Assistant Professor in Communication Design (Tenure Track)
Employer
University of the Pacific
Location
California, United States
Salary
Salary Not specified
Date posted
Mar 9, 2026
Position Type
Faculty Positions, Arts, Design & Graphic Arts
Employment Level
Tenured/Tenured Track
Employment Type
Full Time
Job Details
Assistant Professor in Communication Design (Tenure Track)
Primary Purpose and Essential Functions:
Teach a minimum of 20 units (typically 5 courses) per year, advise students, conduct research/creative activities and participate in departmental and program service. At least one of the classes serves the university first-year program. Specific duties include:
Teaching & Instruction
- Teach undergraduate courses in the Graphic Design program (usually five courses across fall and spring; one course per year may serve the University first-year program).
- Prepare syllabi, weekly schedules, project briefs, and grading rubrics; deliver lectures/demos/critiques; manage the LMS; maintain academic integrity and a safe working environment.
- Assess student learning (formative and summative), maintain records, and contribute artifacts for program assessment and accreditation.
- Apply WCAG-aligned accessibility, ethical AI use, and contemporary industry practices.
- Representative courses (assigned according to program need and faculty expertise) include:
- ARTS 010 Introduction to Digital Design; ARTS 077 Branding & Identity Design; ARTS 079 Introduction to Typography; ARTS 081 Editorial Design & Production; ARTS 105 Web Design; ARTS 115 Motion Graphics; ARTS 171 Advertising & Commercial Design; ARTS 172 Information Architecture; ARTS 173 Experience Design; ARTS 175 Senior Graphic Design Seminar; ARTH 101 Design Thinking.
Research / Creative Activity
- Maintain an active research/creative agenda in communication design, information design/visualization, UX/UI and interaction, experience/installation design, AR/immersive media, motion design, creative coding, and/or AI-supported design practice.
- Produce peer-reviewed or juried outcomes (exhibitions, publications, conference presentations, prototypes or tools, funded projects).
- Mentor undergraduate research, independent studies, and exhibition work.
Service & Program Responsibilities
- Advise approximately 20-30 majors/minors; support internships, portfolios, and placement; and hold posted office hours.
- Serve on department and college committees (e.g., curriculum, assessment, technology, safety); assist with recruitment and outreach, portfolio reviews, and events; and support assessment and accreditation reporting.
- Participate in regular faculty meetings and program development.
University of the Pacific recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is foundational to the success of our valued students and employees. We prioritize policy and decision-making that demonstrates awareness of, and responsiveness to, the ways socio-cultural forces related to race, gender, ability, sexuality, socio-economic status, etc. impede or propel students, faculty, and staff.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Terminal degree (MFA, PhD, or equivalent) in Visual Communications, Communication Designer closely related field. Foreign degree equivalent is accepted.
Preferred Qualifications:
Physical Requirements:
Special Instructions:
