"Assistant Professor of Communication Design - Department of Art 26-14"

Assistant Professor of Communication Design - Department of Art 26-14

Tenure-Track Faculty Position Announcement

Department: Art and Design

Faculty Hire Number: #26-14

Rank: Assistant Professor

Effective Date of Appointment: August 19, 2026 (Subject to Budgetary Approval)

Anticipated Hiring Range: $87,500 to $94,500 (Dependent upon qualifications)

The Department of Art & Design at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is seeking a tenure-track faculty member in the Communication Design area at the rank of Assistant Professor. The successful candidate will teach both introductory and advanced undergraduate courses in Entertainment Advertising Design and Branding, with the ability to integrate communication design techniques with emerging technologies and platforms.

The ideal candidate will stay current with new technology, continue to develop professional expertise, and maintain an active, creative practice. We seek a candidate with a proven track record of creating work and/or participating in programs that foster and promote equity, inclusion, and representation, especially relevant to our diverse student population. The candidate should demonstrate proficiency in industry-specific software and hardware, as well as experience with the latest technologies, such as VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Augmented Reality), AI (Artificial Intelligence), and video/motion production.

In addition to teaching, responsibilities include weekly office hours, attending faculty meetings, assessing student learning, service to the department, college, and university, and contributing to the development of the communication design area through curriculum innovation and outreach. The position may require teaching during weekdays, evenings, weekends, and/or online. Candidates will be evaluated based on the college and department standards for recommending tenure and promotion.

Required Qualifications:

• An MFA degree in Art or Design with a concentration in graphic/communication design, or a related field from an accredited institution, foreign equivalency, or post-baccalaureate experience, training, and expertise at least equivalent to those required for the Master of Fine Arts degree.
• College, university, or advanced industry-focused teaching experience in in-person and/or online settings.
• Professional experience in the field with a record of creative achievement as an entertainment advertising or brand designer, utilizing the latest software and technologies, such as VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Augmented Reality), AI (Artificial Intelligence), and video/motion production.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to utilize fundamental graphic design principles using the latest technologies, as demonstrated in the portfolio.
• Proficiency in creating key art and various touchpoints for marketing entertainment media across live events, streaming, digital, and social media platforms, as demonstrated in the portfolio.
• The candidate should have a strong understanding of brand strategy within the entertainment industry and how it aligns with overall objectives during the advertising of new media.
• Teaching or Professional experience that includes working with a diverse student body or leading groups of people from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience or potential for creating a student-centered learning environment, such as community engagement, inclusive professional development, active learning strategies, culturally relevant pedagogy, curriculum development, etc. which leads to equitable outcomes for all students.
• Experience participating in inclusive approaches to mentoring, such as minority centered mentorship with community-based arts programs, leadership roles, or engagement with minority serving organizations, etc.

Application Deadline:

The preferred application deadline is January 15, 2026, and applications received after this date may be considered on an as-needed basis. However, the position will remain open until filled.

How to Apply:

Candidates should apply by completing the CSUN online application. To apply and for more detailed information on the application and hiring process, please visit this link: www.csun.edu/careers

Applicants must submit the following to www.csun.edu/careers:

• A cover letter that clearly addresses the required and preferred qualifications.
• Curriculum Vitae or resume that includes a link to the applicant's portfolio, which should include a body of work demonstrating proficiency in graphic design in the field of entertainment media.
• Names and contact information of three references who can address the candidate's teaching, research, and service qualifications