LIBRARY TITLE: Book Arts Designer & Instructor
INSTITUTION: J. Willard Marriott Library, University of Utah
LOCATION: Salt Lake City, UT
FULL CONSIDERATION: May 1, 2016
POSTING LINK: http://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/50068
Brief Description:
The J. Willard Marriott Library seeks an energetic and innovative professional for the position of Book Arts Designer & Instructor. This tenure-line, year-round faculty position teaches book arts/design courses and workshops, provides administrative support to senior department personnel, supervises staff and/or interns, and oversees procedural matters related to ongoing Book Arts Program (BAP) and Red Butte Press (RBP) projects and activities. This position also completes design work for the Book Arts Program, Special Collections Gallery, and Red Butte Press. Depending on experience and programmatic need, the position may be asked to support grant-writing initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity to collaborate with colleagues who share diverse yet complementary visions for the interdisciplinary impact of book arts on campus and throughout local and national communities. The successful candidate will report to the Book Arts Program Managing Director and will:
Teach and co-teach semester-length and short courses.
Support & extend curriculum development with a focus on graphic design, book design, book history & further incorporation of various (old and new) technologies.
Provide strategic leadership and management of day-to-day activities in the BAP & RBP such as supervision of design and/or studio interns and/or staff, printing/binding support for the RBP, and other projects that support the dynamic needs of the program.
As part of a collaborative & creative production team, lead and actualize graphic design for all Red Butte Press projects.
Execute graphic design for the Book Arts Program including all physical and digital marketing & exhibition collateral.
Coordinate with colleagues to support and manage projects as assigned within the Book Arts Studio.
Contribute to maintenance of strong relationships with the Departments of Art & Art History, Architecture & Planning, and English; develop further collaborations with additional departments as opportunities arise and resources allow.
While the Book Arts Designer & Instructor will focus on book arts teaching and fine press publishing as well as support of Special Collection initiatives, all faculty librarians serve the needs of University faculty, staff, and students along with members of the local community. Work across organizational lines is encouraged to support and strengthen all services in the Marriott Library. The Book Arts Designer & Instructor will assist with implementing the Marriott Library’s Strategic Directions and is expected to be active through participation in appropriate professional organizations, service opportunities, and creative research/publication.
Required qualifications:
MFA in Book Arts, Design and/or terminal degree in related field
Two years of teaching credit-bearing courses in a university setting
Demonstrated effective teaching skills
Demonstrated proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite
Demonstrated experience/creative research in book arts
Ability to work creatively, collaboratively, and effectively both as a team member and independently, and to promote teamwork among colleagues
Ability to be proactive, flexible, and collaborative as a team leader in order to accomplish departmental, library, and institutional goals
Outstanding analytical, organizational, project, and time management skills and the ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously
Excellent communication and strong interpersonal skills
Commitment to fostering a diverse educational environment and workplace and ability to work with a diverse student and faculty population
Capacity to thrive in the fast-paced, future-oriented environment of a research institution and to respond effectively to changing needs and priorities
Basic knowledge of library and university organization, principles, and procedures
Successful completion of a criminal background check, as required by Utah state law (http://www.regulations.utah.edu/humanResources/5-130.html)
Desired qualifications:
Two years of teaching design courses in a university setting
Intermediate to advanced knowledge of and skills in bookbinding and letterpress printing
Two years of commercial design experience
Previous supervisory experience
In-depth knowledge of typography, book design, and book history
Active book artist with breadth of experience across related disciplines of writing, design, photography, papermaking, paper decorating, and/or printmaking
Experience Compensation: $53,000, plus excellent benefits including a 14.2% retirement contribution to TIAA-CREF/Fidelity, medical and dental coverage, and generous paid sick and vacation time.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students from diverse backgrounds and who possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education for historically underrepresented students.
Preferred consideration will be given to all applications received by May 1, 2016.