Assistant Professor, Graphic Design

About the role

The University of Akron seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor for the BFA in Graphic Design program starting in August 2026. The position aligns with the University's commitment to fostering collaborations among faculty, students, and community partners addressing 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
• Breadth of creative research or professional practice across all related graphic design areas with defined expertise in one or more areas such as typography, motion, interactive design, illustration, or other related fields
• 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
• Experience with emerging and expanded design and media tools and software beyond just InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator
• 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

About The Myers School Of Art

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.

About The BFA In Graphic Design

The BFA in 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.

Application Instructions

Please include: Curriculum Vitae, Cover Letter, Teaching Philosophy, Portfolio of Student Work, Statement of Creative Practice, Portfolio of Professional Work, and List names and contact information for three professional references. The Application Deadline is April 29th, 2026.

Pay and Schedule

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

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

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.