"Assistant Professor of Design Foundations (Graphic Design)"

Job Details

The Art and Design Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking a designer-educator who is enthusiastic about teaching first-year students and design foundations in an undergraduate, student-centered educational environment. The Foundations curriculum in Art and Design introduces critical thinking, experimentation, and creative literacy to undergraduate students in Graphic Design, Photo/Video, and Studio Art. The position, a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track Assistant Professor, will begin August 17, 2026.

We are seeking a practicing designer and educator with a robust creative practice and a commitment to equity-driven pedagogy, who is dedicated to the creative growth of first-year students. The ideal candidate will demonstrate fluency in analog and digital design tools, as well as emerging technology—including, but not limited to, areas such as artificial intelligence, creative coding, extended reality (XR), motion, experiential design, and speculative design. These areas of technical expertise should be informed by and grounded in inclusive design and a global perspective.

The successful candidate will teach two to three undergraduate studio-based courses per semester. Instructional duties include design foundations (2D Design, Design Thinking and Methods), core classes in graphic design, and general education design courses (Fundamentals of Digital Media Art)—with a focus on developing students’ skills in critical thinking, creative practice, industry-standard software, and cultural competence.

The candidate will be an active participant in our department’s evolving curriculum, which foregrounds inclusive pedagogy, sustainable design, and diverse cultural perspectives in design thinking and practice. We welcome applicants whose practice integrates research, social impact, and technology and who can prepare students for careers at the forefront of graphic design practice.

Salary: Anticipated Hiring Range: $90,276 – $98,244/year, $7,523 – $8,187/month (Note that hiring level will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate.)

Although Cal Poly is primarily a teaching university, our faculty are expected to balance teaching with an active program of research/professional development (including publication), student supervision and advising, and participation in service activities at the department and college/university level. The typical teaching load is 12 units per semester, with a reduction in course load in each of the first two years to help new faculty establish an active program of research and professional development.

Subject to further planning and approval, Cal Poly anticipates a possible transition to semester-based year-round operations (YRO). Under YRO, full-time academic year faculty may be assigned to teach in two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring, Spring/Summer, or Summer/Fall) out of the three semesters offered annually. The two-semester sequence will constitute the regular academic year appointment. Faculty may also be eligible to teach in the third semester for additional compensation, subject to departmental needs and University policy.

Required Qualifications
MFA, MDes, or similar terminal degree in graphic/visual communication design or a closely related field by the time of appointment
Demonstrated experience teaching graphic design and/or foundations courses at the college level
Active record of professional practice in the field, with exhibitions, publications, and/or significant client work
Demonstrated breadth of experience in traditional graphic design: typography, layout, identity systems, and branding
Demonstrated engagement with Art and Design Foundations pedagogy.
Demonstrated expertise with current industry software, including but not limited to: Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, After Effects, XD), Figma, HTML/CSS and/or other design tools
Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest or experience in actively following developments at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and graphic design, with an eye to maintaining a robust pedagogy and curriculum that prepares students for success in a changing field
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive design and interest or experience in community-based design, design for social change, design for accessibility, sustainable design, and/or socially responsive design
• Demonstrated experience with inclusive, culturally competent, and/or equity-driven student-centered pedagogy, responsive to the needs of a diverse student population
• Ability to develop collaborative relationships and interdisciplinary connections across the University and beyond—with community, industry, and professional organizations.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment.
• Preference will also be given to those with relevant work experience and those who bring professional capabilities.

About The Department
The Department serves over 200 undergraduate majors and offers a NASAD-accredited BFA in Art and Design with concentrations in graphic design, photography/video, and studio art. Graphic Design is the largest area with, on average, 65% of Art and Design majors. The Department also serves the university through general education courses in art, design, photography, and art history. All faculty are expected to participate in the following: curriculum development, cross-disciplinary dialogue and critiques with colleagues, supervision of student-related activities, departmental recruiting, and committee service within the department, college, and university.

How to Apply
To apply, please visit http://jobs.calpoly.edu/, complete a required online faculty application and apply to Requisition #552566. Please upload the following required materials as part of the electronic application:
(1) a cover letter addressing the required and preferred qualifications
(2) a current Curriculum Vitae
(3) copy of unofficial transcripts (sealed official transcripts and letters of recommendation will be required for final consideration)
(4) a Universal Student Success Statement: Cal Poly is a public, student-centered university that serves the diverse constituents of the state of California and has a strong emphasis on the teacher-scholar model. Please detail your approach to teaching and learning at the collegiate level, including evidence of experience with inclusive, accessible, and intentional teaching, to a wide variety of students and a description of how you will continue to develop this expertise at Cal Poly. Service or scholarship related to skills developed in these areas might also be included here.
(5) Statement of research interests/ research plan
(6) sample syllabi and teaching materials with project descriptions
(7) Portfolio and examples of recent student work. Provide images of current creative work (maximum of 20 pages) and images of student work, if applicable (maximum of 20 pages). These documents must be submitted as a single PDF file, no larger than 150mb (provide links to online content within the PDF when necessary). Candidate may also submit a link to a portfolio website.
Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials by the review begin date for full consideration; however, applications received after this date may be considered.

Cal Poly’s ability to sponsor employment-based visas will depend on institutional priorities, budget availability, and current federal regulations. Cal Poly does not commit to providing visa sponsorship for this position, and applicants should not expect that such sponsorship will be offered.

Projected Start Date: August 17, 2026
Review Begin Date: January 9, 2026. Applicants with complete files by the Review Begin Date will be given full consideration. Applications received after this date may be considered.

For questions about the position please contact Charmaine Martinez via email at cmarti11@calpoly.edu.