Assistant Professor of PracticeAssistant Professor of Instruction, Art
Job Summary
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The Mary Schiller Myers School of Art at The University of Akron ( invites applications for a non-tenure-track position for the BFA in Graphic Design program starting in August 2026.
The School seeks either an Assistant Professor of Practice or an Assistant Professor of Instruction depending on candidate qualifications and experience.
The University of Akron seeksscholarsthat will lead collaborations among faculty students and community partners thataddress questions ofwell-being public safety and civic engagement.
Required Qualifications:
- Multidisciplinary graphic designer with demonstrated strength in typography ideation and iterative design processes
- Proficiency in industry-standard tools including Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign Photoshop Illustrator) 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
Assistant Professor of Practice:
- BFA in Graphic Design or equivalent degree
- Minimum of 57 years of professional experience in graphic design or related fields
- Demonstrated breadth of professional practice across areas such as typography motion interactive design or illustration
- Ability to bring current industry practices into the classroom
Assistant Professor of Instruction:
- MFA in Graphic Design or equivalent degree
- Minimum of 23 years of teaching experience
- Demonstrated expertise in one or more areas such as motion design interactive design or illustration
- Ability to contribute complementary skills to the existing faculty
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with emerging and expanded media tools and software such as Affinity Sketch Procreate Blender After Effects Premier Cavalry TouchDesigner 3D printers laser cutters and vinyl cutters among others.
- Experience with motion design interactive design or spatial/experiential design practices
- Demonstrated ability to connect professional practice to teaching and curriculum development
Assistant Professor of Practice:
- Experience teaching at the undergraduate level
- Ability to manage budgets and supervise student workers
- Willingness to support the Student Services printing lab operations
Assistant Professor of Instruction:
- Professional experience in graphic design or related fields
- Experience developing undergraduate curriculum
- Ability to manage budgets and supervise student workers
- Willingness to support the Student Services printing lab operations
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
Graphic Design is the largest program within the Myers School of Art and serves as a cornerstone of the Schools academic offerings. The program prepares students for careers in the expanding multidisciplinary field of visual communication design.
Additional Position Information:
Teaching and Service Expectations (both Ranks)
- Teach undergraduate graphic design courses across all levels of the curriculum
- Participate in departmental service committee work and program support
- Contribute to curriculum development and ongoing program assessment
- Support student success through mentorship and engagement
Application Instructions
In order to be considered for thisposition please attach the necessary documents
For Assistant Professor of Practice please include:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter
- Statement of Creative Practice
- Portfolio of Professional Work
- List names and contact information for three professional references
For Assistant Professor of Instruction please include:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter
- Teaching Philosophy
- Portfolio of Student Work
- List names and contact information for three professional references
Application Deadline: April 24th 2026
Compensation:
The compensation for this position iscommensurate with experience and qualifications.
FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt):
Union Affiliation (if applicable):
American Association of University ProfessorsFor assistance with your application or attachments please contact the Human Resources representative listed:
Iron BonesEmail:
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.
Non-Discrimination Statement
The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. 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 allwork performed as an employee ofthe University will be performed in Ohio.
Required Experience:
Junior IC
Key Skills
About Company
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