Assistant Professor- Studio Art - Northern Illinois University

The School of Art and Design at Northern Illinois University invites applications for a tenure-track position in Studio Art, at the rank of Assistant Professor, beginning in Fall 2026.

The School of Art and Design seeks an illustration or design educator to teach a variety of courses, from introductory to advanced.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Teaching a variety of introductory through advanced level illustration and design courses as assigned
Maintaining an ongoing record of research, artistry, and professional engagement
Collaborate with faculty in the development of programs, curriculum design, and assessment
Provide service to the department, university, and profession
Mentor and advise students across multiple degree paths
Perform assigned departmental responsibilities

Minimum Required Qualifications
Either a terminal degree (M.F.A.) in Illustration or Visual Communication, or equivalent in a related field of study from an accredited university at the time of appointment, and with at least 2 years of professional illustration and/or design industry experience
OR a BFA with at least 5 years of professional illustration and/or design industry experience
Record of creative accomplishment, recognition, awards, or publications
Demonstrated excellence with conceptualization, visual storytelling, and drawing
Demonstrate knowledge and/or practical experience in business concepts relevant to illustrators and designers, including contracts, copyright, industry best practices, and changing technologies

Preferred Qualifications
Expertise in two or more of the following: drawing, painting, industry-standard digital software in raster, vector, 3D programs, 2D animation, and/or motion graphics
Proficiency and expertise in at least two design disciplines, such as print, environmental, and digital design, including motion graphic design, video production and editing, interactive design, and UI/UX design
Experience in both traditional and digital media, including new media processes
Demonstrated transdisciplinary experience with fields beyond the arts, such as sciences, business, engineering, etc
Experience in curricular development and leadership
Collegiate-level teaching experience
Contribution to diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, creative and scholarly activities, teaching, advising, and service

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 08/16/2026
Percent of Staff Year: 0.75
Standard Hours Per Week: 37.50
Salary: Faculty salaries are guided by a CBA, starting at $70,000. NIU offers a robust benefits package
Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range: $3,888.89 - $4,166.67
Earn Type: Salary

Application Procedure
For full consideration, prospective applicants must apply online at Assistant Professor – Studio Art and upload the following materials by December 1, 2025:

Cover letter (400 words max) that describes how the candidate’s teaching experience, industry experience, and research interests align with the responsibilities and qualifications articulated in the position description
Resume or Curriculum Vitae
List of 3–5 professional references. Please include the name, name of organization & title (if applicable), e-mail, phone, and affiliation for each reference
Statement of teaching philosophy, including approaches for diverse student populations
PDF Portfolio of the candidate’s recent work consisting of 10–20 projects (with labels and a brief description) with links to online content
If applicable, a PDF teaching portfolio of the candidate’s students’ work, consisting of 20 digital images (labeled) with links to online content
Unofficial transcript showing the highest degree earned by the candidate (official transcripts will be required upon hire)

Review of complete applications will commence after December 1, 2025; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Appointment is subject to a satisfactory criminal background check.

Link to apply: https://employment.niu.edu/postings/87655