Assistant Professor of Graphic Design – Tenure Track

UWSTP University of Wisconsin Stevens Point; Stevens Point (WI); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Graphic Design. The role emphasizes undergraduate teaching within a dynamic program, collaborating with colleagues across Media Studies, Professional Communication, and Graphic Design.

The position is a full-time, 9-month academic role with a salary ceiling of $70,000 plus comprehensive benefits. Successful candidates will contribute to design education, scholarship, and service within a

Qualifications

• MFA in Graphic Design or equivalent terminal degree.
• Demonstrated technical expertise with industry-standard software.
• Demonstrated ability to teach at all levels of an undergraduate Graphic Design program.

Responsibilities

• Teach a 4/4 undergraduate load (12 credits per semester).
• Advise and mentor undergraduate students and engage in service activities.
• Maintain an active design/studio practice aligned with tenure expectations.

Skills

Software proficiency

Education

MFA in Graphic Design

Job description

Position Title: Assistant Professor of Graphic Design – Tenure Track

Job Category: Faculty Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Assistant Professor

Job Duties

The Graphic Design unit at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point welcomes applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professorship in Graphic Design, beginning in January 2027. The position offers the opportunity to teach in and help shape a vibrant program at a student-centered teaching institution. The successful candidate should be an innovative graphic designer who is invested in preparing students for the complex, emerging challenges of the 21st century. This position focuses heavily on undergraduate teaching in a program that integrates comprehensive technical training with a rigorous critical approach. The department, housed in the School of Design and Communication in the College of Fine Arts and Communication, is a strong, devoted community of practicing artists and designers committed to its students and collegiality. The ability to interface with faculty and students in Media Studies, Professional Communication, and Graphic Design is a significant aspect of the position. The new faculty member will collaborate in defining the trajectories of both the program and department, particularly at the intersection of visual communication and media studies.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

Teach a 4/4 (1 hour 50 minute meeting times twice a week) undergraduate course load (typically 12 credits or 4 courses per semester). Classes include B.F.A. students, as well as non-majors, and are typically 3 credits each. Candidates are expected to be able to teach introductory, intermediate, and advanced Graphic Design courses. Work collaboratively and serve as an active instructor and advisor. Provide leadership, mentoring, and academic advising to undergraduate students. Maintain an active design or studio practice that meets tenure expectations for creative research and scholarships at a comprehensive teaching institution. Participate in service activities at the department, college, university, and community levels. Seek opportunities to integrate undergraduate students into creative research or community-based design projects. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources.

Compensation

The Assistant Professor of Graphic Design is a full-time, academic year (9 month), salaried, position. UWSP has recently reassessed salaries across campus; this position (9-month) salary now has a ceiling of $70, 000, commensurate with qualifications and teaching experience. In addition to this, the position offers a comprehensive benefits package, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. To learn more about the benefits package, review the FASLI Benefit Quick Guide. Use the Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator to calculate the estimated value of your compensation and benefits.

Required Qualifications

Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) degree or equivalent terminal degree in Graphic Design or a closely related field. Demonstrated technical expertise with industry standard software. Demonstrated capacity to work with image and text, context and content relationships. Effective written and verbal communications skills. Demonstrated capacity to teach at all levels of an undergraduate Graphic Design program.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to utilize current and emerging digital platforms. Demonstrated ability to teach visual communication with an awareness of identity and cultural dialogue and its relevance to graphic design. Demonstrated ability to teach any of the following: design foundations, typography, branding, marketing, promotions, public relations, copywriting, social media practice, illustration, book arts, time-based work, environmental graphic design, wayfinding, information design, publication, package design, user experience, and entrepreneurial approaches. Professional industry experience. Capacity to develop and write curriculum collaboratively.

Eligibility and Rights

University sponsorship is available for this position. Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you to supply a minimum of three (3) professional references (one (1) of which being a current or former supervisor). It is preferred that you supply five (5) professional references (two (2) of which being a current or former supervisors). Your references will be required to answer questions regarding misconduct, sexual violence and sexual harassment.

Special Notes

Through the discovery and dissemination of knowledge, UW-Stevens Point stimulates intellectual growth, provides a liberal education, and prepares students for a diverse sustainable world. The university is committed to creating a safe, inclusive learning community for all faculty and staff from a variety of backgrounds. Visit https://www.uwsp.edu/join-uw-stevens-point/ for more information about UW-Stevens Point.

You may obtain the complete report at https://www3.uwsp.edu/protsv/Pages/Clery.aspx.

Employers Commitment

Individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact Human Resources and affirmative action at 715-346-2606 or [e-mail]. The safety and success of students, faculty, and staff at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is paramount. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires the distribution of an annual security report to all current and prospective students, faculty, and staff.

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). An offer of employment will require a criminal background check and authorization to work within the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

About the Universities of Wisconsin

The Universities of Wisconsin serve approximately 161,000 students. Awarding nearly 37,000 degrees annually, the Universities of Wisconsin is Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in-state Universities of Wisconsin graduates stay in Wisconsin five years after earning a degree – with a median salary of more than $66,000. The Universities of Wisconsin provides a 23:1 return on state investment. The Universities of Wisconsin also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy. The Universities of Wisconsin and its employees are purpose-driven, people-focused, and committed to stewardship.