Instructor - Design

Critical Playground LLC; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 20,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus invites applications for adjunct faculty in the Design Department, teaching Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Animation, Photography, Interaction Design, or UX.

Appointments are for one semester (Fall 2026), renewable based on needs and funding, with a non-tenure track, term appointment. Teaching will be 70% scheduled courses, 20% prep, 10% grading and office hours.

Qualifications

• MFA in appropriate discipline (NASAD or equivalent terminal degree).
• OR BFA in appropriate discipline plus at least 5 years of professional practice and/or college teaching with evidence of achievement.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses in Design (Industrial/Graphic) and related areas.
• Develop course materials and syllabi, create lectures and assignments.
• Grade student work and advise students, maintain office hours.
• Collaborate with colleagues and adhere to university policies.

Skills

Teaching

Course development

Education

MFA in design (NASAD or equivalent)

BFA in design + 5 years 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 be 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)

OR

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

1. Advanced degree in related Design field with extensive professional experience.

Contact Information to Applicants

Jeremy Shellhorn

[e-mail]

Additional Candidate Instruction

• Review of applications is ongoing.

Application Review Begins

09-Nov-2026

Position Number

00004179

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

FTE

.25 - .50

Reg/Temp

Temporary

Advertised Salary Range

Commensurate with experience

Employee Class

F-Faculty

Work Location Assignment

On-Site

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, [e-mail], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.