Assistant Professor, Graphic Design

University of Akron • Akron, OH

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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 can 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 across all levels, participate in departmental service and committee work, support the program, maintain a robust creative research or professional practice, contribute to curriculum development and program assessment, and support student success through mentorship and engagement. The position is subject to collective bargaining agreement requirements and is affiliated with the American Association of University Professors.

The Myers School of Art prepares students to lead meaningful and healthy creative lives. Its integrated undergraduate art and design program emphasizes experiential learning, community engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, human connection, and positive social change. 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 contact information for three professional references. Review of applicants will begin December 21, 2026. Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications. All work performed as a University employee is expected to be performed in Ohio. Employment offers are contingent on credential verification and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check.

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 related graphic design areas, with defined expertise in one or more areas such as typography, motion, interactive design, illustration, or another 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

• 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