Position Title:
Instructor/Assistant Professor of Graphic Design (Full-time term appointment, non-tenure track)
Location:
Grand Rapids (Kendall)
Department:
92160 - KCAD Graphic Design
Advertised Salary:
Instructor: $39,000, Assistant Professor: $58,000 pursuant to the KCAD of FSU/KFA Agreement
Temporary/Continuing:
Temporary
Part-Time/Full-Time:
Full-Time
Union Group:
Kendall Faculty Association (MEA-NEA)
Term of Position:
9 Month
At Will/Just Cause:
At Will
Summary of Position:
Ferris State University's Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD) in Grand Rapids, MI, prepares artists and designers to have impact through practice. Full-time, term-appointment faculty members at KCAD teach 18 semester credit hours per academic year, typically 3 courses each fall and spring semester. As a KCAD faculty member, you will engage in three kinds of professional development: continuous improvement in teaching effectiveness, creative and/or scholarly contribution within your discipline, and a college service commitment that includes program, college, and community engagement for the advancement of KCAD’s mission. You will actively advise students regarding their academic plan and progress as well as their co-curricular and post-graduation opportunities.
The mission of the Graphic Design program of Ferris State University's Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD) is to graduate problem-solving, critical-thinking design innovators and creative communicators who are skilled in the latest technology, able to work collaboratively in a studio environment, and are passionate about art, design, and contemporary culture.
Teaching assignments within the BFA Graphic Design Program include a series of introductory to intermediate software/technology-based courses and design-related content to advanced level courses emphasizing higher-level critical- and systems-thinking and form-making, for example, media strategy, typography, publication design and production management, and contemporary media (web and application design). Courses are to be taught in person on KCAD’s campus in Grand Rapids, MI. The candidate selected for the position must reside in Michigan after acceptance of employment.
The anticipated start date is August 2025 at the earliest and January 2026 at the latest.
Position Type:
Faculty - Temporary & Continuing
Required Education:
Master’s degree in a related field to content being taught
or:
Master’s degree in unrelated field and additional minimum of 18 graduate credits in a field related to the content being taught
or:
A bachelor’s degree in a related field to content being taught, a minimum of six years of experience working in the field of industry of the content area being taught, and a combination of:
Evidence of recognized accomplishment in area being taught, including awards, bibliography of publication referencing design or art work or scholarship or;
Evidence of scholarly/creative accomplishment in terms of completed design work, patents, exhibitions, presentations, publication, and juried recognition at the regional, national and international level or;
Evidence of service to the field in terms of memberships on committees or boards of professional organizations and other contributions to the field.
Required Work Experience:
Minimum of five (5) years of professional-level practice in graphic design.
Experience with the design process and workflow, including but not limited to critical thinking, constructive critique process, industry-standard software, concepting, art direction, production processes and management, typography, and web and application design.
Required Licenses and Certifications:
Physical Demands:
- Office Environment
- Bending
- Carrying
- Reaching
- Sitting
- Standing
Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:
Prior teaching experience (adjunct or full-time).
Knowledge of design history, contemporary industry/technological trends, digital photography, and package design.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
Prepare and distribute syllabi and class materials according to college standards.
Teach appropriate course as assigned.
Assess and evaluate student learning and provide formative feedback throughout the duration of the course.
Keep regular posted office hours.
Evaluate student performance.
Submit midterm and final grades.
Display and archive course material and student work as requested by program chair and/or the Dean.
Contribute to your discipline’s discourse(s).
Engage in scholarly, creative, and professional development.
Participate in service to the college and in shared governance.
Engage in reflective self-assessment for improvement, renewal, and promotion.
Cultivate an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically.
Support, promote, and develop University student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Perform any other duties assigned within the position classification area.
Marginal Duties/Responsibilities:
Skills and Abilities:
Adobe CC, specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
Typography and typesetting.
Ability to direct multiple student projects, engage in project-based assessment.
Contribute to the college’s continuous improvement.
Maintain effective communication with students and colleagues.
Work collaboratively with faculty, students, and staff throughout the college.
Demonstrated commitment, experience and understanding for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Required Documents:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Unofficial Transcript 1
- Portfolio 1
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Unofficial Transcript 1 (required): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcripts of degree as described in the Required Education section. Transcripts must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, and degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit and official transcript.
Portfolio 1 (required): Portfolio including no less than 20 examples of professional or personal work, demonstrating particular skills as they pertain to the position posting. Examples of student work, if applicable.
Initial Application Review Date:
August 25, 2025
Open Until Position is Filled?:
Yes
EEO Statement:
Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.
