Assistant/Associate Professor, Graphic Design

Winthrop University, a highly ranked, public, comprehensive university, announces a search for a full-time tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor of Graphic Design. This nine-month appointment is in the Department of Design within the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Our campus is in Rock Hill, South Carolina, approximately thirty minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina’s thriving design and art market and international airport. This position requires daily contact with students, faculty, and staff on campus. Candidates should demonstrate commitment to an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to design studies, at the foundation, intermediate, and advanced levels. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in design practices including graphic design layout, design research and design thinking, interactive and web design, and interactive digital products.

Position Responsibilities     

• Teaching 15–18 contact hours a semester (3 studio classes)
• Teach all levels in the Graphic Design Program
• Participate in the strategic assessment, development, and advancement of the Graphic Design Program and its facilities
• Contribute to the development and growth of Graphic Design teaching and learning spaces, studios, and related resources to support evolving pedagogical and program needs
• Participate in curriculum development, accreditation, and annual assessment
• Advise and mentor undergraduate Design majors
• Engage in creative and scholarly activity
• Fully support and participate in the department’s recruitment efforts
• Engage in professional service to the department, college, university, discipline, and community
• Seek and maintain relationships with community and industry partners to support student internships, applied design projects, and our programs
• Assume other responsibilities according to departmental needs and candidate’s qualifications

About the College     

To learn more about the College of Visual & Performing Arts please visit: https://www.winthrop.edu/cvpa/.

About Winthrop University  

Founded in 1886, Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, offers its 5,200-plus undergraduate and graduate students an educational experience that blends liberal arts, professional programs, global awareness, and civic engagement. In its colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business and Technology; Education, Sport, and Human Sciences; and Visual and Performing Arts, Winthrop embraces only those programs and activities that can be delivered at an exemplary level. Winthrop University is achieving national stature as a competitive and distinctive co-educational, public, residential, comprehensive, values-oriented institution. The values of service, excellence, community, and leadership provide the foundation for Winthrop’s continuing development and shape Winthrop’s continuing success. Numerous national accolades reflect the sustained high quality and value of the Winthrop Experience, including the most recent U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Winthrop as one of the top-10 public comprehensive universities in the South. Winthrop is an active member of the Rock Hill community and recognized as a key component of the region’s economic resurgence. Approximately 20 minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina, Winthrop has direct access to and is engaged in a broad and expansive regional business community. Winthrop’s beautiful campus encompasses a rich architectural blend of neo-Georgian buildings and is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The attractive recreational and research complex area that surrounds Winthrop Lake is home to Winthrop’s 18 Division I men’s and women’s sports.

Benefits          

At Winthrop University, we are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that significantly enhances the total compensation for our employees. In partnership with the State of South Carolina and the Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), our benefits include health and life insurance, generous paid leave, parental leave, and retirement programs. These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting the well-being and financial security of our employees. For more information please visit: https://www.winthrop.edu/hr/employee-benefits.aspx.

Background Check   

Winthrop University is committed to providing a safe campus community. Winthrop conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Position Availability: 08/16/2027

Required Qualifications       

• Candidates should hold a terminal degree (MFA, MDes,) in Graphic Design or a related Design discipline.
• Candidates holding a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communication (or commensurate)—with significant teaching and/or professional experience equivalent to a terminal degree—may be considered.
• Candidates should have advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud, layout tools such as Illustrator and InDesign, and experience with industry-standard tools such as Microsoft Office and Figma.
• Candidates should understand user experience design, for digital apps and products, as well as an understanding of typographic composition for print and digital media across communication systems, branding and experiential design. Their teaching portfolio and own professional design work should show exemplary skills in those areas.
• Candidates should have a record of and evidence teaching excellence, scholarship, and professional activity.
• Candidates should demonstrate a willingness and ability to work collaboratively with faculty and students, communicate effectively, and contribute to a collegial and engaged learning environment.
• Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the continued growth and development of the Graphic Design Program and department.

Preferred Qualifications       

• Minimum of three years of university-level teaching experience, which could include graduate-level and adjunct teaching.
• Minimum of three years of professional experience in Industry.

Employment Conditions      

Full-time, tenure-track, 9-month appointment

Application Instructions       

Applications should include:

• Cover letter addressing the candidate’s qualifications and experience in relation to the responsibilities and requirements of the position.
• Statement of teaching philosophy outlining the candidate’s approach to teaching and learning in Graphic Design.
• Current curriculum vitae.
• Media file with teaching portfolio demonstrating evidence of teaching excellence, including up to 20 examples of student work. Each example should include a brief description identifying the course, project or assignment, and relevant context. Portfolio materials may be submitted as a PDF or URL as a media file.
• Portfolio of up to 20 examples of the candidate’s professional, creative, or scholarly work, submitted as a PDF or URL.
• Transcript and evidence of highest degree achieved (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the initial review; official transcripts must be provided for a final appointment)

All applications and nominations will be handled in confidence. Questions about the position and nominations should be directed to Department of Design Chair, Jason Tselentis: tselentisj@winthrop.edu.