Assistant Professor, Graphic Design

University of Akron • Akron, OH

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About The Position

Subject to Collective Bargaining Agreement Requirements The Mary Schiller Myers School of Art at The University of Akron (https://www.uakron.edu/art/) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position for the BFA in Graphic Design program starting in August 2026. The University of Akron seeks scholars that will lead collaborations among faculty, students and community partners that address questions of well-being, public safety, and civic engagement. About the Myers School of Art The mission of the Myers School of Art is to prepare students to lead meaningful and healthy creative lives. As an integrated school of art and design focused on undergraduate education, Myers challenges students to communicate articulately, foster human connection, and contribute to positive social change through creative practice. The School emphasizes experiential learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students are supported in developing distinct creative voices while becoming active contributors to regional and global visual culture. About the BFA in Graphic Design Graphic Design is the largest program within the Myers School of Art and serves as a cornerstone of the School’s academic offerings. The program prepares students for careers in the expanding, multidisciplinary field of visual communication design.

Requirements

• MFA in Graphic Design or equivalent terminal degree
• Minimum of 2–3 years of teaching experience
• Demonstrated breadth of creative research or professional practice across all related graphic design areas as well as a defined expertise in one or more area such as typography, motion, interactive design, illustration, or other related field.
• Ability to contribute complementary skills to the existing faculty
• Multidisciplinary graphic designer with demonstrated strength in typography, ideation, and iterative design processes
• Proficiency in industry-standard tools including Adobe Creative Suite and Figma
• Ability to adapt to emerging technologies and integrate evolving tools and practices into teaching
• Evidence of strong visual communication skills across print, digital, and/or interactive platforms

Nice To Haves

• Coordination of undergraduate programs
• Professional experience in graphic design or related fields
• Experience developing undergraduate curriculum
• Ability to manage budgets and supervise student workers
• Willingness to support the Student Services printing lab operations
• Experience with emerging and expanded design and media tools and software (beyond just InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) such as Affinity, Sketch, Procreate, Blender, After Effects, Premier, Cavalry, TouchDesigner, 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, among others.
• Experience with motion design, video shooting/editing, interactive design, or spatial/experiential design practices
• Demonstrated ability to connect professional practice to teaching and curriculum development

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate graphic design courses across all levels of the curriculum
• Participate in departmental service, committee work, and program support
• Maintain a robust creative research or professional practice
• Contribute to curriculum development and ongoing program assessment
• Support student success through mentorship and engagement

Benefits

• The University of Akron offers a competitive total compensation package comprised of a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, and paid leave of absences including time off for illness, vacation, and maternity or paternity leave.
• In addition, eligible employees and their dependents are provided tuition remission.
• All staff and eligible non-bargaining unit faculty have the option to request a Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA).
• The University of Akron participates in state retirement systems and offers alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.
• Optional investment opportunities are available including deferred compensation programs (403(b) and 457(b)).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees