Professor, UX Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Professor, UX Design

Company: Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)

Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Higher Education / Art & Design / UX Design

Date Posted: June 11, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years (Professional Experience)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and develop a progressive UX Design curriculum within the SCAD School of Design, focusing on industry-relevant methodologies and best practices.

• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration across SCAD locations and with related disciplines to enrich the student learning experience.

• Mentor and guide students in applying UX design theories, critical thinking, and innovative problem-solving to real-world challenges.

• Champion diversity and inclusion within the classroom, creating a learning environment that celebrates varied perspectives and backgrounds.

• Integrate cutting-edge industry trends and technologies, particularly in design systems and user research, to ensure students are prepared for evolving careers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Professor, indicating a significant level of authority and responsibility in curriculum development and faculty guidance within the UX Design discipline at SCAD. The emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and connection with related design fields suggests a strategic role in shaping the broader design education at the institution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and refine curriculum for UX Design courses, ensuring alignment with industry standards and SCAD's educational objectives.

• Deliver engaging and effective instruction in UX Design methodologies, theories, and practical applications, including user research, interaction design, and interface design.

• Guide students in developing comprehensive portfolios that showcase their skills in user research (qualitative and quantitative), digital prototyping, usability testing, and visual storytelling.

• Cultivate critical thinking and innovative problem-solving skills among students, encouraging exploration of new possibilities in UX design.

• Facilitate and encourage interdisciplinary projects and collaborations between UX Design students and students from other SCAD programs.

• Stay abreast of current trends, tools, and best practices in UX Design and related fields, incorporating them into teaching and curriculum.

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

• Contribute to faculty meetings, departmental initiatives, and the overall academic life of the college.

• Advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of teaching and student engagement.

• Leverage expertise in design systems to guide students in creating and utilizing robust design components and patterns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of academic leadership, pedagogical expertise, and industry relevance. The expectation to actively shape curriculum and foster interdisciplinary work points to a proactive role in advancing the UX Design program.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Terminal degree (e.g., MFA, Ph.D.) in UX Design, Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a closely related field is required.

• Academic and professional credentials demonstrating expertise to teach UX Design at the collegiate level. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of significant professional experience in the UX Design industry is required.

• Experience in or knowledge of related professions that complement UX Design, such as Interaction Design, Industrial Design, or Design Management.

• Demonstrated experience in cross-disciplinary design projects or collaboration with other creative fields. Required Skills:

• Mastery of Figma for design, prototyping, and collaboration is essential.

• Deep expertise in user research methodologies, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches.

• Proven ability in designing intuitive and engaging user interfaces (UI) and user experiences (UX).

• Strong understanding and practical experience with design systems, including their creation and application.

• Proficiency in digital prototyping and usability testing techniques.

• Excellent visual storytelling capabilities for crafting compelling user narratives and presentations.

• Strong project management skills for curriculum organization and leading student projects.

• Demonstrated ability to cultivate critical thinking and innovation in students.

• Commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in an academic setting. Preferred Skills:

• Previous teaching experience at the collegiate or university level.

• Active engagement in professional industry organizations, conferences, or publications within UX Design.

• Proficiency in additional industry-standard design and prototyping software beyond Figma.

• Experience with curriculum development and academic program design.

• Familiarity with design for sustainability and design management principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+ Years" AI-derived experience level, combined with the requirement for a terminal degree and significant professional industry experience, suggests this is a senior academic position. The emphasis on Figma mastery and design systems points to a need for current, practical expertise.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Candidates are required to submit a portfolio or its equivalent, showcasing their professional work in UX Design.

• The portfolio should demonstrate a strong command of UX Design methodologies, from user research to final interface design.

• Emphasis will be placed on projects that highlight expertise in design systems, user research (qualitative and quantitative), and digital prototyping.

• Examples of visual storytelling and the ability to articulate design decisions and user-centered processes are crucial.

• The portfolio should also reflect experience with Figma and other relevant industry-standard software. Process Documentation:

• Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience in developing and implementing UX Design processes within academic or professional contexts.

• This includes outlining approaches to user research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration.

• The ability to document and articulate design system development and maintenance processes is highly valued.

• Experience in managing projects from conception to completion, demonstrating workflow optimization, will be a key consideration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio and the detailed expectations for its content strongly indicate that practical application of UX Design skills, particularly in areas like design systems and user research, will be a primary evaluation criterion. This aligns with SCAD's hands-on educational approach.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The salary for this Professor position will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and SCAD's faculty salary scales for the Atlanta campus. Based on industry benchmarks for full-time university professors with 10+ years of experience in a specialized field like UX Design in a major metropolitan area like Atlanta, the estimated annual salary range is typically between $80,000 - $120,000.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.

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

• Tuition remission for eligible dependents.

• Professional development opportunities, including conference attendance and research support.

