Assistant Professor of Graphic Design

The University of Wisconsin-Superior is seeking a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Graphic Design to lead the Graphic Design Program. This onsite role is focused on undergraduate teaching and advising, while also strengthening partnerships that broaden internship access and career connections for students. The position includes program leadership, curriculum development, and collaboration across the Department of Art and Design and Technology Services.

Role & Program Leadership

• Serve as Graphic Design Program Lead, teaching and advising undergraduate students.
• Provide academic leadership and build community and industry partnerships to expand internship opportunities, strengthen workforce connections, and keep the program aligned with evolving professional trends.
• Cultivate relationships with industry and community partners to support internships, client-based projects, and student networking opportunities.

Teaching, Advising, and Mentorship

• Develop and teach undergraduate courses in the Graphic Art major, including shared foundational coursework and cross-disciplinary offerings within the Department of Art and Design.
• Mentor students in creative and professional development, including portfolio preparation, design competitions, student organizations, and directing the department’s internship course.
• Starting in the second year, advise Graphic Design students by helping them create graduation plans to meet university and department graduation requirements.
• Teach online sections of courses when needed.

Service, Collaboration, and Curriculum Work

• Serve on departmental and university committees beginning in the second year.
• Meet departmental and university teaching, research, and service expectations.
• Prepare and execute an annual personal development program to strengthen course content knowledge and teaching effectiveness skills.
• Work cooperatively with Technology Services and other Art and Design faculty to maintain the digital media lab and its corresponding technologies.
• Evaluate and revise curriculum, course materials, delivery methods, department policy, and digital resources in response to changes in the field and teaching environment, in coordination with department members and the Department Chair.
• Assist with recruiting and enrolling students who fit the department’s culture, mission, and vision.
• Attend required departmental and university events such as semester staff meetings and faculty meetings.
• Complete required trainings and professional development as assigned.
• Perform other appropriate duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Undergraduate Teaching Load and Appointment Details

• Undergraduate teaching load: 24 credits per academic year.
• Full-time: 100% tenure-track faculty, 9-month ongoing appointment.
• Department: Art and Design.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master of Arts or Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design (or closely related field) completed by the start date.
• At least one year of professional experience in graphic design, demonstrated by a portfolio showing range across typography, branding, layout, and digital design applications.
• At least three years of college or university-level teaching experience in Graphic Design or a closely related discipline by the start date, including full-time, part-time, adjunct, or graduate-level instructional appointments.

Desirable Qualifications

• At least three years of professional experience in graphic design, supported by a portfolio demonstrating range across typography, branding, layout, and digital design applications.
• At least one year of client/design team leadership experience (such as art director, project manager, or creative lead), including responsibility for scheduling, client communication, quality control, and mentoring or directing other designers.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $59,000 - $65,000 annually.
• Generous paid time off.
• Competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance.
• Tax-advantaged savings accounts.
• Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.

Location, Start Date, and Review Timeline

• Location: Superior, WI (onsite).
• Starting date: August 25, 2027.
• Review of complete applications begins at 4:30pm on October 26, 2026 and continues until the position is filled.

How to Apply

To apply, you will be prompted to log in or create a Workday account to continue.

• The application includes only one attachment field. Upload all required documents in that single field, either as one combined file or multiple files in the same upload area.
• Applications will not be considered complete unless all required materials are submitted.
• Due to system limitations, you may upload no more than five (5) attachments. Combine documents where appropriate.

Required Application Materials

• Cover Letter / Teaching Philosophy: include discussion of your working knowledge of graphic design history and current theoretical and professional discourse in the field.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Unofficial transcripts of all degrees earned.
• Digital Portfolio or Website: at least 10 pieces of professional and client-based work demonstrating graphic design proficiency, team/client management experience, and creative research, including engagement with digitally based or expanded media practices.
• Student Work Portfolio: a portfolio of student work from teaching experience (minimum 10 pieces) related to graphic design; related examples outside graphic design are also welcome.