Description

Appointment Type: Tenure Track
State Title: Assistant Professor
Bargaining Unit: AFT
Employment Type: 35 hours per week/10-months/Full-time
Expected Term: 8/8/2026 - 6/9/2029
Compensation: Range 22/$ 90,190.21 - $ 97,129.13

About TCNJ
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is a highly selective institution that is consistently recognized as one of the top comprehensive colleges in the nation. Founded in 1855 as the New Jersey State Normal School, TCNJ maintains the eighth highest four-year graduation rate among all public colleges and universities. It is ranked by Money as one of the top 15 public colleges "most likely to pay off financially," and U.S. News & World Report rates it the No. 1 public institution among regional universities in the northeast.

Position Overview:
The Department of Design and Creative Technology at The College of New Jersey invites applications for a 10-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Graphic Design, starting in August 2026. The successful candidate will teach a selection of courses in our existing Graphic Design curriculum. They will also play a central role in preparing students for a rapidly evolving industry by expanding our curriculum into new areas of design, such as physical spaces and environments, mixed and virtual reality, and social media ecosystems. The department seeks a collaborative colleague with the experience and insights to guide students through the opportunities and challenges presented by new technologies, including generative AI.

In addition to teaching and scholarship, the position entails student advising, curricular development, career guidance, as well as mentoring students in the development of their portfolios. The successful hire will look to foster collaborative partnerships within the industry, and cultivate professional opportunities for students. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to collaborate on the implementation and leadership of a newly instituted co-curricular public relations and design agency "Creative State," which draws clients from the region surrounding the College, including the state capitol, Trenton.

Qualifications:

Required:

• A Master's or equivalent terminal degree (MFA, MGD, MDes, etc.) in Graphic Design, Design, or a related field at time of appointment (degrees will be considered only if completed prior to the start date);
• Demonstrated expertise in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, mixed reality, and/or virtual reality;
• College-level teaching experience in Graphic Design or related design disciplines; and
• A record of relevant scholarly research, professional and/or creative activity.

Preferred:

• Demonstrate effective teaching skills in the context of an undergraduate curriculum, with the ability to mentor students at all levels;
• Have experience developing curricula, and advising and mentoring students;
• Evidence of collaborative partnerships with professional design studios, technology companies, or other organizations;
• Experience guiding students in understanding and navigating the implications of AI and other emerging technology for creative practice and professional development;
• Be positioned to help students navigate the professional landscape and pursue career opportunities.

Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations in order to perform the essential functions of the position. If the requested accommodation(s) cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, the applicant may not be eligible for the position.

Employer Qualifications
Employment at TCNJ is contingent upon the successful completion of an applicable background check, reference checks, and verification of identity and authorization to work in the United States (Form I-9).

Accommodation: Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview should contact hr@tcnj.edu .

Employee Benefits
As a member of The College of New Jersey Community, you will be a part of an exciting and rewarding public university career. Eligible full-time employees will be able to take advantage of a generous benefits package that includes health, welfare, and retirement benefits, including:

• Comprehensive benefit plans covering medical, dental and prescription plans
• Generous leave entitlements program and Energy Savings Program
• Employee and dependent Tuition Waiver and Reimbursement Program
• Pension, retirement, and deferred compensation plans, group life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee affinity groups
• New Jersey State Employee Discount Program (Pet insurance, cell phone plan discounts, discounted amusement park tickets, etc.)
• Access to extensive learning opportunities

To view a comprehensive list of benefits available to employees, visit our Health Benefits Plans and Programs page to learn more!

How to Apply
Please submit (via the Taleo system):

• a cover letter highlighting your interest and qualifications;
• a curriculum vitae;
• a one-page statement of teaching philosophy;
• a statement on your approach to inclusive teaching and mentoring that aligns with TCNJ's mission (no longer than 2 pages).
• evidence of exemplary undergraduate teaching, including examples of relevant work from previous students;
• examples of scholarship, professional and/or creative activity, and a plan for continued engagement;
• contact information for three references.

Only complete, electronic submissions will be considered. If possible, compile all the materials requested above into a single PDF to submit through Taleo. If you experience any trouble with attachments in Taleo, please e-mail any additional materials requested (e.g., examples of college-level student work, teacher evaluations, previous syllabi, examples of scholarly or creative work) to dct@tcnj.edu . For large files, please share a link to a folder on Google Drive or similar service. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the position.

Review of applications will begin on January 12, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled . Please direct further inquiries to the search committee at dct@tcnj.edu . Employment is contingent upon completion of a successful background check.

The College is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus community that respects and uplifts individuals from all backgrounds. We value the varied perspectives, experiences, and talents of all members of our community and strive to create an environment where everyone has equitable access to opportunities for success. As an equal opportunity employer, we comply with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. We encourage applications from individuals whose lived experiences and professional interests align with our institutional mission of academic excellence, access, and integrity.