Head Of Department (H.O.D.) - Communication Design

Company Description

Hamstech College of Creative Education, with a legacy of 26 years, is a hub for fostering creativity, free expression, and individuality. With over 15,000 alumni, including 8,000 professionals working with leading industry names and many successful entrepreneurs, Hamstech is a platform for unlocking potential. The institution offers curated creative courses in Fashion Design, Interior Design, Jewellery Design, and Photography, empowering individuals to excel in their respective fields.

Key Responsibilities

1. Academic Strategy and Vision

• Curriculum Leadership: Design, implement, and continuously update the Communication Design curriculum to integrate emerging areas like UI/UX, Motion Graphics, Data Visualization, Digital Branding, and cross-media design.
• Creative Direction: Define the departments core creative philosophy and vision, ensuring the program balances theoretical design principles (typography, color theory, aesthetics) with modern technology and business strategy.
• Accreditation & Quality: Manage program reviews, assessments, and accreditation processes to maintain the highest standards of academic quality and professional relevance.

2. Faculty and Staff Management

• Recruitment & Mentorship: Lead the hiring, training, and professional development of a diverse faculty, including specialists in print, digital, and interactive design.
• Performance Oversight: Conduct faculty evaluations, manage teaching loads, and mentor junior faculty in both pedagogy and active professional practice (research, consulting, design projects).
• Team Culture: Cultivate an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative studio culture for both faculty and students.

3. Industry Engagement and Outreach

• Partnerships & Placements: Build and nurture relationships with design agencies, marketing firms, tech companies, and non-profits to secure internships, live client projects, and career placements for students.
• Department Profile: Represent the department at industry conferences, design forums, and academic gatherings to enhance the programs visibility and reputation.
• Fundraising & Grants: Identify and pursue external funding opportunities, grants, and consulting projects that provide resources for the department and applied experience for students.

4. Administration and Operations

• Budget Management: Oversee the departmental budget, including allocation for faculty salaries, studio equipment, software licenses (Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, etc.), and lab maintenance.
• Student Experience: Oversee admissions, manage student advising, ensure academic compliance, and resolve escalated student matters.
• Infrastructure: Ensure the design studios, computer labs, and print facilities are state-of-the-art and fully support the curriculums technical and creative requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Education: A Masters degree (Ph.D./terminal degree preferred) in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a closely related field.
• Experience: Minimum 8-10 years of combined experience in senior academic administration (Program Director, H.O.D.) and/or significant industry leadership (Creative Director, Design Director).
• Portfolio/Practice: A distinguished record of scholarly research, creative work, or professional design achievements demonstrating expertise and thought leadership.
• Skills: Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, compelling presentation skills, and the proven ability to manage complex budgets and multi-disciplinary teams.