Instructor - Illustration

Founded in 1835, State University of New York (SUNY) Brockport is an exceptional regional comprehensive public university that offers high-quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the arts, business, education, health, humanities, social sciences, and STEM. The University's curriculum is grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and emphasizes experiential learning.

Located only a few miles from Lake Ontario in a quaint "Village on the Erie Canal," SUNY Brockport is conveniently situated between the cities of Rochester and Buffalo - the fourth and second largest cities in New York State. Inspiring excellence through growth, engagement, and transformation is our mission. Join the inclusive community of dedicated faculty, staff, and students who together are Building a Better Brockport!

SUNY Brockport has a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an affirmative action equal opportunity employer. We welcome individuality and encourage you to utilize your unique talents and bring your skills as we collaboratively strive to build meaningful lives and vibrant communities.

SUMMARY

The Department of Art and Design at SUNY Brockport invites applications for a full-time, 10-month, tenure-track Instructor of Art in Illustration, with a focus on digital illustration. The successful candidate will join a department that values collegiality and student-centered teaching. We offer a BA/BS in Graphic Design, a BA/BS in Studio Art, and a BFA in Studio Art. Candidates for the Instructor of Illustration position should be qualified to teach traditional and digital illustration, as well as foundation courses, and to support our Graphic Design and Drawing areas. The ideal candidate will contribute to the evolution of our programs and be an integral member of a teaching environment that blends art, illustration, and design. As the area head for illustration, this Instructor will provide advising, career guidance, and creative mentorship to students in the illustration concentration. Other duties of the position include participating in BFA program activities, general student advisement, course- and program-based assessment, and performing service to the department, University, community, and the profession. The anticipated start date for this position is August 2027.

JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential Functions: Teaching (70%)

• Teaches a 4/4 course load per calendar year. For these purposes, a course refers to a 3-credit course or equivalent.
• Creates effective course materials and demonstrates successful student learning outcomes.
• Participates in assessment activities and contributes to continuous program improvement.
• Advises undergraduate students and participates in BFA program activities.

Scholarly Activities (5-10%)

• Engages in self-authored and/or commissioned creative work resulting in presentation, exhibition, publication, and/or professional recognition.
• Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current in the field.

Service (20-25%)

• Actively participates in department level meetings and serves on at least one additional department committee per academic year. Faculty at this level are also expected to serve on college level committees.
• Provides service to the department, University, community, and profession.
• Attends University events.

Non-Essential Functions

• Coordinates and maintains studio/lab space.

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications:

• MFA, MDes, or MA (Master of Fine Arts, Master of Design or Master of Arts) by time appointment from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education or an internationally recognized college or university
• Demonstrates relevant professional experience
• Ability to teach traditional and digital illustration, foundations, and introductory graphic design courses
• Ability to teach visual design principles and processes to studio and graphic design students
• Professional portfolio that demonstrates mastery of skills in illustration and drawing
• Engagement with current illustration trends, techniques, and theories
• Demonstrated command of current technologies and software platforms
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work with a diverse student body

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with 3D modeling, motion graphics, and/or animation
• Proven record of combining traditional and digital processes into course content
• Two years of teaching at the college level
• Experience with course development and assessment
• Fluency in and appreciation for studio art and art history
• Professional experience in digital illustration with the ability to support traditional illustration
• Professional experience in graphic design
• Experience with client-centered practice
• Strong organizational and leadership skills

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Work Schedule:

Variable

Benefits:

This position is benefits eligible. Find out more about benefits at Careers@Brockport.

Application Instructions:

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Visit jobs.hr.brockport.edu to complete an application including your cover letter that addresses required and preferred qualifications, resume/CV, and contact information for three professional references.

Due to the 10MB limit on the application system, please send a link to your Teaching and Professional Portfolio to artanddesign@brockport.edu. The link can be to Dropbox, WeTransfer, or a similar cloud-based file storage and sharing service.

The Teaching Portfolio should include:

• File name using the template "LastName_FirstInitial_Teaching"
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Illustrator and/or Artist and/or Designer statement. A statement addressing the candidate's work in any one or multiple of these areas. Can include personal and/or client-centered work
• Sample syllabi and assignments
• (20-30) examples of student work, including some that relate to sample assignments. Please include examples of both traditional and digital approaches

The Professional Portfolio should include:

• (15-20) examples of creative and/or professional work (artwork, illustration, and/or graphic design) with emphasis on the past 5 years
• Links to external websites if needed to demonstrate video or interactive work

Best consideration will be given to applications submitted by October 23, 2026.

Please note that if you have retired from a New York State Public Employee Retirement System (Teachers Retirement System or Employees Retirement System), you may be subject to an earnings limitation. Please familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations when applying for this position.