Position Title: Assistant Professor - Graphic Design (Academic Year, Tenure-Track) Location: Grand Rapids (Kendall) Department:
45200 - School of Design
Advertised Salary: $65,000 - $75,000. Salary commensurate with education, experience, and other requirements. Benefits:
Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.
FLSA: Exempt Temporary/Continuing: Continuing Part-Time/Full-Time: Full-Time Union Group: Ferris Faculty Association (MEA-NEA) Term of Position: Academic Year (faculty) At Will/Just Cause: Just Cause Summary of Position: Kendall College of Art and Design seeks a diverse group of outstanding applicants for full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position within the Graphic Design program.
The mission of the Graphic Design program is to graduate problem-solving, critical-thinking design innovators and creative communicators who are skilled in the latest technology, able to work collaboratively in a studio environment, and are passionate about art, design, and contemporary culture.
Teaching may include undergraduate and graduate courses in Grand Rapids.
Candidates are expected to foster a meaningful learning experience for our students, and faculty are expected to be student-oriented, advise students, and integrate current technology into the learning environment.
Additionally, faculty will participate in collaborative efforts to foster curricular development, assess student learning, and further programmatic enhancement.
Specifically, we expect the candidate to engage students outside the classroom, support and expand our existing academic initiatives, and mentor students beyond a traditional academic advising role.
In support of teaching, candidates will engage in scholarly/professional activities and participate in department, college, and university committees.
Off-campus and online teaching may be required.
Courses are to be taught in person on one of Ferris State University's Campuses. This position is based on the Ferris Grand Rapids campus. The candidate(s) selected for the position must reside in Michigan after acceptance of employment and will perform duties at a Ferris site.
The anticipated start date for this position is August of 2027. However, this is an estimated date and can be revised if needed.
The selected candidate for this position must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire without employer assistance or sponsorship now or in the future. The university will not assist with any F-1 EADs, OPT, H-1 B, etc. Position Type: Faculty - Temporary & Continuing Required Education: Master's degree in Graphic Design or a related design discipline OR Master of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design, Media Design, Digital Design, or related discipline.
Required Work Experience: Six years of professional-level practice experience working in the graphic design industry. A minimum of three years of full-time, part-time, or adjunct college-level teaching experience in graphic design or a related design discipline.
Demonstrated qualifications in at least two of the aforementioned subjects should be included in the portfolio submission. Required Licenses and Certifications: Physical Demands:
Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered: Additional consideration is given to evidence of scholarly/creative accomplishments in completed design work, exhibitions, presentations, publications, and juried recognition (regional, national, and/or international). Service to the field in terms of memberships on committees or boards of professional organizations and other contributions to the field. Essential Duties/Responsibilities: Teaching assignments include the ability to engage in two or more of the following areas: Introductory to intermediate software/technology-based and design-related courses; Design foundations (typography, production management, publication design); Media strategy (branding, advertising); Contemporary media (web and application design); and advanced-level courses emphasizing critical and systems thinking and design research.
Faculty members also have professional responsibilities which may include advising students, orientation and registration of students, participation in university committees, keeping regular posted office hours (which are scheduled at times convenient for students), and participation in traditional functions which have academic significance (ex., reporting initial student participation data and submitting final grades on time).
Teach full-time during the academic year.
Faculty members may be required to teach off-campus or in an online environment.
Recruitment of students (including Dawg Days, Admitted Student Days, visits to high schools or career tech centers, and other University outreach events) will occur throughout the academic year and will include some Saturdays.
Serve on program committees and represent the program(s) on College and University committees.
Collaborate with faculty on curriculum development, assessment, and quality assurance.
Instructional faculty provide academic advising to assigned students as part of their regular faculty duties. This includes providing timely, accurate, and appropriate academic guidance; helping students understand degree requirements and develop educational plans; monitoring academic progress; and connecting students with relevant university resources. Faculty are expected to maintain appropriate advising records and fulfill assigned advising responsibilities in accordance with established university and departmental policy and procedures.
Teach and coordinate elective courses in areas of expertise.
Collaborate in designing and implementing additional undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Maintain records and conduct assessments, advising, and all other administrative functions of the position in accordance with policies and procedures developed by the university, college, school, department, and/or program.
Act as liaison between the program and professional organizations through active, individual involvement and, potentially, as the program-appointed representative.
Enthusiastically support student success through active involvement with individual students, student organizations, and student competitions, both within and outside of the classroom.
Remain current in the profession.
The position reports to the Department Chair or Director and the Dean.
Ferris State University's philosophy places excellence in teaching as a first priority while encouraging involvement in scholarly activity.
Work with colleagues to develop new curricular initiatives.
Carries out responsibilities in accordance with university policies and applicable laws.
Responsible for maintaining confidentiality of information pursuant to university policies and/or state or federal laws.
Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically.
Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.
Marginal Duties/Responsibilities: Skills and Abilities: Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty and administration on initiatives that support FSU goals and objectives.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated experience working successfully with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life experiences. Required Documents:
Optional Documents: Special Instructions to Applicants: Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of an unofficial transcript of their master's degree. Transcripts must include the institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, and the degree awarded. The individual hired will be required to submit an official transcript.
Unofficial Transcript 2 (OPTIONAL): Applicants who have completed additional college coursework or attained an additional degree must attach a copy of their unofficial transcript. Transcript must include institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, and the degree awarded. The individual hired will be required to submit an official transcript. Initial Application Review Date:
1/11/2027 Open Until Position is Filled?: Yes Posting Close Date:
EEO Statement: Ferris State University, an Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to cultivating an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences within its community, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity, and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement. Click here to learn more about working at FSU.
