Assistant Teaching Professor Illustration

Position Details
University of Colorado Denver
Faculty Level/Title: Assistant Teaching Professor
Working Title: Assistant Teaching Professor - Illustration
FTE: 1.0
Salary Range: $60000 - $65000
Position # Requisition #38400

* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at *

About the University of Colorado - Denver
Millions of moments start at CU Denver a place where innovation research and learning meet in the heart of a global city. Were the states premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand top-ranked bachelors masters and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learnersat any stage of their life and careerfor transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work. As part of the states largest university system CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy with 2000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment visit .
At the College of Arts & Media (CAM) we empower a diverse community of makers scholars and innovators to thrive in the rapidly evolving creative industries. Through a dynamic blend of critical inquiry creative exploration and real-world engagement CAM prepares students for lives filled with opportunity meaning and purpose. Rooted in community and driven by a spirit of intellectual and artistic freedom CAM embraces risk-takers visionaries and cultural disruptors by providing access to cutting-edge technology global perspectives and a nurturing environment where bold ideas flourish. CAM offers top-ranked degrees and programs in Film & Television Media Forensics Music & Entertainment and Visual Arts.
Visual Arts has an opening for a full-time Assistant Teaching Professor specializing in Illustration. The position will have a start date of August 2026 and will require 80% teaching 10% research/creative activity and 10% service. The teaching load will be three courses per semester (six per academic year).
Illustration at CU Denver has been recognized by Animation Career Review as a top national program. Traditional conceptual and technology-based education combine for dynamic course work that includes Concept Art Digital Painting and Graphic Novel Workshop preparing students for successful careers in a multitude of fields including illustration marketing healthcare engineering and entertainment.

Assistant Teaching Professor Illustration
What you will do:
80% Teaching 10% Creative/Research 10% Service

Teaching 80%
Teach 3 courses in the fall and 3 courses in the spring semester (18 credit hours total per academic year).
Classes will be taught in-person.
Courses may include Illustration 1-5 Drawing for Story Graphic Novel Digital Painting Life Drawing and Life Painting.
Faculty are responsible for the preparation of course syllabi lectures presentations and student assignments; evaluation of student work; tracking and progress of student attendance and engagement; management of courses in online platform Canvas; etc.
Maintain office hours.
Meet with illustration colleagues about refinement of illustration curricula to address current trends.
Attend Visual Arts Faculty and CAM Meetings.

Creative/Research 10%
Maintain an active scholarly and/or creative work practice in sound and video production.

Service 10%
Engage in service activities to support the department college and university.

Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Illustration Design Visual Art Animation or a closely related field; OR a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in a related field with at least seven years of professional illustration experience demonstrating equivalent expertise to an MFA
Minimum of five years of professional experience in illustration or a related field such as animation or games
A recent record of creative work in illustration animation games childrens books comics or related areas
An online portfolio showing professional-quality work including client projects
Two or more years of college level teaching experience in illustration animation visual storytelling drawing painting or related disciplines
Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
Strong professional drawing painting and storytelling skills

Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)
Six or more years of professional art-related experience in illustration animation games childrens books comics or related fields
Exceptional drawing painting and visual storytelling skills demonstrated through client or personal portfolio work
Evidence of advanced technical mastery including perspective concept design anatomy and stylization
Illustration work that reflects an ability to engage multiple audiences and cultural viewpoints
Evidence of effective high-impact teaching practices

Knowledge Skills and Abilities
Comprehensive knowledge of illustration concept art 2D and 3D animation visual development character background and prop design video games and the publishing pipeline for childrens books and graphic novels
Ability to teach and mentor students from a broad range of life experiences and educational paths
Demonstrated commitment to serving and respecting all students staff and faculty including but not limited to those of different races genders sexual orientations and backgrounds
Broad knowledge of the history of art contemporary art illustration and design
Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and related tools
Strong interpersonal and communication skills across multiple teaching modalities
Demonstrated history of building and maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues students and community partners representing a wide range of perspectives
Ability to work autonomously taking initiative on tasks and meeting deadlines
Outwardly contribute to a respectful positive and professional workspace
Interest in emerging trends and technologies in illustration education and practice

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
The University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at .

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $ .
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors including but not limited to internal equity experience education specialty and training.
The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the Universitys good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Benefits statement to include in all benefits-eligible positions. See Eligibility Matrix.
Benefits: Compensation Calculator: Deadline
Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified and interviews begin. Preference will be given to complete applications received by January 15 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Required Application Materials:
To apply please visit: and attach:
of application specifically addressing the position requirements and outlining qualifications
CV or résumé
portfolio
of three to five professional references (the department will notify you prior to contacting both on- and off-list references)
answers to all pre-screening questions within the application

Recommended Additional Application Materials
Documentation of student engagement or impact including anonymous student surveys comments or other feedback materials

Questions should be directed to Karen Ludington

Background Check Policy
The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational clinical research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must therefore consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.