Instructor - Design

University of Kansas

Lawrence (KS)

On-site

USD 40,000 - 70,000

Part time

14 days+

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Job summary

The University of Kansas is looking for part-time instructors for the Design Department to teach various courses. Candidates should possess an M.F.A. or a B.F.A. with extensive experience in the field.

This instructor role focuses on teaching, preparing course materials, and engaging with students. The anticipated start date is August 18, 2026, with applications reviewed continuously throughout the year. Interested individuals should apply online with a resume and cover letter.

Qualifications

M.F.A. in appropriate discipline or B.F.A. with 5 years experience.
Record of research, scholarship, or achievements in the field.
Experience in college-level teaching preferred.

Responsibilities

Teach courses in Design as scheduled.
Prepare class materials and grade assignments.
Hold office hours for student support.

Skills

Teaching in specific field

Course material development

Student advising

Collegial collaboration

Education

M.F.A. or B.F.A. with experience

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking educators and professionals to teach courses for the Design Department in the areas of Industrial Design or Graphic Design, Illustration, Animation, Photography, Interaction Design, or User Experience.

Applications will be reviewed and placed in a pool for consideration for part‑time (regular or temporary) teaching positions as they are needed.

Applications will be accepted throughout the year.

Appointments are one semester, renewable, subject to review and funding.

The Instructor is an instructional, adjunct faculty position that is not eligible for tenure or promotion in rank. This is a term appointment for the Fall 2026 semester. Renewal will be based upon unit needs and funding as well as performance that meets expectations, not to exceed two continuous semesters.

This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between The University of Kansas and United Academics, United Academics of KU, AAUP, or AFT. UAKU is the exclusive representative. As the State of Kansas is a right‑to‑work state, you have the right to be a member or not a member of a union without fear of personal or professional repercussions.

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. prior to the start date of the position.

Any employment with the University of Kansas is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check.

Due to complex state employment laws, the University of Kansas may be unable to hire fully remote workers for this position outside of Kansas. Specifically, we cannot currently offer employment to candidates residing in the following states: California, Idaho, Minnesota, and Delaware. We appreciate your understanding and invite interested individuals from eligible states to apply.

Job Description

100% Instructional Duties:

As an instructor for the university, primary duties and responsibilities include: teaching in a specific field, developing course materials, developing and managing syllabi, creating lectures and assignments, grading student work, advising students and holding office hours.
- 70% - Teaching as scheduled courses in Design
- 20% - Class preparation and grading
- 10% - Office hours available to meet with students and administrative duties such as entering grades online.
All instructors are expected to collaborate with colleagues, be current in the field, and are required to adhere to departmental, school/college and university polices and procedures.

Required Qualifications

For Teaching at the Undergraduate Level:

M.F.A. in appropriate discipline (NASAD or equivalent accredited terminal degree)

B.F.A. (NASAD or equivalent accredited degree) in appropriate discipline plus a minimum of 5 years of effective experience in professional practice and/or college‑level teaching with documented evidence of outstanding achievement in the form of national design awards or honors, recognized work with national clients, or attainment of a senior leadership role in professional practice (e.g., Senior Designer, Art Director, Creative Director).

For Teaching at the Graduate Level:

M.F.A. in appropriate discipline (NASAD or equivalent accredited terminal degree) AND a record of research, scholarship, or achievement in the field.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have the foundational knowledge and skill set required to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is based on accreditation requirements, institutional standards of academic and professional excellence, alignment with peer institution benchmarks, and contributes to the credibility and effectiveness of the role within the university community.

Preferred Qualifications