Assistant Professor in Art and Design - Design Foundations (26/27)

California State University System•San Luis Obispo, CA

50d•$90,276 - $98,244

About The Position

The Art and Design Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking a designer-educator who is enthusiastic about teaching first-year students and design foundations in an undergraduate, student-centered educational environment. The Foundations curriculum in Art and Design introduces critical thinking, experimentation, and creative literacy to undergraduate students in Graphic Design, Photo/Video, and Studio Art. The position, a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track Assistant Professor, will begin August 17, 2026. We are seeking a practicing designer and educator with a robust creative practice and a commitment to equity-driven pedagogy, who is dedicated to the creative growth of first-year students. The ideal candidate will demonstrate fluency in analog and digital design tools, as well as emerging technology-including, but not limited to, areas such as artificial intelligence, creative coding, extended reality (XR), motion, experiential design, and speculative design. These areas of technical expertise should be informed by and grounded in inclusive design and a global perspective. The ideal candidate will be an active participant in our department's evolving curriculum, which foregrounds inclusive pedagogy, sustainable design, and diverse cultural perspectives in design thinking and practice. We welcome applicants whose practice integrates research, social impact, and technology and who can prepare students for careers at the forefront of graphic design practice. Although Cal Poly is primarily a teaching university, our faculty are expected to balance teaching with an active program of research/professional development (including publication), student supervision and advising, and participation in service activities at the department and college/university level. The typical teaching load is 12 units per semester, with a reduction in course load in each of the first two years to help new faculty establish an active program of research and professional development. Subject to further planning and approval, Cal Poly anticipates a possible transition to semester-based year-round operations (YRO). Under YRO, full-time academic year faculty may be assigned to teach in two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring, Spring/Summer, or Summer/Fall) out of the three semesters offered annually. The two-semester sequence will constitute the regular academic year appointment. Faculty may also be eligible to teach in the third semester for additional compensation, subject to departmental needs and University policy.

Requirements

MFA, MDes, or similar terminal degree in graphic/visual communication design or a closely related field by the time of appointment
Demonstrated experience teaching graphic design and/or foundations courses at the college level
Active record of professional practice in the field, with exhibitions, publications, and/or significant client work
Demonstrated breadth of experience in traditional graphic design: typography, layout, identity systems, and branding
Demonstrated engagement with Art and Design Foundations pedagogy.
Demonstrated expertise with current industry software, including but not limited to: Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, After Effects, XD), Figma, HTML/CSS and/or other design tools
Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

Nice To Haves

Interest or experience in actively following developments at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and graphic design, with an eye to maintaining a robust pedagogy and curriculum that prepares students for success in a changing field
Demonstrated commitment to inclusive design and interest or experience in community-based design, design for social change, design for accessibility, sustainable design, and/or socially responsive design
Demonstrated experience with inclusive, culturally competent, and/or equity-driven student-centered pedagogy, responsive to the needs of a diverse student population
Ability to develop collaborative relationships and interdisciplinary connections across the University and beyond-with community, industry, and professional organizations.
Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching.
Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment.
Preference will also be given to those with relevant work experience and those who bring professional capabilities.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will teach two to three undergraduate studio-based courses per semester.
Instructional duties include design foundations (2D Design, Design Thinking and Methods), core classes in graphic design, and general education design courses (Fundamentals of Digital Media Art)-with a focus on developing students' skills in critical thinking, creative practice, industry-standard software, and cultural competence.
All faculty are expected to participate in the following: curriculum development, cross-disciplinary dialogue and critiques with colleagues, supervision of student-related activities, departmental recruiting, and committee service within the department, college, and university.

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