Assistant Professor of Art & Design - Digital Media​/Graphic Design

Western Illinois University Job Posting:
Assistant Professor of Art & Design - Digital Media/Graphic Design

Assistant Professor of Art & Design - Digital Media/Graphic Design

Recognized as a "Best Midwestern College" by the Princeton Review. Western Illinois University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, serves nearly 6,300 students at its traditional, residential four-year campus in Macomb, IL and its metropolitan, non-residential branch campus in Moline, IL.

APPOINTMENT: August 20, 2026

RESPONSIBILITIES: Teach introductory to advanced courses in graphic design, typography, interactive design, and digital media to BA and BFA undergraduate students. Continue contributing to the field of graphic design/digital media through creative/research/professional work and activities. Other responsibilities include maintaining the computer lab, developing and assessing the graphic design/digital media curriculum, recruiting students, and serving on departmental, college, and university committees.

RANK & SALARY: Assistant Professor, tenure track. 9‑month position; $7242 per month.

Western Illinois University offers a competitive benefits package including domestic partner benefits. For full benefit information visit: http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Negotiable, commensurate with experience.

Western Illinois University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS). These benefits include:
Health Insurance plans, (HMO's, OAP's, QCHP, and CDHP), Dental Insurance, Vision Plan, Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Supplemental Long‑Term Disability (LTD), Flex Spending Accounts (HAS, MCAP, and DCAP), 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans.

Eligible employees are required to participate in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). SURS is the retirement administrator for employees in public higher education in the State of Illinois.

Other benefits available to eligible employees include: paid time‑off, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Waiver programs, and discounts to the local YMCA.

For questions on benefits, or eligibility, contact our benefits team at HR‑Benefits or by calling 309‑298‑1971.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A terminal graduate degree in graphic design, visual communication, digital or new media, or a related discipline; candidates whose terminal degree is outside design need to demonstrate academic experience in creative disciplines. Specific degree discipline is less important than references and the portfolio of publishing / exhibition / professional work.
• Candidates must be proficient with the Macintosh platform and current/emerging software.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated enthusiasm for teaching.
• Experience teaching college‑level courses in art and design.
• A record of professional experience in the design industry.

For a degree to be considered, it must be conferred from a regionally accredited degree‑granting institution of higher education (or equivalent from an international accrediting body). Unless otherwise stated, the degree must be conferred at the time of appointment.

THE DEPARTMENT: The Department of Art & Design has 8 full‑time faculty members providing instruction to approximately 70 majors and approximately 15 minors.

Degrees offered include a BFA in Art with Options in Art Studio, Graphic Design, and Art Teacher Education and a BA in Art with Options in Art Studio and Graphic Design. Art Studio specializations include Ceramics, Digital Photography, Drawing/Painting, Metals/Jewelry, Printmaking, and Sculpture.

The Department of Art & Design plays a crucial role in the visual arts culture of the campus, community, and region. The department and the University Art Gallery regularly invite international, national, and regionally recognized artists to campus for exhibitions, workshops, and lectures. The department and its faculty actively promote the visual arts throughout the university and regional community.

Our art studio students are…