Instructor Graphic Design and Illustration Job at Inside Higher Ed in Columbia

Instructor Graphic Design and Illustration

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Advertised Title

Instructor Graphic Design and Illustration

Posting Details

Posting Number: FAC00177PO25

Campus: Columbia

College/Division: College of Arts and Sciences

Department: CAS School of Visual Art and Design

Advertised Salary Range: We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

Part/Full Time: Full Time

Hours Per Week: 40

Position Category: Full-time Equivalent (FTE)

Basis: 9 months

Work County: Richland

Tenure Information: Professional Track

Job Search Category: Faculty

About University Of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Advertised Job Summary

The faculty of the School of Visual Art and Design at the University of South Carolina, Columbia campus, invites applications for a full time, professional-track position at the rank of Instructor to begin August 16, 2026. The Position is a 9-month appointment with teaching load of 8 courses for an academic year. An additional administrative appointment opportunity with this position may extend the position to an 11- month appointment with a 3/3/1 load with the inclusion of responsibilities to manage the Digital Print Lab. The instructor position and the administrative appointment are annual appointments that may be renewed contingent upon Dean’s approval, satisfactory performance, department needs, and availability of funding. The successful candidate will lead and support the expansion of the award‑winning Graphic Design and Illustration (GD+I) BFA program through teaching, mentorship, and service. The position requires teaching courses across the design curriculum, mentoring students and maintaining and managing the Digital Print Lab. Courses taught by this position include introductory courses in design technology foundation and typographic design. New courses in entrepreneurship and business strategies for creatives could also be developed.

About the Graphic Design + Illustration program

The Graphic Design + Illustration (GD+I) program is a concentration of the Studio Art BFA in the School of Visual Art and Design. Students undergo a portfolio review before admission into the program, pursue internships, and have a capstone experience before graduation. Students in the program regularly win awards and recognition with the American Advertising Federation, AIGA, Creative Quarterly, and more. The GD+I program has an engaged student body and five full‑time faculty who teach courses in motion, interaction, interface and experience design, augmented reality, design with AI and machine learning, product and packaging design, typography, branding, systems, traditional illustration, drawing, and digital illustration. Designers and illustrators in our program understand the objects and interactions we create are part of larger systems and that we have responsibilities as message‑makers. We lead with research and data to make informed solutions.

Required Education And Experience

Candidates must have an MFA, MDes, or a PhD degree in graphic design, illustration, or closely related field by the start date of employment, and have expertise in the discipline of graphic design, current design technology, and the ability to collaborate successfully with faculty and adjunct instructors on curriculum matters.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates must have an MFA, MDes, or a PhD degree in graphic design, illustration, or closely related field by the start date of employment, and have expertise in the discipline of graphic design, current design technology, and the ability to collaborate successfully with faculty and adjunct instructors on curriculum matters.

Desired Start Date

08/16/2026

Job Open Date

09/16/2025

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions To Applicant

How to apply: All applicants must apply online at USCJobs at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Review of applications will begin December 1 and the position will be open until filled. Inquiries about this position may be directed to the Chair of the search committee, Prof. Stephanie Nace, nace@mailbox.sc.edu.

Completed applications will include:

• A letter of application
• CV that includes URLs to relevant design artwork and/or design publication, and list of college level courses taught (if applicable).
• At least five samples of student design work (PDF format or URL link), unless the applicant is seeking to transition from an industry career into academia.
• Sample syllabi developed and taught by the candidate, unless the applicant is seeking to transition from an industry career into academia.
• A statement describing the candidate’s commitment to teaching and mentoring.
• Names and contact information for three references; the search committee will request letters from referees of candidates who are selected as finalists. Reference letters must be signed and on letterhead.

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending on a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

Seniority level

Entry level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology

Industries

Online Audio and Video Media