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Western Kentucky University seeks applications for a full-time, nine-month, non-tenure-eligible Instructor of Art & Design, serving as a Professional-In-Residence and co-director of Imagewest in the Department of Art & Design, beginning August 2026.

We seek an experienced professional and dynamic educator dedicated to bridging academic and professional practice. The successful candidate will teach courses in graphic design and advertising and co-direct Imagewest, Western Kentucky University's award-winning, student-powered creative agency.

This position combines teaching excellence with hands-on mentorship, client collaboration, and strategic leadership in a professional studio setting. The position will help students build confidence, craft, and creative autonomy through experiential learning and real-world client engagement.

About Imagewest

Imagewest is WKU's nationally recognized, student-powered creative (advertising, PR, and design) agency. The agency gives students real-world experience producing professional creative work for clients across Kentucky and beyond. Under faculty leadership, Imagewest has earned more than 100 student and professional awards, exemplifying WKU's commitment to high-impact, experiential learning in design education.

Key Responsibilities

+ Teach undergraduate courses in graphic design, advertising, and portfolio development.

+ Co-direct Imagewest, a student-powered creative agency, in collaboration with another faculty co-director.

+ Guide students through client-based projects, emphasizing creative problem-solving, concept development, professional communication, and presentation skills.

+ Provide an accepting environment that empowers students to ask questions, think critically, take risks, and develop intellectual and creative curiosity.

+ Offer timely, constructive feedback that encourages growth in both design thinking and technical execution.

+ Engage in departmental service, including portfolio reviews, curriculum discussions, and recruitment or outreach activities.

+ Foster partnerships with the local community, advertising/PR agencies, and industry clients to support Imagewest's mission of professional experiential learning.

Job Requirements:

+ Master's Degree in Graphic Design or Advertising OR bachelor's degree and significant professional experience (10+ years) demonstrating exceptional accomplishment in design, advertising, or related creative industries.

+ Experience managing or art-directing design teams, agencies, or client accounts.

+ Evidence of teaching effectiveness or professional mentorship that supports student development and career readiness.

+ Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.

Additional Information:

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at [email protected] or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

For information related to job postings, please email [email protected].