The University of Northern Iowa's Department of Art & Graphic Design seeks a dynamic and visionary graphic design professional to join our faculty as an Assistant Professor. This full-time, tenure-track position begins August 1, 2026. We are looking for someone with proven leadership experience to proactively shape our design curriculum to align with current and future industry needs while equipping students with skills and experience they will need to succeed.

This position will teach three undergraduate courses per semester in graphic design and in foundations and general education as needed; mentor and advise students; maintain an active professional practice or research agenda related to graphic design; keep abreast of emerging concepts and technologies in the field; and contribute to department, college, and university initiatives by serving on committees.

The Department of Art & Graphic Design (https://chas.uni.edu/art) is one of 15 departments in the College of Humanities, Arts & Sciences with a faculty and professional staff of 12 full-time and 4 part-time members who serve 266 students. Degrees offered: B.A. in Graphic Design, Art Education, Art History, and Studio (ceramics, drawing, painting, performance art, photography, printmaking, sculpture), B.F.A. in Studio, and M.A. in Art Education. The Department is also home to the UNI Gallery of Art and the UNI Permanent Art Collection.

Education Requirements: MFA in Graphic Design or related field, or MA in Graphic Design or related field with at least five years of industry experience required. If the selected candidate has an MA with industry experience, the position may not be hired as tenure-track but as a term Clinical Assistant Professor.

Required Qualifications: Professional experience working with clients; a strong and diverse portfolio showcasing work in multiple design formats; strong communication skills; and ability to articulate a vision for the future of the program required.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience as a classroom teacher or instructor in some other capacity; demonstrated experience in leadership; and expertise in and ability to teach design history preferred.

For more information, please contact Jeffery Byrd, Search Committee Chair, at 319-273-6009 or email at jeffery.byrd@uni.edu. Pre-employment background checks required.

Application Instructions: All application materials received by December 1, 2025, will be given full consideration. To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. The following materials must be attached when applying:

1) Curriculum Vita
2) Cover Letter. The cover letter should include a summary of previous relevant experience, list of previous courses taught or other instructional activities, and list of software and technical skills.

3) Portfolio of personal and professional work

4) Statement on the future of design education

You will be presented with the opportunity to attach multiple documents when completing the application. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL required materials listed above have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes. If you have questions regarding this application process, please email careers-support@uni.edu or call 319-273-2422.

UNI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University encourages applications from persons of color, women, individuals living with disabilities, and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other basis protected by federal and/or state law.

The University offers an excellent benefits package including a vacation plan, employer sponsored retirement plans, health and dental insurance, and life and disability insurance. Benefits package details can be viewed at https://careers.uni.edu/benefits. Application materials received by 12/1/2025 will be given first consideration. For more information or to apply, visit https://careers.uni.edu/. Criminal and other relevant background checks required. UNI is a tobacco free campus.