Zeroheight, Storybook, or custom documentation).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar for understanding user behavior on digital products.

• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Excel for analyzing and presenting research data and project outcomes.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how UX design impacts conversion rates and user engagement within a CRM context can be valuable. Familiarity with how user data is managed and utilized is a plus.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or Monday.com for managing course projects and faculty workloads.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma indicates it's a core tool for this position. The broader stack reflects the need for comprehensive UX design capabilities, from research and design to implementation and analysis.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Design Education: A commitment to providing world-class instruction that prepares students for successful careers.

• Innovation and Creativity: Encouraging novel approaches to design challenges and fostering a culture of experimentation.

• Collaboration and Interdisciplinarity: Valuing teamwork among students and faculty across different design disciplines and locations.

• Industry Relevance: Maintaining strong ties to the professional design world to ensure curriculum remains current and practical.

• Diversity and Inclusion: Creating an equitable and supportive learning environment for all students and faculty.

• Student Success: A primary focus on student learning, development, and career outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Faculty Collaboration: Expected to actively participate in departmental and interdisciplinary meetings, share best practices, and contribute to collective decision-making regarding curriculum and program development.

• Student-Faculty Interaction: A mentorship-driven approach, providing constructive feedback, academic guidance, and career advice.

• Cross-Campus Engagement: Willingness to collaborate with faculty and students at other SCAD locations, leveraging technology for remote interaction and shared projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: SCAD's emphasis on "Learn and Launch" and interdisciplinary collaboration suggests a dynamic and forward-thinking academic culture that values both individual faculty expertise and collective team efforts.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Keeping Pace with Rapid Industry Evolution: The UX Design field changes rapidly; staying current with new tools, methodologies, and user expectations requires continuous learning.

• Balancing Academic Rigor with Industry Practice: Ensuring that academic coursework is both theoretically sound and directly applicable to real-world design challenges.

• Motivating Diverse Student Cohorts: Engaging students with varied backgrounds, skill levels, and learning styles effectively.

• Fostering Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Successfully integrating UX Design principles and projects with other creative disciplines within the university.

• Managing Workload: Balancing teaching responsibilities, curriculum development, research/creative work, and university service.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Professional Practice: Opportunities to continue engaging in freelance design work, consulting, or personal creative projects, often supported by faculty development funds.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Attending and presenting at leading UX and design education conferences (e.g., UXPA, AIGA, DesignEd).

• Advanced Training: Pursuing certifications or specialized training in emerging areas of UX, such as AI-driven design, ethical design, or accessibility.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to mentor junior faculty or be mentored by senior academic leaders within SCAD.

• Research Grants: Potential to apply for internal or external grants to fund research or creative projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a senior academic role in a rapidly evolving creative field, while growth opportunities focus on continuous professional development and academic leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your philosophy on teaching UX Design at the university level. How do you balance theory and practice?"

  • Preparation: Prepare specific examples of how you've taught core UX concepts, emphasizing hands-on projects and real-world applications. Discuss your approach to student feedback and critique.

• "How would you approach developing or updating a curriculum for UX Design, particularly concerning design systems and emerging technologies?"

  • Preparation: Research current UX trends, SCAD's existing curriculum (if possible), and discuss your process for curriculum design, including stakeholder input and assessment strategies.

• "How do you foster critical thinking, creativity, and innovation in your students?"

  • Preparation: Share examples of exercises, projects, or classroom discussions designed to push students beyond basic execution to strategic problem-solving.

• "Describe your experience with Figma and how you leverage it for teaching design systems and collaborative design."

  • Preparation: Be ready to discuss specific Figma features and workflows relevant to teaching, such as component libraries, auto layout, prototyping, and collaboration tools.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about SCAD and this Professor role?"

  • Preparation: Research SCAD's mission, values, and its reputation in design education. Connect your personal teaching philosophy and professional experience to SCAD's ethos.

• "How do you promote diversity and inclusion within your teaching and classroom environment?"

  • Preparation: Discuss concrete strategies for creating an inclusive space, addressing diverse learning needs, and incorporating diverse perspectives into course content.

• "How do you envision collaborating with faculty from other disciplines at SCAD?"

  • Preparation: Think about potential synergies between UX Design and fields like Graphic Design, Animation, Interactive Design, or even business programs.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating your end-to-end design process.

• Narrative: For each project, tell a compelling story about the problem, your solution, and the impact. Clearly articulate your role and contributions.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals, mockups, and prototypes. Ensure they are clear, concise, and effectively showcase your design skills.

• Process Focus: Emphasize your methodical approach to UX research, design, and testing. Explain why you chose specific methods.

• Design Systems Emphasis: Dedicate a significant portion to design systems, showcasing your expertise in their creation and application.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it fits within the allotted time.

• Engagement: Be prepared to answer questions from the committee and engage in a discussion about your work and teaching philosophy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for an academic role heavily relies on the portfolio and the candidate's ability to articulate their pedagogical approach and professional expertise.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Professor position:

• Submit your application through the SCAD Careers portal, ensuring all required documents are uploaded:

  • Current résumé and/or CV
  • Cover letter
  • Portfolio or its equivalent (this is critical – ensure it's polished and comprehensive)
  • Unofficial academic transcripts

• Customize your Cover Letter: Clearly articulate your passion for teaching UX Design, your relevant professional experience, your expertise in areas like Figma and design systems, and why you are a strong fit for SCAD's mission and culture.

• Optimize Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., via a professional website or a well-organized PDF) and prominently features your best work, with a strong emphasis on case studies that demonstrate your UX process, design system development, and user research capabilities.

• Prepare for the Interview: Anticipate questions about your teaching philosophy, design process, industry experience, and how you would contribute to SCAD's program. Practice presenting your portfolio effectively, focusing on storytelling and articulating your design rationale.

• Research SCAD: Understand SCAD's educational philosophy ("Learn and Launch"), its global presence, and its commitment to design innovation. This will help you tailor your application and demonstrate genuine interest.

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