Assistant Professor, Graphic Design

Overview

The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the BFA in Graphic Design program starting in August 2026. The Mary Schiller Myers School of Art seeks scholars who will lead collaborations among faculty, students, and community partners addressing questions of well-being, public safety, and civic engagement.

• 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 with defined expertise in one or more areas (e.g., typography, motion, interactive design, illustration, or related field)
• Ability to contribute complementary skills to the existing faculty
• Multidisciplinary graphic designer with 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

• 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 InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) such as Affinity, Sketch, Procreate, Blender, After Effects, Premiere, Cavalry, Touch Designer, 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

The mission of the Myers School of Art is to prepare students to lead meaningful and healthy creative lives. As an integrated school of art and design focused on undergraduate education, Myers challenges students to communicate articulately, foster human connection, and contribute to positive social change through creative practice. The School emphasizes experiential learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students are supported in developing distinct creative voices while becoming active contributors to regional and global visual culture.

Graphic Design is the largest program within the Myers School of Art and serves as a cornerstone of the School’s academic offerings. The program prepares students for careers in the expanding, multidisciplinary field of visual communication design.

Please include:

• 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

Final date to receive applications:
April 29, 2026

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

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

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

Email: ibones

The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. All offers of employment 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.

The University is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

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