DePreist Visiting Assistant Professorship in Graphic Design

Equal Opportunity

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Portland State University

Position Details

Proposed Start Date: 09/16/2026
Rank: CP - Asst Professor of Practice
Working Title: DePreist Visiting Assistant Professorship in Graphic Design
Position Number: D96203
Representation: AU - AAUP
Faculty Type: Fixed Term Instructional (up to 3 years)
Fixed Term End Date: 06/15/2029
Position FTE: 1.0
Term of Service: 9 month

Position Summary

About Portland State University’s Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design. Portland State University (PSU) is Oregon’s only urban public research university, located in downtown Portland. PSU offers more than 200 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs and emphasizes experiential learning, real‑world impact, and partnerships with local organizations. The Graphic Design Program prepares students to be curious, adaptable, and community‑engaged designers with foundations in typography, visual systems, and conceptual thinking, and opportunities to explore advanced technologies and interdisciplinary approaches. The DePreist Visiting Professorship in Graphic Design honors James DePreist and supports inclusive design education and broadened representation in the field. This is a full‑time, fixed‑term, non‑renewable, three‑year position (1.0 FTE, 9 months). The position begins September 16, 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Typically, a Full‑time Fixed Term position teaches 36 credits across three quarters. This position includes an instructional workload reduction of 8 credits for funded DEI community engagement and outreach. The successful candidate will maintain an active scholarly research agenda, teach lower division courses in their area of expertise, and have interest in engaging local underserved communities and the Multnomah public school system.

Primary Activity

Instructional

Minimum Qualifications

• MFA or equivalent terminal degree in Graphic Design, Digital Media, or related field
• An active creative practice with professional accomplishments in Graphic Design and/or emerging technologies
• Teaching experience at the college or university level
• Demonstrated interest in inclusive and interdisciplinary education
• Proficiency in design software and technologies relevant to contemporary design practice
• Strong foundation in design fundamentals: typography, layout, concept development, and critical thinking
• Experience teaching first‑year or foundational design courses
• Experience with community‑engaged design or collaborative projects

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing curriculum for first‑year or foundational design courses
• Background in typography, publication design, motion design, creative coding, interaction/UX design, physical computing, XR/AR/VR, speculative design
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive and equitable pedagogy
• Familiarity with curriculum development and interdisciplinary initiatives

Key Cultural Competencies

• Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences
• Communicate effectively and respectfully within diverse beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds
• Collaborate in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with willingness to improve
• Adhere to PSU policies including Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and Professional Standards of Conduct

Environmental Stewardship

Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and works toward long‑term sustainability goals.

Professional Standards of Conduct

PSU employees are expected to conduct themselves professionally to maintain a safe, respectful, and productive environment. This includes adherence to the PSU Professional Standards of Conduct.

Total Compensation Range & Benefits

Salary is dependent on experience and budget. The starting salary for this position is typically in the first quartile with potential for growth. The starting annual salary for this position will be between $74,016 and $74,727, and may be negotiated higher based on experience, skills, and HR approval. Benefits include 95% premium paid health care, retirement and vacation, and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse, or dependent; total compensation calculator available online.

Supplemental Questions

Reference Requests

Reference Requests: Accept References – Yes; Minimum References – 3; Maximum References – 3

Applicant Documents

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Please state the specific field or discipline in which you received (or will receive) your terminal degree. (Open Ended Question)
2. * How did you first find out about this position?
3. Other: please specify in comment box (Open Ended Question)

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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