Full-Time Faculty, Illustration

Position : The Maryland Institute College of Arts (MICA) invites applications for a Full-time Faculty position in the Illustration Department with a multi-year renewable contract in a non-tenure institution.  MICA is recognized for the quality of its fine art and design programs at national and international levels, its dedication to student learning and teaching excellence, a rigorous liberal arts curriculum, and for preparing students for successful creative careers. We invite applications from working illustrators who have a demonstrated commitment to education to join our faculty with a preferred start date of August 1, 2026.

About the Illustration Department at MICA :

The Illustration BFA program is well recognized as a leader in undergraduate education.  As the largest major department of the College, it supports a wide variety of illustration practices and professional pathways for students from across the globe. Our facilities include comprehensive dedicated studio spaces, computer labs, classrooms and an array of supporting equipment.

Job Description :

Full-time faculty teach 3 courses per semester, ranging from introductory First Year Experience (FYE) to senior thesis-level coursework. In addition, full-time faculty members at MICA participate in departmental service, undertake committee membership, and are expected to maintain an ongoing professional practice.

MICA seeks a candidate with a professional studio background in illustration and related design fields, along with knowledge of art and design studies to advance and diversify MICA’s current curriculum. The successful candidate will demonstrate proficiency in both traditional and digital media, conceptual thinking, and professional standards of the industry. Knowledge and experience over several illustration market sectors such as editorial, publishing, sequential arts, and visual development, are desirable. Needs of the department include candidates with strong Visual Development, Professional Development, and / or Sequential Arts backgrounds.

Responsibilities Include :

Teach six undergraduate studio classes per academic year, (3 Fall, 3 Spring) ranging from introductory to advanced levels in Painting, Drawing, FYE, or related areas

Mentor and advise students, fostering their creative and professional development

Active participation in departmental and institutional service including :

Curriculum and program development, assessment, and strategic planning

Share in coordinating department exhibitions of student work

Engage in college-wide committees and initiatives that promote shared governance

Maintain an active professional practice and / or research agenda that informs teaching and contributes to the field

Minimum Requirements :

Bachelor’s degree

Strong record of professional excellence as demonstrated by a portfolio of work and a selected client list of record or equivalent professional experience

Teaching experience at the college level beyond graduate assistantships

Personal commitment to teaching on a college level using pedagogical approaches that are relevant and responsive to our student body

Accomplished in a broad range of illustration market sectors and / or related professional illustration sectors

Capable of teaching at all levels of undergraduate art & design education including MICA’s First Year Experience

Project management skills — the ability to coordinate community-based projects, class-sized collaborative events, and / or research

Ability to work in a collaborative environment, participating in advising, institutional and departmental committee service, and scheduled departmental and student activities

Preferred Qualifications :

MFA, MA degree or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field

Knowledgeable about contemporary and historic illustration, art and theory and their relationship to broader social, cultural, economic, scientific, and technological contexts

Shows promise or proven ability to enrich the strategic aims of the department and the College

Additional Information : The faculty are represented by the SEIU Local 500.

Salary : Commensurate with experience and college policy ranging from $56,246 to 146,325. Excellent benefits package.

Apply : The College will review applications as received. Materials received before October 17, 2025 are best assured of receiving full consideration. The position will remain open until filled. All inquiries, nominations, and applications will be held in the strictest confidence.