Assistant Professor, Graphic Design

Subject to Collective Bargaining Agreement Requirements

The University of Akron seeks scholars that will lead collaborations among faculty, students and community partners that address questions of well-being, public safety, and civic engagement.

Required Qualifications

• 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 all related graphic design areas as well as a defined expertise in one or more area such as typography, motion, interactive design, illustration, or other 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Coordination of 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 the Student Services printing lab operations
• Experience with emerging and expanded design and media tools and software (beyond just InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) such as Affinity, Sketch, Procreate, Blender, After Effects, Premier, Cavalry, TouchDesigner, 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, among others.
• Experience with motion design, video shooting/editing, interactive design, or spatial/experiential design practices
• Demonstrated ability to connect professional practice to teaching and curriculum development

Teaching, Research and Service Expectations

• 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

In order to be considered for this position, please attach

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Teaching Philosophy
• Portfolio of Student Work
• Statement of Creative Practice
• Portfolio of Professional Work
• List names and contact information for three professional references

Application deadline: Review of applicants will begin December 21, 2026

Compensation

The compensation for this position is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt): United States of America

Union Affiliation (if applicable): American Association of University Professors

For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:

Iron Bones (On Leave)

Email: Background Check Statement

The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.

State of Residence Statement

It is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.