Assistant Professor of Visual Communication Design, Tenure Track

Assistant Professor of Visual Communication Design, Tenure Track

Location: Notre Dame, IN

Open Date:

The Department of Art, Art History, and Design at the University of Notre Dame invites applications for a tenure‑track faculty position (Assistant Professor) for an accomplished designer whose research integrates critical scholarly inquiry in Visual Communication Design. We seek a candidate with a strong design foundation in both traditional and emerging areas of the discipline, emphasizing forward‑thinking approaches that prepare students for the rapidly evolving 21st‑century landscape.

Responsibilities include research, teaching, and service.

Candidates should demonstrate a deep understanding of contemporary design scholarship, technological innovation, and critical methodologies that reflect the expanding role of design in society. The successful applicant will contribute to a dynamic, inclusive, and relevant curriculum at both undergraduate and graduate levels, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, creative problem‑solving, and socially engaged design practices while preparing students for diverse design careers.

This position offers the opportunity to join a vibrant academic community committed to advancing the role of design in shaping culture, technology, and the human experience.

Visual Communication Design at the University of Notre Dame focuses on the art, science, and practice of building platforms and experiences that create tangible communication between content and users through traditional and contemporary media. The VCD program offers instruction in typography, studio practice, brand identity, packaging, UX/UI, motion design, interaction design, community‑based design, information design, and design research. It is built around human‑centered design principles, emphasizing deep empathy with stakeholders and solving wicked problems with contextual solutions grounded in a holistic vision.

The design division, which includes the Department of Design and Visual Communication, offers MFA, BFA, and BA degrees, as well as a minor in Collaborative Innovation. The minor serves as a dynamic catalyst for process‑based, cross‑disciplinary collaboration across the university’s academic departments. Design is part of a multi‑disciplinary creative studies department that includes studio artists and art historians, all committed to a collaborative teaching and learning environment within a liberal arts education.

• Terminal degree (MFA, MDes) or equivalent in Visual Communication Design, Graphic Design, Interaction Design, or a closely related field.
• Disciplinary expertise and excellence with a strong record of accomplishment in visual communication design.
• Viable, socially engaged, and intellectually rigorous research trajectory, including interdisciplinary scholarship that bridges critical inquiry with creative investigation.
• Expertise in at least two of the following areas: motion graphics, UI/UX, digital/emerging/social media and technologies, design history, speculative or critical design, art direction/advertising design, brand/identity, package design, typography, and data visualization.
• Proficiency in discipline‑standard technologies, software, and contemporary digital media platforms.

• Evidence of effective teaching in higher education.
• Evidence of, or clear potential for, integrating distinctive approaches in research and/or teaching that advance the discipline.
• Demonstrated versatility across both traditional and digital media.
• Experience incorporating emerging technologies into pedagogy or creative endeavors.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, with the ability to contribute effectively to a diverse academic community.

This appointment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Applicants will be asked to identify all felony convictions and/or pending felony charges. Felony convictions do not automatically bar an individual from employment. Each case will be examined separately to determine the appropriateness of employment in the particular position.…