Assistant Professor of Illustration

California State University, Fullerton•Fullerton, CA

3d•$6,884 - $7,022•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Visual Arts at California State University, Fullerton, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Illustration with an appointment to begin in Fall 2027. This position is open to all individuals regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin, adhering to equal opportunity laws and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) is a large public university within the CSU system, known for its strong academic programs and commitment to student success. It is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, holding the Seal of Excelencia. CSUF has a diverse student population of over 45,000 and a faculty and staff population of 4,000, with a mission to help students achieve academic excellence, career success, and economic mobility. The university values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth, and is committed to retaining faculty with established affinity groups for support. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Illustration, including traditional and digital techniques, concepts, history, and professional practices, and will be expected to develop new courses. Faculty members are required to maintain creative activity and/or scholarly research for tenure, participate in departmental life, and contribute to recruitment and outreach efforts. The program has a strong track record of student awards, successful alumni careers, and faculty achievements.

Requirements

MFA or equivalent terminal degree in illustration or a related discipline from an accredited institution.
College or university-level teaching experience in courses specifically relevant to the position.
A sustained record of professional experience, creative practices, and/or scholarly achievement within the expanded field of illustration.
Demonstrated proficiency in figurative sketching, drawing, and painting techniques utilizing industry-standard analog and/or digital illustration tools (i.e., Adobe Creative Suite).
Demonstrated knowledge of inventive image-building concepts, such as visual storytelling, staging, linear perspective, anatomy, light, color, and design principles.
Successful student portfolio examples that demonstrate classroom teaching relevant to the job.
Demonstrated excellence in and commitment to teaching of a highly diverse student population, including varied socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age, and gender identity, etc.
Demonstrated ability to contribute to a positive work environment with a wide and culturally diverse range of colleagues, faculty, and staff.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrates various instructional abilities, including but not limited to studio demonstrations in methods and media, providing feedback and critiques, and effective lecturing.
Demonstrates course development ability in contemporary standards and future curricular development, and is forward-thinking in navigating the impact of current and future AI environments.
Exhibits a domain knowledge of the historical and current professional artists, practices, and standards specialized within the field of illustration.
Significant professional reputation, creative practice, and industry network supported by peer-reviewed artworks (i.e., exhibitions, publications, commissions) within the expanded field of illustration.
Evidence of leadership, communication, organizational, and management interpersonal skills, which may include successful recruitment and outreach efforts.
Ability to connect the illustration program with the professional community, facilitating industry opportunities suitable to student interests and skill sets.

Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in the Illustration program.
Develop new courses and course sequences that meet future requirements in an expanding field.
Teach traditional and digital illustration tools and techniques, illustration concepts, styles, and history, professional practices, and other essential industry skills that support visual narratives and storytelling.
Produce and maintain creative activity and/or scholarly research relevant to the position that is recognized by peer review to achieve tenure.
Participate in departmental life and development, recruitment, and outreach efforts.
Contribute to a dynamic illustration program with a track record of growth and distinction.