Teaching Specialist/Lecturer

About the Job

Position Overview

As one of the most comprehensive design colleges in the country, the College of Design’s vision is to be the recognized leader in advancing transformative thinking and practice, and reinventing our disciplines and professions for a new century.

In order to prepare our students to confront the real challenges of our time, every College of Design graduate from the University of Minnesota will:

• Be able to apply design thinking as a way to address issues big and small confronting the local and world community
• Understand and be prepared for the social, environmental, and economic ramifications of each problem they address and every decision they make in their work
• Not only be able to conceive unique ideas, but be capable of implementing those ideas through actionable plans, projects, or strategies.

The Department of Design Innovation (DESI) in the College of Design welcomes applications for Part-Time Instructors to teach designated courses based on the following areas according to the needs of the department:

• Graphic Design
• Retail Merchandising
• Apparel Design
• Interior Design
• UX Design
• College of Design Common Core

Applications are reviewed as openings occur, and individual applicants are invited to interview when their skills or areas of expertise match an opening. This posting is designed to establish a pool of instructors. Applications will be reviewed when openings occur throughout the academic year/summer.

Appointment Details

This is a temporary, non-tenured, Academic Professional and Administrative (P&A) position, paid on a per course basis. These appointments are typically arranged semester by semester or for the summer and employment is contingent upon the course meeting its enrollment target.

This appointment is specifically for Fall 2025, Spring 2026 and Summer 2026.

Responsibilities

• Provide instructional delivery based on the course objectives and student learning outcomes defined by the program faculty and within the time scheduled for the course(s).
• Teach class each week as scheduled and deliver course content.
• Hold office hours each week to allow students access outside of the classroom.
• Participate in department committees and in portfolio review (if applicable).

This position is contributing to and supporting the mission of our land-grant institution.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• A Master's or Bachelor's degree plus substantial professional recognition in the subject field or a closely related discipline.
• Evidence of competence to teach in content area is required.
• Proven excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Evidence of attention to cultural diversity in teaching.

Preferred Qualifications

• A terminal degree in your subject field, Ph.D. or MFA is required in the subject field or a closely related discipline.
• Technologically innovative approach to teaching.
• Experience working collaboratively with academic departments and in the community.