Graphic Design Specialist Jobs in Wisconsin

INTRODUCTION

The Art Department at the University of Wisconsin–Madison welcomes applications for a tenured Associate Professorship in Graphic Design. The position will begin in August 2027 and offers the opportunity to teach in and help lead a well-established, well-equipped program at a major research university. The successful candidate should be a practicing artist who will contribute to the Art Department’s intellectual and academic life through research, teaching, and service. The position includes undergraduate and graduate teaching in a program that integrates comprehensive technical training with a rigorous critical approach, with ample opportunity for cross-disciplinary dialogue with graduate students across the department. The department is a strong, devoted community of practicing artists committed to its students, collegiality, and the ability to interface with all areas of the Art Department and its 25 tenured/tenure-track faculty members is a significant aspect of the position. The role also offers opportunities to engage with the Kohler Art Library’s collection of artists’ books.

The Art Department at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is nationally ranked among the Top 15 in Overall Fine Arts Programs by U.S. News and World Report. The department’s current student population comprises 1,800 undergraduates, 51 graduate students, and 250 certificate students. The Art Department is committed to excellence in teaching within a major research university and a vibrant intellectual community. Its mission is based on the premise that art is the nexus of all the humanities and that creative expression in the visual arts has provided some of the most enduring contributions to society and culture. The Art Department strives to provide both a fertile and challenging environment for aesthetic and critical engagement and the technical skills necessary for the practice of art in the changing landscape of the twenty-first century. We encourage innovation and cross-disciplinary activity and believe that students should utilize the university's vast academic resources to inform and deepen their artistic vision.

The UW–Madison Art Department’s Graphic Design program serves 198 students enrolled specifically in the Graphic Design Certificate and the Graphic Design Degree Named Option—a figure that does not include the additional students across the university who take graphic design courses as electives. The program is anchored by three advanced computer labs featuring professional workstations and scanners, with mid-size and large-format printing capabilities that support both digital production and high-quality physical output. In addition, students have access to 3D printing and related fabrication capacities, enabling prototyping and material experimentation that extends graphic design workflows beyond the screen. The program’s continued growth and student-centered development are further supported by the Anderson Fund and the Graphic Design Initiative Fund, which help advance the area by addressing program needs with particular attention to the student experience.

The Art Department comprises 17 staff, of which 8 are technicians; 25 tenured/tenure-track faculty; 4 Teaching Faculty; and 13 Lecturers. Our department is part of the UW–Madison School of Education, which is ranked the #1 School of Education in the nation. The school is proud of the breadth of its programs, with departments in Education, Health, and the Arts, and views this range as a tremendous strength.

The UW–Madison School of Education is committed to the pursuit of excellence in research, teaching, learning, and service by supporting and maintaining inclusive working and learning environments where all can flourish, and where the unique contributions of students, faculty, and staff from a broad range of perspectives, backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures are valued.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Principal Duties:

• The undergraduate teaching load is 16 credits per academic year. Art Department classes include B.A. and B.F.A. students, as well as non-majors and certificate students. Classes are typically 4 credits each.
• Semesterly graduate teaching load consists of one of the following: an independent study section, an interdisciplinary group critique, or a graduate seminar.
• Serve on graduate committees with M.F.A. candidates and advise and mentor graduate students within an interdisciplinary Art Department.
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and guidance to students.
• Work collaboratively and lead a team of instructors within a large and vibrant Art Department.
• Maintain a studio practice at a nationally recognized level that meets tenure expectations at a major research institution.
• Consult on the management of gift funds and endowments in place to support the advancement of the Graphic Design area.
• Participate in service activities at the local, state, national, and university levels.
• Meet department and university teaching, research, and service expectations.
• Seek extramural funds to support research and creative activity when possible.

Courses might include Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced Graphic Design, including:

• Basic Graphic Design
• Information Graphics
• Graphic Design for Publication
• Graphic Design for Posters
• Graphic Design for Packaging
• Graphic Design for Interactive Media
• Typography
• Branding
• History of Graphic Design
• Graphic Design for Accessibility
• Graphic Design for Senior Thesis

Anticipated Begin Date: August 17, 2027

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) degree; or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of five years of teaching experience at the university or college level.
• Demonstrated expertise in contemporary graphic design theory, history, and professional practice.
• Demonstrated experience teaching graphic design coursework across undergraduate curricula.
• Experience with curriculum development, program planning, or academic program leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and advise undergraduate and/or graduate students.
• Evidence of successful recruitment, retention, or student outreach efforts.
• Demonstrated leadership and service experience within an academic, professional, or creative organization.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across disciplines.
• Experience working with or supporting diverse populations and fostering inclusive learning environments.
• Demonstrated proficiency in one or more contemporary graphic design practice areas such as typography; identity/branding systems; information graphics; publication/editorial; interaction/UX/UI; web; motion/animation; design research & strategy; service design; socially engaged/civic design; and/or the creative and ethical applications of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• National or international recognition in the field of graphic design or related discipline.
• Experience supervising faculty, instructional staff, or teaching assistants.
• Demonstrated interdisciplinary research or creative practice.
• Expertise in multiple graphic design content areas.
• Experience integrating emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, into teaching, research, or creative practice.
• Experience securing grants, external funding, commissions, or partnerships.
• Experience building industry, community, or cross-campus collaborations.

Education

MFA in Graphic Design or related field

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply through the jobs.wisc.edu portal:

The application should include:

• Letter of application addressing your vision of a contemporary undergraduate graphic design area and clearly outlining your experience and interest in joining UW-Madison
• Teaching philosophy
• Curriculum vitae
• Sample syllabus for an introductory, intermediate, or advanced graphic design class
• Artist's or designer's statement
• Documentation of artwork: submit up to 20 images.
• Documentation of student artwork: submit up to 20 images with assignment descriptions where applicable.
• Names/email addresses/telephone numbers of 3 references (no recommendation letters)

Applications must be received by July 20, 2026, for full consideration. The position will remain open until filled.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Timothy McCarty

Department Administrator

608-262-1959

timothy.mccarty@wisc.edu

INSTITUTIONAL STATEMENT ON DIVERSITY

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.