Inside Higher Ed is hiring: Instructor Graphic Design and Illustration in Columb

Instructor Graphic Design and Illustration

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.

Position Type: Full Time

Hours Per Week: 40

Position Category: Full‑time Equivalent (FTE)

Employment Basis: 9 months

Work County: Richland

Tenure Information: Professional Track

Job Search Category: Faculty

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 a teaching load of 8 courses for an academic year. An additional administrative appointment opportunity may extend the position to an 11‑month appointment with a 3/3/1 load, including 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 may 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 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, 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. Five full‑time faculty 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.

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

Preferred Qualifications: Candidates prefer to have an MFA, MDes, or a PhD degree in graphic design, illustration, or a closely related field by the start date, with expertise in current design technology and collaborative skills.

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 should include: • A letter of application • CV with URLs to relevant design artwork or publications and list of college‑level courses taught (if applicable). • At least five samples of student design work (PDF or URL), unless transitioning from industry. • Sample syllabi developed and taught, unless transitioning from industry. • Statement describing the candidate’s commitment to teaching and mentoring. • Names and contact information for three references; letters will be requested from finalists and must be signed and on letterhead.

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.