Assistant Professor, Graphic Design

The Opportunity

The School of Visual Arts and Design (SVAD) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for a 9-month, tenure-earning assistant professor in the Emerging Media area of Graphic Design. The successful candidate will design and deliver courses at the undergraduate level that inspire majors in the following areas of study: graphic design, user experience and product design, web design, and typography. This successful candidate will teach three courses per semester, conduct scholarly research and service, participate in the local and regional design community, and maintain regular office hours. The position is anticipated to start in August 2025.

UCF supports and rewards teaching excellence. Faculty are expected to participate in department and university service including committee work. UCF offers undergraduate BFA and B.A. degrees as well as MFA degrees in animation and studio arts. SVAD has approximately 2,700 majors across three areas that include architecture, emerging media, and studio arts. 

At UCF, we are dedicated to access and are invested in identifying candidates who will contribute to our mission through equity-minded practice and culturally responsive pedagogy. For more information about UCF, please visit the website at https://www.ucf.edu.

In SVAD, we are dedicated to the exploration of creativity, where we engage the senses, ignite imagination, and nurture artistic talents. Our mission is to inspire and empower a diverse community of artists and designers. SVAD is a place where you can see, think, hear, touch, and learn through the transformative power of art. We believe that the senses are the gateway to profound creative experiences. Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to immerse students in the world of art and design. We offer a range of academic programs, including B.A., BFA, and MFA degrees, tailored to artists and designers of all backgrounds. With a team of over 50 dedicated faculty and staff advisors, SVAD is committed to guiding students toward the right educational path and helping them shape successful careers in the arts. Join our award-winning faculty, renowned for their expertise and passion for nurturing talent. Together, we spark the interests of our students and guide them on a journey of creative discovery. For more information about SVAD and our vibrant community, please visit our website at https://svad.cah.ucf.edu.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Applicants must have a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) or Master of Design (MDes) in graphic design or closely related field from an accredited institution, with expertise in the discipline of graphic design and current design technology.

• The ability to communicate in a clear, timely, professional manner.

• A promising record of research, creative activity, and teaching experience commensurate with a tenure-earning appointment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A minimum of five years of professional experience in the design field.

• At least one year of teaching experience, along with advanced expertise in the discipline and a commitment to fostering diversity.

• Possess a comprehensive understanding of graphic design (both print and web) with proficiency in digital and traditional media, including expertise in industry-standard graphic software.

• Knowledge of design history.

• Proven experience with typography and lettering.

• Demonstrated competence in a variety of pre-press and production processes, materials, equipment, and technologies, along with a commitment to maintenance and quality standards.

• Excellent organizational and communication skills, and a dedication to excellence in lab management and design.

• Interest in building industry partnerships.

• A portfolio of diverse and distinctive creative work.

• Interest in student recruitment and retention, grant writing, and designing or delivering mixed-mode and online courses.

Additional Application Materials Required:

UCF requires all applications and supporting documents be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/.  In addition to the online application, candidates should upload a single combined PDF document, or provide a link to the PDF document, that includes the following: 

• Letter of application.

• Curriculum vitae.

• Teaching philosophy.

• Statement about scholarly or creative projects.

• Examples of personal work (up to 10).

• Examples of student work (up to 10).

• Sample syllabi developed and taught by the candidate.

Documents should include descriptions for each image (i.e., title, date, media, size, and relevance to criteria outlined in the position description).

NOTE: The site will not accept more than 10MB total per applicant. Alternatively, a single-page document with a link to the PDF portfolio will also be accepted.

Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be simultaneously uploaded. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.

The selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts (and, as applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations) documenting the conferral of their qualifying academic credentials.

Questions regarding this search should be directed to Victor Davila at victor@ucf.edu.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

N/A

Job Close Date:

January 9, 2025

Note to applicants: Please keep in mind that a job posted as ‘Open until filled’ may close at any time without notice. As such, we encourage you to submit your application and all required documentation as quickly as possible to ensure consideration for the posted position.

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you’ll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Working at UCF has its perks! UCF offers:

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program. 
• Paid time off, including annual (12-month faculty) and sick time off and paid holidays.
• Retirement savings options. 
• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions. 
• Education assistance.
• Flexible work environment. 
• And more…For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide click here.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Additional Requirements related to Research Positions:

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, post-doctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.

Department

Work Schedule

Type of Appointment

Expected Salary

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Central Florida is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer including Disabled/Vets.  Click on UCF's Equal Opportunity Statement to view the President’s Statement.

The UCF affirmative action plans for qualified individuals with disabilities and protected Veterans are available for inspection in the Office of Institutional Equity, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., upon request.

As a Florida public university, UCF makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request. 

The University of Central Florida is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.