Media, Art & Design

University of Missouri System•Kansas City, MO

24d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Media, Art and Design at the University of Missouri-Kansas City is conducting a search for an Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor in Graphic Design. This is a full-time, benefit-eligible, 9-month tenured or tenure-track position. Specifically, we are seeking applications from candidates who possess an understanding of the practical, historical, and professional aspects of graphic design. Candidates should have a record of working within and across a combination of graphic design mediums, including, but not limited to, visual identity development, digital illustration, character design, storyboarding and user mapping, UI/UX and interaction design, motion design and animation, and packaging design. The candidate will participate in developing new curricula for graphic design studio courses, lead experiential learning opportunities such as client-based initiatives through the Student Design Lab and work to connect students to community design partners. The candidate's portfolio of personal, professional, and student work should demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively teach graphic design. Teaching responsibilities will primarily be in-person in a studio/workshop format, but experience with online teaching is a plus. The ideal candidate will demonstrate an exceptional approach to their own creative research, developing and maintaining a national and international reputation through projects, writings, lectures, and other creative or academic outlets. The candidate will complement existing design faculty specializing in social practice, community design, experimental publishing, and intermedia art/design. The selected candidate will have a fundamental role in shaping the future of the Department of Media, Art and Design (MAD) at UMKC and its flagship major, Media, Art and Design (B.A.). The ideal candidate will make best use of the physical proximity and professional connections to museums, studios, and design organizations in the Kansas City area, working to offer students opportunities for internships, access to local and visiting artists, and enrichment programs and workshops to enhance their education. Our academic schedules and workload provide for a positive work/life balance.

Requirements

An M.F.A. in graphic design or an M.F.A. or Ph.D. in a related field is required.
Candidates currently completing an M.F.A or Ph.D. will be considered, but the degree must be awarded by August 1, 2026.
A cover letter that addresses your qualifications, teaching philosophy, and approach to creative scholarship
A current CV with full contact information for three academic and/or professional references
A portfolio of student work (10 to 15 pieces, 11MB max file size)
A portfolio of professional/academic work (10 to 15 pieces, 11MB max file size)

Nice To Haves

Experience with online teaching

Responsibilities

Participate in developing new curricula for graphic design studio courses
Lead experiential learning opportunities such as client-based initiatives through the Student Design Lab
Work to connect students to community design partners
Effectively teach graphic design
Developing and maintaining a national and international reputation through projects, writings, lectures, and other creative or academic outlets
Shaping the future of the Department of Media, Art and Design (MAD) at UMKC and its flagship major, Media, Art and Design (B.A.)
Offer students opportunities for internships, access to local and visiting artists, and enrichment programs and workshops to enhance their education.