full-time non-tenure track instructor of design

Winthrop University, a highly ranked, public, comprehensive university, announces a search for a full-time non-tenure track instructor of 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, just 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 undergraduate Bachelor of Design
• Participate in curriculum development, accreditation, assessment, and course planning
• Advise and mentor undergraduate Design majors
• Engage in creative and scholarly activity, such as client work, exhibition work, and published work
• Support and participate in the department’s recruitment efforts
• Engage in professional service to the department, college, university, discipline, and community
• Support student internships, applied design projects, and our design 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 6,000-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: 08/16/2026

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, or degree other than an MFA or MDes, who have 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 have a record of and evidence teaching excellence, scholarship, and professional activity.
• Candidates should demonstrate a willingness to collaborate, communicate, and contribute to the growth of the department.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 2–3 years of university-level teaching experience, which could include graduate-level and adjunct teaching.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in industry.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud, knowledge of printing pre-press principles and printing methodology, and knowledge of user experience design and product design.

Employment Conditions

Position is full-time, nine-month, non-tenure track. Salary is commensurate with qualifications.

Application Instructions

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit their credentials as soon as possible for full consideration.

Applications should include:

• A cover letter addressing interest in and qualifications for the position that also includes a statement of teaching philosophy.
• A current curriculum vitae.
• Evidence of teaching excellence (narrative with teaching philosophy) with images of student work and descriptions (URL or PDF).
• A media file that includes up to 20 images of the candidate’s creative or scholarly work (URL or PDF).
• Transcript and evidence of highest degree achieved (unofficial transcripts acceptable at this stage).
• The names, email, and phone numbers for three references familiar with the candidate’s qualifications.

Contact Information

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.