Assistant Professor of Instruction, Graphic Design

About the role

The School of Design of Columbia College Chicago seeks applicants for a full-time teaching track position in Graphic Design. Position begins in August 2026 and is based in downtown Chicago, Illinois.

Responsibilities

• Teach a range of undergraduate courses in graphic design, including typography, layout, branding, print, and digital design as assigned by School Director.
• Responsibility for 24 credit hours of classes (12/12) across the academic year.
• Engage students in both traditional and contemporary digital design practices, including web design, motion graphics, UX/UI, and emerging technologies.
• Work with existing faculty to develop and refine the graphic design curriculum to ensure students gain a strong foundation in design principles, conceptual thinking, and technical skills.
• Engage with the broader professional and scholarly communities.
• Mentor and advise students, contributing to their creative, academic, and professional development, including portfolios and capstone work.
• Maintain an active creative practice, publications, client work, exhibiting work, etc.
• Collaborate with industry partners and community organizations.
• Participate in service to the college, school, and design profession.
• Actively follow and promote Columbia College Chicago policies.

Requirements

• Terminal degree (MFA, MDes, or PhD) in Graphic Design or a closely related design field. Consideration will also be given to candidates with a BA/BFA and a significant track record of professional accomplishments and experience.
• Demonstrated excellence in graphic design practice, with a strong portfolio of professional and/or creative work.

Qualifications

• Notable teaching experience at the college/university level, with a proven record of engaging students in both traditional and digital design methodologies.
• Knowledge of current design software, technologies, and industry trends.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment.

Skills

• Ability to navigate both traditional craft-based approaches and cutting-edge digital practices.
• Strong foundation in design principles, conceptual thinking, and technical skills.
• Experience with web design, motion graphics, UX/UI, and emerging technologies.
• Active creative practice, publications, client work, exhibiting work, etc.

Benefits

Columbia College Chicago actively promotes access to an expansive array of social and cultural theories, practices and perspectives that are vitally important to the successful delivery of a contemporary creative curriculum and the college’s mission to educate students who will author the culture of their times. These principles are essential to the educational experiences of our students, staff, and faculty. We seek individuals with a demonstrated ability to work with students from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds, and whose creative, scholarly and/or professional work contributes to a rich educational experience consistent with our mission.

Pay

Minimum Annual Salary: $62,000.00
Maximum Annual Salary: $64,000.00

Schedule

Full-time
Day Shift