• Access to SCAD's extensive library resources and research facilities.

• Opportunities for faculty housing assistance or relocation support (details may vary). Working Hours:

40 hours per week, as noted in the Employment Agreement. This typically includes teaching hours, office hours, curriculum development time, committee work, and student advising. Some evening or weekend work may be required to accommodate teaching schedules or university events.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on typical university professor compensation in major US cities for individuals with extensive professional and academic experience in specialized fields, referencing general academic salary surveys and cost of living data for Atlanta.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education, Art & Design

Company Size: SCAD is a large institution with multiple campuses and a significant student and faculty body, employing thousands of individuals. This size offers a rich environment for collaboration and access to diverse resources.

Founded: 1978. SCAD was founded with a vision to provide career-focused education in the arts and design, a mission that continues to drive its curriculum and faculty.

Team Structure:

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

• The role involves reporting to a department chair or dean, with collaboration expected among fellow faculty members within UX Design and across other design disciplines (e.g., Interaction Design, Industrial Design, Graphic Design).

• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, encouraging faculty and students to work together on interdisciplinary projects, mirroring industry trends. Methodology:

• SCAD emphasizes a "the-future-is-now" approach to education, integrating current industry practices and emerging technologies into the curriculum.

• The institution values a hands-on, studio-based learning environment that bridges theory and practice.

• Data analysis and performance measurement are likely applied to curriculum effectiveness and student outcomes.

• Workflow planning and optimization are inherent in curriculum design and program management.

• Automation is less of a direct focus for faculty roles but is implicitly valued through the use of industry-standard tools and efficient teaching methods.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: SCAD's reputation for career-focused, industry-aligned art and design education suggests a dynamic and forward-thinking academic environment. The emphasis on interdisciplinary work is a significant cultural indicator for potential faculty.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Faculty / Professor

This role represents a senior position within an academic institution's design department. As a Professor, the individual is expected to be a subject matter expert, contribute significantly to curriculum development, mentor junior faculty and students, and potentially take on leadership roles within the department or school. The scope includes shaping the future of UX Design education at SCAD Atlanta.

Reporting Structure:

The Professor will typically report to a Chair or Dean within the SCAD School of Design. They will work collaboratively with other faculty members, academic leadership, and administrative staff. The role involves a degree of autonomy in teaching and curriculum design while adhering to institutional guidelines and objectives.

Operations Impact:

The impact of this role is primarily on the development of future UX Design professionals. By shaping the curriculum, mentoring students, and fostering innovation, the Professor directly influences the quality and industry-readiness of graduates. This impact extends to the reputation of SCAD's UX Design program and its contribution to the broader design industry through its alumni.

Growth Opportunities:

• Academic Leadership: Potential to move into roles such as Department Chair, Program Director, or Dean, leading curriculum, faculty, and strategic initiatives.

• Research & Publications: Opportunities to engage in scholarly research, publish findings in academic journals, and present at conferences, further enhancing professional standing and contributing to the field.

• Curriculum Innovation: Lead the development of new specializations, graduate programs, or interdisciplinary initiatives within UX Design and related fields.

• Industry Consulting: Leverage professional network and expertise to engage in consulting projects, bringing real-world experience back into the classroom.

• Mentorship of Junior Faculty: Guide and support less experienced instructors in their teaching and professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Professor" title signifies a career track focused on advanced academic contribution, research, and leadership within higher education, rather than traditional corporate operations roles. Growth opportunities are academic and strategic in nature.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: University Campus Environment

This position is based on the SCAD Atlanta campus, offering a vibrant academic setting. The work environment is characterized by classrooms, studios, lecture halls, faculty offices, and shared collaborative spaces.

Office Location(s):

SCAD Atlanta Campus, located in Atlanta, Georgia. The specific building and office assignment will be provided upon hire. The campus is situated in a well-connected urban area, accessible via public transportation and with nearby amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to foster collaboration among students and faculty. This includes shared studio spaces, project rooms, and faculty lounges where informal discussions and idea exchange can occur.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Faculty will have access to campus IT infrastructure, potentially including dedicated teaching labs equipped with industry-standard software (especially Figma), projectors, and other presentation tools. Access to SCAD's digital learning platforms is also standard.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with UX Design students, faculty from various design disciplines, and administrative staff is a core part of the role. This includes formal meetings, informal discussions, and collaborative project work.

Work Schedule:

The role requires a standard full-time commitment (40 hours/week) as per the Employment Agreement. This includes scheduled teaching hours, office hours for student consultations, curriculum development time, faculty meetings, and participation in academic events. Flexibility may be needed to accommodate teaching schedules, student needs, and university commitments, potentially involving some evening or weekend activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" AI-derived work arrangement is confirmed by the campus-based nature of the role. The workspace context emphasizes the academic and collaborative nature of the environment, distinct from a typical corporate office.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Application Submission: Candidates submit their CV/resume, cover letter, portfolio, and unofficial transcripts.

