Assistant Professor of Instruction, Graphic Design

University of South Florida•Saint Petersburg, FL

44d•Onsite

About The Position

The School of Art & Art History at the University of South Florida (USF) invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-earning position at the rank of Assistant Professor of Instruction in Graphic Design, with an anticipated start date of August 2026. The successful candidate will teach courses on the St. Petersburg campus in support of the Graphic Arts degree programs. We seek a designer and educator with a dynamic and forward-thinking approach to contemporary graphic design practice. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to design as a form of visual communication and creative inquiry, one that bridges traditional and emerging processes, engages community and client-based contexts, integrates printmaking, and responds to the evolving role of design in global culture. The successful candidate will teach a 4/4 course load during the fall and spring semesters, with opportunities for course releases in relation to studio maintenance responsibilities and special projects. Teaching responsibilities will include a range of lower- and upper-level courses in graphic design such as typography, design foundations, digital and print-based media, and professional practice. Candidates who integrate community engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, or experimental approaches within their teaching and design practice are especially encouraged to apply. The position offers opportunities to contribute to curriculum development, mentor undergraduate students, and participate in collaborative initiatives across the School and the College of Design, Art & Performance. Organizational Summary: As the creative center of the University of South Florida, the College of Design, Art & Performance provides an enriched, creative, and professional environment for tomorrow's leaders in architecture, design, art, art history, dance, music, and theatre. The college is home to the university's arts district, Contemporary Art Museum, Graphicstudio and the Florida Center for Community Design. The college embraces opportunities to embed new and existing arts programming in the rapidly growing regional communities and serves as an integral engine for socioeconomic progress through its research, advocacy, and engagement. The USF School of Art & Art History serves as the visual arts and design educational hub in a dynamic, diverse region of over 3 million residents, with over 500 majors and more than 25 full-time faculty across two campuses (St. Petersburg and Tampa). We offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in studio art, graphic arts, and art history, along with minors and interdisciplinary certificates for non-majors. Located in a vibrant metropolitan setting, our school provides graduate students with exceptional studio space, technical facilities, and opportunities to collaborate with distinguished faculty. We immerse students in visual culture, encouraging critical thinking and a strong sense of citizenship within a global context. Our nationally ranked Master of Fine Arts program fosters creativity and experimentation, offering an environment for students to push boundaries while working with cutting-edge resources. Additionally, the Kennedy Family Artist and Scholar program invites recognized artists and scholars to develop interdisciplinary projects and teach, fostering dialogue and outreach that enrich academic research and community engagement. The Graphic Arts degrees, housed on the St. Petersburg campus, offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Arts with concentrations in Graphic Design and Illustration. The program emphasizes conceptual thinking, design research, and professional readiness. Students develop their technical and conceptual skills while exploring the evolving role of design in social, cultural, and community contexts. Working at USF With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts. About USF The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu. Compliance and Federal Notices This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process. Equal Employment Opportunity The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.

Requirements

MFA or Terminal Degree in Art, Graphic Design, or related field.
A strong record of community engagement in Art and Design.
Experience teaching graphic design and silkscreen at the college level.
Demonstrated ability in graphic design and printmaking at both the technical level and with conceptual concerns.
Ability to manage and maintain physical studio spaces and printmaking and large-scale printing equipment (such as plotters) for courses, including printing presses, exposure units, and materials such as inks and chemicals.

Nice To Haves

An interest in special projects and initiatives which involve students and the local community.
A documented practice of compelling creative activity in graphic design.
Ability to inspire students to think critically about the role of art and design in society.
A desire to contribute to a collaborative and collegial academic and creative culture that values mentorship, experimentation, and adaptability.

Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate courses in graphic design, printmaking, silkscreen, drawing, and business of graphic design within the School of Art & Art History (Graphic Design and Illustration).
The typical teaching load is a 4/4 assignment unless course releases are offered. This includes studio courses and may also include directed studies with individual students or student groups.
Engage in school, college, and university service, including participation in committees, student reviews, and outreach initiatives in the community.
Develop and oversee community projects and initiatives and supervise student-led work within them.
Provide supervision and mentorship to students, offering guidance on large-scale projects, skill learning, and one-on-one directed studies.