Instructor, Graphic Design

Middlesex College is seeking a full-time tenure track Instructor in Graphic Design for a 10-month (Spring 2027 start) role based in Edison, NJ. This onsite position focuses on teaching both foundational and advanced graphic design courses while actively supporting student progress through clear expectations, engaging instruction, and timely feedback.

Role overview

In this instructor position, you will guide students through core design topics and studio-style learning experiences across a range of college-level offerings. The role includes maintaining course objectives, facilitating classroom engagement, applying fair grading practices, and sustaining a positive learning environment.

Key responsibilities

• Provide quality instruction for foundational and advanced graphic design courses, including 2-Dimensional Design, introductory Graphic Design Skills, Typography, Publication Design, Digital Graphics, Advertising Design, and Portfolio.
• Set clear course objectives and deliver learning materials through effective presentations and engaging class activities.
• Use fair grading, respond to students in a timely manner, and support a constructive classroom atmosphere.
• Teach a teaching load of fifteen (15) contact hours per semester.
• Maintain five (5) office hours per week for student advisement and tutoring.
• Participate in departmental, divisional, and College-wide activities.

Required qualifications

• BFA or a similar professional degree in Graphic Design or a related field.
• Three (3) years of substantial professional experience, supported by a strong professional portfolio (evaluated as equivalent to a Master’s degree). If hired, a master’s degree must be completed within five (5) years of hire.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Technology and tools

• Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, After Effects, Firefly, XD, Adobe CC, Figma

Preferred qualifications

• Master’s degree in Graphic Design or a related field
• Three (3) years of college teaching experience
• Community college teaching experience
• Remote-live teaching experience
• Three (3) years of industry experience in graphic design, advertising, or a related field
• Expert knowledge of Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and knowledge of After Effects, Firefly, XD, and other Adobe CC applications and workflows as relevant in current design practices, plus Figma
• Mastery of typography
• Knowledge of UI/UX, motion graphics, and generative AI tools
• Strong communication design and editorial layout skills
• Experience using collaborative tools for idea development and team design projects
• Experience with curriculum development
• Demonstrated ability to scaffold instruction of complex technical and conceptual topics
• Evidence of diverse instructional methods that address a variety of learning styles
• Evidence of incorporating collaborative strategies in both in-person and remote live classrooms
• Knowledge of the College’s mission and vision
• Commitment to a culture of assessment and evidence-informed teaching

Compensation and schedule

• Salary: USD 70,113 per year
• Position length: Ten (10)-Month Position
• Work arrangement: In-person, on-campus, non-remote

Benefits

• Pension Eligible

Application materials

• Cover letter
• CV/Resume
• Portfolio website of professional/personal work
• Portfolio of student work (website or PDF)
• Teaching Statement addressing pedagogy, instructional methods and approaches (two page maximum)
• Sample syllabus and sample assignment for a foundations design course
• Reference contacts on request