Visiting Assistant Professor of Art: Visual Communication Design

DescriptionThe Department of Visual Arts and Media at the University of Mount Union invites applications for a full-time, one-year visiting Assistant Professor of Art: Visual Communication Design beginning August 2026. The Department of Visual Arts and Media is home to the BA in Art, with concentrations in Studio Art, Visual Communication Design, and Art Education, as well as programs in Media and Sports Media.The successful candidate will join a collaborative department committed to preparing students for creative careers through hands-on learning, cross-disciplinary experiences, and engagement with contemporary industry practices.ResponsibilitiesThe successful candidate will teach courses in visual communication design, supporting students from foundational coursework through senior capstone experiences. Teaching responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:Introduction to Visual Communication DesignVisual AnalysisTypographyIllustrationWeb and Digital DesignMotion GraphicsInformation DesignBranding and Identity SystemsEmerging Media DesignPortfolio Development and Senior Capstone ExperiencesThe successful candidate will be expected to:Integrate emerging technologies, digital workflows, and contemporary design practices into courseworkEngage students in experiential learning and high-impact educational practicesThe department values faculty who demonstrate innovation in teaching, foster collaborative learning environments, and prepare students for evolving creative industries.QualificationsRequired Qualifications:MFA in Graphic Design, Visual Communication Design, Interaction Design, Digital Media, or closely related field by start date; or equivalent terminal degree appropriate to the disciplineDemonstrated teaching experience at the collegiate level (graduate teaching experience included)Commitment to student mentorship and experiential learningPreferred Qualifications:Minimum of three years teaching experienceProfessional industry experience in areas such as graphic design, branding, digital communication, motion graphics, UX/UI, web design, emerging media, or related fieldsExperience developing curriculum and assessment processesEvidence of interdisciplinary collaboration or community-engaged projectsAbility to teach across traditional design foundations and contemporary digital practicesExperience incorporating emerging technologies, including AI-assisted creative workflows, into teaching or professional practiceDescriptive InformationThe Department of Visual Arts and Media includes faculty expertise in multimedia production, media studies, sports media, studio art, art education, and visual communication. The department emphasizes experiential learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional preparation while fostering creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability.APPLICATION MATERIALS:Applicants should submit:Letter of application addressing qualifications and teaching philosophyCurriculum vitaePortfolio of professional/creative workEvidence of teaching effectiveness (sample syllabi, evaluations, assignments, etc.)Contact information for three professional referencesReview of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.The University of Mount Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive academic community.For benefit eligible positions, the University of Mount Union provides a comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to: free tuition, generous retirement contribution, medical/RX insurance through Aetna, dental and vision insurance, and group life and disability insurance. The University of Mount Union prides itself on its dedication to the health and well-being of its community and offers tobacco cessation resources, as all campus buildings and property are tobacco free.* Participation in most benefit programs is optional and participation is effective after the completion of the formal enrollment process and after the appropriate waiting periods. A detailed explanation of benefits offered for this position is provided by Human Resources during on-campus interviews.Employer University of Mount UnionAddress 1972 Clark AveAlliance, Ohio, 44601Phone (330) 829-6560Website http://www.mountunion.edu/