2. Initial Screening: Applications are reviewed by the hiring committee to assess qualifications against the minimum and preferred criteria.

3. Portfolio Review: The hiring committee will meticulously review submitted portfolios, evaluating the quality of work, scope of projects, and demonstrated expertise in key UX Design areas (user research, design systems, Figma, prototyping, etc.).

4. Interview(s): Shortlisted candidates will be invited for one or more interviews. These may include:

• A panel interview with the hiring committee, focusing on academic philosophy, teaching experience, curriculum development ideas, and industry insights.
• A presentation of their work and teaching philosophy, potentially including a mock lecture or a deep dive into a portfolio project.
• Discussions on fostering diversity and inclusion, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

1. Campus Visit/Final Interview: Top candidates may be invited for a campus visit (if not already local) for further interviews, meetings with faculty and students, and to experience the SCAD environment.

2. Offer: A formal offer of employment is extended to the selected candidate.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your expertise in core UX Design areas critical to the role: user research (qualitative/quantitative), design systems, UI/UX design, Figma mastery, digital prototyping, and usability testing.

• Showcase Process: Don't just present final outcomes; detail your design process. Explain your approach to problem-solving, user research methodologies, iteration cycles, and how you leveraged Figma throughout.

• Highlight Design Systems: If you have experience creating or extensively using design systems, dedicate specific examples to this. Show how you manage components, patterns, and ensure consistency.

• Quantify Impact (where possible): While academic and professional portfolios differ, if you can demonstrate the impact of your designs (e.g., improved user satisfaction, efficiency gains), do so.

• Visual Storytelling: Ensure your portfolio is visually compelling and easy to navigate. Use clear language to explain your role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes for each project.

• Tailor to SCAD: Briefly explain how your experience and teaching philosophy align with SCAD's mission and its emphasis on career-focused, interdisciplinary design education.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your pedagogical approach to teaching UX Design, particularly how you integrate theory with practice.

• Anticipate questions about curriculum development, student mentorship, and fostering innovation.

• Have specific examples ready to discuss your experience with design systems, user research, and Figma.

• Consider how you would address challenges related to teaching diverse student populations and promoting inclusive learning environments.

• Be ready to articulate your vision for the future of UX Design education.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes academic rigor, practical skills, and cultural fit. The portfolio review is a critical component, requiring candidates to showcase not only their work but also their understanding of design processes and strategic application.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential. Mastery is required for UI/UX design, prototyping, collaborative design, and likely for teaching these aspects.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma is primary, familiarity with other prototyping tools (e.g., Adobe XD, InVision, Axure) may be beneficial.

• User Research Tools: Experience with tools for surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform), user interviews, and usability testing platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback).

• Design System Management: Tools and methodologies for creating, documenting, and maintaining design systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) for understanding user behavior post-launch, though direct responsibility might be limited for faculty.

• Ability to interpret data from usability testing and user research to inform design decisions.

• Experience creating reports and presentations on design research findings and project outcomes. CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct "operations" role in the corporate sense, understanding how UX design integrates with product development cycles, which often involve CRMs and automation tools, is beneficial for context.

• Familiarity with project management software (e.g., Asana, Jira, Trello) for organizing course projects and managing academic workloads.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific emphasis on Figma and design systems within the AI-derived tools list directly reflects the requirements mentioned in the job description, highlighting their critical importance for this Professor role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values: (Interpreted as Academic & Departmental Values)

• Excellence in Design Education: A commitment to providing high-quality, career-focused education that prepares students for success in the UX Design industry.

• Innovation and Creativity: Fostering an environment where students and faculty are encouraged to push creative boundaries, experiment with new ideas, and develop innovative solutions.

• Collaboration and Interdisciplinarity: Valuing teamwork, cross-disciplinary interaction, and shared learning experiences among students and faculty across different programs and campuses.

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Actively promoting an inclusive environment that respects and celebrates diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.

• Industry Relevance: Maintaining strong connections with the professional UX Design industry to ensure curriculum and teaching remain current and relevant.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary Integration: A strong emphasis on working with faculty from other design and technology disciplines to create integrated learning experiences and projects.

• Feedback Culture: Encouraging constructive feedback among faculty and between faculty and students to promote continuous improvement in teaching and learning.

• Knowledge Sharing: Practices that support the sharing of best practices, research findings, and industry insights within the department and across the university.

• Student-Centered Approach: A primary focus on student success, providing mentorship, guidance, and support throughout their academic journey.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Values" and "Collaboration Style" sections are interpreted through the lens of an academic institution's culture, focusing on educational mission, pedagogical approaches, and community building rather than corporate operational efficiency.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Keeping Pace with Rapid Industry Evolution: The UX Design field evolves quickly with new technologies, methodologies, and user expectations. Staying current and integrating these into the curriculum requires continuous learning and adaptation.

