Associate Professor of Graphic Design -Tenure Track

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Art Department at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is seeking a tenured Associate Professor in Graphic Design to begin in August 2027. This role offers the chance to teach in and lead a well-established program at a major research university. The successful candidate will be a practicing artist contributing to the department's intellectual and academic life through research, teaching, and service. Responsibilities include undergraduate and graduate teaching in a program that combines technical training with critical approaches, with opportunities for interdisciplinary dialogue. The department is a collaborative community of artists dedicated to students and collegiality, with 25 tenured/tenure-track faculty. The position also allows engagement with the Kohler Art Library's collection of artists' books. The UW–Madison Art Department is nationally ranked and committed to excellence in teaching within a vibrant intellectual community, fostering both aesthetic and critical engagement alongside technical skills for the 21st century. The Graphic Design program serves 198 students and is supported by advanced computer labs, printing capabilities, and 3D printing facilities. The department is part of the #1 ranked School of Education in the nation, which values diversity and inclusion. The university is committed to equity, inclusion, and employee well-being.

Requirements

Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) degree; or equivalent professional experience.
Minimum of five years of teaching experience at the university or college level.
Demonstrated expertise in contemporary graphic design theory, history, and professional practice.
Demonstrated experience teaching graphic design coursework across undergraduate curricula.
Experience with curriculum development, program planning, or academic program leadership.
Demonstrated ability to mentor and advise undergraduate and/or graduate students.
Evidence of successful recruitment, retention, or student outreach efforts.
Demonstrated leadership and service experience within an academic, professional, or creative organization.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across disciplines.
Experience working with or supporting diverse populations and fostering inclusive learning environments.
Demonstrated proficiency in one or more contemporary graphic design practice areas such as typography; identity/branding systems; information graphics; publication/editorial; interaction/UX/UI; web; motion/animation; design research & strategy; service design; socially engaged/civic design; and/or the creative and ethical applications of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

Nice To Haves

National or international recognition in the field of graphic design or related discipline.
Experience supervising faculty, instructional staff, or teaching assistants.
Demonstrated interdisciplinary research or creative practice.
Expertise in multiple graphic design content areas.
Experience integrating emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, into teaching, research, or creative practice.
Experience securing grants, external funding, commissions, or partnerships.
Experience building industry, community, or cross-campus collaborations.

Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate courses, with a load of 16 credits per academic year, including classes for B.A. and B.F.A. students, non-majors, and certificate students.
Teach graduate courses semesterly, which may include an independent study section, an interdisciplinary group critique, or a graduate seminar.
Serve on graduate committees for M.F.A. candidates and advise/mentor graduate students within the interdisciplinary Art Department.
Provide leadership, mentoring, and guidance to students.
Collaborate with and lead a team of instructors within the Art Department.
Maintain a studio practice at a nationally recognized level that meets tenure expectations at a major research institution.
Consult on the management of gift funds and endowments to support the Graphic Design area.
Participate in service activities at local, state, national, and university levels.
Meet department and university teaching, research, and service expectations.
Seek extramural funds to support research and creative activity when possible.
Courses may include Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced Graphic Design, such as Basic Graphic Design, Information Graphics, Graphic Design for Publication, Graphic Design for Posters, Graphic Design for Packaging, Graphic Design for Interactive Media, Typography, Branding, History of Graphic Design, Graphic Design for Accessibility, and Graphic Design for Senior Thesis.