Industrial Design Lecturer

Western Colorado University • Gunnison, CO

1d • $55,000 - $65,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Western Colorado University invites applications for a full-time lecturer in Industrial Design to join the newly established School of the Arts and help launch a new Industrial Design, Engineering, and Art (IDEA) major. Located in the Gunnison Valley of Colorado, Western’s School of the Arts brings together programs in art, design, film, music, and theater to create a collaborative environment where creativity and experiential learning connect students across disciplines. At Western, industrial design is conceived as both creative practice and problem-solving discipline. Students work across art, design, engineering, and emerging technologies, engaging in hands-on projects that connect classroom learning with project-based community needs. We seek a dynamic teacher who is committed to student-centered learning, professional preparation, and inclusive, interdisciplinary education. This 9-month faculty position offers the opportunity to help shape a new program through collaboration across disciplines. This is an in-person, on-campus position on our vibrant residential campus in Gunnison, Colorado. The teaching load is 24 credit hours per academic year and the position includes reassign time for program development, recruitment, and retention. The successful candidate will deliver engaging, well-designed courses (such as IND 100: Introduction to Design, IND 200: Materials and Fabrication, and IND 300: Design and Application) and may teach other courses aligned with their expertise and departmental needs. We especially value faculty who engage students in high-impact practices such as internships, research, and community-based learning. We value faculty who work to prepare students for a livelihood based on their values and aid students in gaining post-graduate opportunities. The School of the Arts serves over 200 students across its majors and minors. Students can earn degrees in Art, Graphic Design, Theater, Music, Film, and Industrial Design. Combining rigorous academic preparation with high-impact experiential learning. Western supports its faculty by fostering a collaborative and innovative academic community. Our Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) actively engages faculty, staff, and administrators in cross-campus initiatives designed to reimagine WCU’s educational landscape—rooted in diverse expertise and committed to continuous growth. The Professional Activity Fund (PAF) provides financial support for faculty engaged in research, artistic projects, grant writing, and other scholarly or creative activities, with three application opportunities each year. Learn more about the department at: https://western.edu/department/school-of-the-arts/

Requirements

• Graduate or post baccalaureate professional degree in Industrial Design or related discipline
• Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate education
• Excellence in teaching
• Willingness to work with and be sensitive to the educational needs of all students
• Ability to use technology in instructional delivery

Nice To Haves

• 3 years full time teaching experience

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging, well-designed courses (such as IND 100: Introduction to Design, IND 200: Materials and Fabrication, and IND 300: Design and Application)
• Program development
• Recruitment
• Retention

Benefits

• Excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Other insurance options
• After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time