POSITION TITLE: Lecturer (Spring 2027 Only)

DIVISION: Academic Affairs

DEPARTMENT: Graphic Design

REPORTS TO: Chair of Graphic Design

PAY TYPE: Exempt

WORKER TYPE: Full-Time

UPDATED: September 2026

PAY: $20,000

The Graphic Design department is seeking a collaborative and curious colleague for a one-semester appointment as a sabbatical replacement. We seek an individual with progressive ideas about design practice and pedagogy and who is actively building a record of experiences in both areas. We recognize the breadth and depth of contemporary design practice and are looking for a colleague with broad research and practice interests in fundamentals of typography and image-making; contemporary production techniques for print, screen, motion, and interaction; design thinking, various research and process methods; and/or project managing / guiding students in professionally- and conceptually-oriented, systems-based solo projects. Our priority is to build the strongest possible complement of faculty and we are open to a wide range of possibilities for how that may be done.

Faculty in Graphic Design collaborate to foster a vibrant, student-centered studio culture grounded in inquiry, making, critique, and the cultural, civic, and commercial dimensions of design. The department is deeply engaged in interdisciplinary teaching, integrating professional practice and curricular innovation to support a diverse community of learners.

Essential Functional Responsibilities: 

Teaching & Student Support

• Teach three 3-credit hour load across sophomore–senior levels, aligned with departmental needs and expertise.

• Course project design and sequencing, within the purview of existing course descriptions and learning outcomes.

• Use varied instructional methods (lectures, workshops, readings, critiques, demos) to support diverse learners.

• Provide timely feedback, maintain accurate grading, and meet all evaluation deadlines.

• Semester-end assessment of programmatic learning outcomes and course learning outcomes.

• Support student success through mentorship, studio engagement, and regular availability.

Course Information – three of the following four courses will be assigned:

• Type Image II [sophomore] - 3 Credit Hours; 6 Contact Hours/week

• Media Inquiry [sophomore] - 3 Credit Hours; 6 Contact Hours/week

• Research and Process [junior] - 3 Credit Hours; 6 Contact Hours/week

• Self-Directed Inquiry [senior] - 3 Credit Hours; 6 Contact Hours/week

Service

• Participate in department-level activities associated with the spring semester, including Foundation Studio Visits and presentations, Open Studios, End-of-Semester activities and preparation, and other reasonable departmental responsibilities associated with the faculty appointment.

Supervises the following:

• N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:

• Demonstrated excellence in analog and digital design processes, with the ability to select and apply appropriate methods for diverse learning outcomes.

• Proficiency with industry-standard design tools, including Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects), prototyping platforms such as Figma, and collaborative tools (e.g., Miro, FigJam); ability to learn and evaluate emerging technologies relevant to contemporary design practice.

• A developing record of creative practice, applied industry work, or design research.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a small department.

• Evidence of interest in interdisciplinary teaching or cross-department collaboration.

Required Experience/Education:

• MGD, MDes, MFA, or equivalent terminal degree in Graphic Design or a closely related field (or BFA with 5 years of professional experience).

• Post-secondary teaching experience as a teaching assistant or part-time instructor.

• Demonstrated experience using digital and analog/hands-on technologies and processes.

• Demonstrated record of professional practice.

Preferred Experience/Education:

• 1 years of post-secondary teaching as a part-time or full-time faculty member.

• 3 years of professional practice demonstrating depth of client engagement, multi-project workflows, or systems-based approaches to communication design.

• Experience publishing, writing, speaking, or presenting on design.

• Experience integrating accessibility, inclusive design practices, or socially engaged design methodologies.

• Experience leading teams, mentoring designers, and/or project management. 

Application Procedures

Applicants should submit the following materials as PDFs or accessible website links through the KCAI employment portal:

• Cover letter describing interest in the position and relevant qualifications

• Curriculum Vitae

• Teaching philosophy (1–2 pages)

• Professional portfolio (PDF or website)

• Student work portfolio including prompts/objectives (PDF or website)

• Name and contact information of one or more professional references

• (Optional) Statement on creative practice or research

Priority deadline for applicants is Friday, October 30, 2026. Applications received after this date may be reviewed, but are not guaranteed consideration. 

Apply via: https://www.kcai.edu/employment

Statement

Driven by exploration, curiosity, and passion, it is Kansas City Art Institute’s mission to educate artists and designers while honoring the distinct journeys of students. We create a community that equips students to become leaders who leverage the creative process to transform the future. Our excellence is integrated in our community, rich with varied experiences and perspectives from faculty, staff, students, and alumni. We invest in continuous growth by cultivating a culture of care and belonging—a climate where respectful dialogue thrives and every person is seen, heard, and valued. When individuals feel supported and connected, they achieve their full potential and accomplish remarkable things.

KCAI is committed to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified candidates for employment without regard to any characteristic prohibited by federal, state, or local law. KCAI provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the job application process. If you have difficulty using our online system and require accommodation due to a disability, contact the Human Resources Department about your interest in employment. Any questions or concerns can be directed to KCAI’s Human Resource Administrator at hr@kcai.edu.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.