• Balancing Theory and Practice: Effectively translating complex UX theories and advanced professional practices into accessible and engaging lessons for students at various skill levels.

• Mentoring Diverse Learners: Guiding a diverse student body with varied backgrounds, learning styles, and prior experiences towards achieving professional-level UX Design skills.

• Fostering Genuine Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Creating meaningful opportunities for students and faculty from different disciplines to collaborate effectively, overcoming potential silos.

• Promoting Design Systems Adoption: Educating students on the importance and practical application of design systems, and ensuring they can effectively create and utilize them.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research: Opportunities to pursue scholarly research in UX Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or related fields, potentially leading to publications and conference presentations.

• Industry Engagement: Continued professional development through attending industry conferences, workshops, and engaging with professional organizations to maintain industry relevance.

• Curriculum Innovation: Leading the development of new courses, specializations, or programs within the UX Design discipline, contributing to the academic direction of the school.

• Faculty Development Programs: Access to SCAD's internal programs for enhancing teaching skills, leadership capabilities, and pedagogical approaches.

• Cross-Campus Collaboration: Opportunities to collaborate with faculty and students at other SCAD locations, broadening perspectives and potential project scope.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the dynamic nature of the UX Design field and the academic environment, while growth opportunities focus on professional advancement within higher education and the design discipline.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Curriculum Development: "How would you approach developing or updating a curriculum for a core UX Design course, ensuring it addresses current industry needs like advanced design systems and user research techniques?" (Prepare examples of your curriculum design process, key topics you'd emphasize, and how you'd integrate Figma.)

• Teaching Philosophy & Methodology: "Describe your teaching philosophy for UX Design. How do you foster critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills in your students, particularly when teaching complex topics like user research or design systems?" (Be ready to discuss your pedagogical approach, mentorship style, and how you bridge theory and practice.)

• Industry Relevance: "How do you stay current with the latest trends and best practices in UX Design, and how would you ensure your teaching remains relevant to industry demands?" (Highlight your industry connections, professional development activities, and how you'd translate industry insights into classroom content.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• SCAD's Mission: "How does your approach to teaching UX Design align with SCAD's mission of providing career-focused education in the arts and design?" (Research SCAD's mission, values, and approach to education. Emphasize your commitment to preparing students for professional careers.)

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: "SCAD emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration. How would you facilitate collaboration between UX Design students and students from other programs (e.g., graphic design, animation, game design)?" (Provide specific ideas for collaborative projects or course structures.)

• Diversity & Inclusion: "What is your approach to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environment in your classroom?" (Be prepared to share specific strategies and demonstrate your commitment to these principles.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing your process from research to final design.

• Deep Dive on Key Projects: Select 2-3 projects that best represent your expertise in areas critical to the role (design systems, user research, Figma mastery). For each, walk through the problem, your process, your role, the challenges, the solutions, and the impact.

• Demonstrate Figma Proficiency: If possible, show live examples or detailed walkthroughs within Figma to illustrate your command of the tool.

• Articulate Design Decisions: Be ready to explain why you made certain design choices, linking them back to user research, design principles, or project goals.

• Connect to Teaching: Frame your projects and experiences in a way that demonstrates how you would teach them to students, highlighting learning outcomes and pedagogical insights.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your process, your role in team projects, and how you handle design challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to an academic role, focusing on pedagogy, curriculum, and subject matter expertise, with a strong emphasis on portfolio demonstration and alignment with SCAD's educational philosophy.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Professor, UX Design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the SCAD Careers page.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Carefully select and organize your professional UX Design work, ensuring it prominently features your expertise in user research, design systems, Figma, prototyping, and UI/UX design. Tailor your selection to highlight projects that demonstrate both technical skill and pedagogical potential.

• Optimize Your CV/Resume: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your terminal degree, years of professional UX Design experience, teaching experience (if any), and any relevant publications or industry contributions. Use keywords from the job description to highlight your qualifications.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Articulate your passion for teaching UX Design, your understanding of SCAD's mission, and how your skills and experience align with the requirements of this Professor role. Specifically address your approach to curriculum development, industry relevance, and fostering an inclusive learning environment.

• Prepare Your Portfolio Presentation: Rehearse a concise and impactful presentation of your portfolio. Be ready to discuss your design process, decision-making, and how you would translate your professional experience into effective teaching strategies for SCAD students.

• Research SCAD: Familiarize yourself with SCAD's academic programs, particularly in the School of Design, its educational philosophy, and its commitment to career-focused education. Understand how your role contributes to the institution's broader goals.

⚠️ 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.