Assistant Professor, Graphic Design

The University of Akron • Akron, OH

6d

About The Position

The Mary Schiller Myers School of Art at The University of Akron invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in its BFA in Graphic Design program, starting in August 2027. The University seeks scholars who will lead collaborations among faculty, students, and community partners addressing well-being, public safety, and civic engagement.

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate graphic design courses at all curriculum levels, maintain a robust creative research or professional practice, contribute to curriculum development and program assessment, and support student success through mentorship and engagement. The role also includes departmental service, committee work, and program support.

The Myers School of Art is an integrated school focused on undergraduate education. Its mission is to prepare students to lead meaningful and healthy creative lives by developing their ability to communicate, foster human connection, and contribute to positive social change. The school emphasizes experiential learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Graphic Design is the School’s largest program and prepares students for careers in the expanding, multidisciplinary field of visual communication design.

Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae, cover letter, teaching philosophy, portfolio of student work, statement of creative practice, portfolio of professional work, and names and contact information for three professional references. Review of applicants will begin December 21, 2026. Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Employment offers are contingent on verification of credentials and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. The University expects employees to perform all work in Ohio.

Requirements

• MFA in Graphic Design or an equivalent terminal degree.
• A minimum of 2–3 years of teaching experience.
• Demonstrated breadth of creative research or professional practice across related graphic design areas, with defined expertise in one or more areas such as typography, motion, interactive design, or illustration.
• 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

• Experience coordinating 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 Student Services printing lab operations.
• Experience with emerging and expanded design and media tools and software beyond InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, such as Affinity, Sketch, Procreate, Blender, After Effects, Premiere, Cavalry, TouchDesigner, 3D printers, laser cutters, and vinyl cutters.
• Experience with motion design, video shooting or 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.
• Lead collaborations among faculty, students, and community partners addressing well-being, public safety, and civic engagement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level