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Assistant Teaching Professor - Illustration

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Position Number: 6766896
Location: Denver, CO
Position Type: Fine and Applied Arts - Other Fine & Applied Arts

Assistant Teaching Professor - Illustration

University of Colorado Denver

Assistant Teaching Professor - Illustration-38400

Faculty

Description

Position Details
University of Colorado | Denver
Faculty Level/Title: Assistant Teaching Professor
Working Title: Assistant Teaching Professor - Illustration
FTE: 1.0
Salary Range: $60,000 - $65,000
Position #00350070 - Requisition #38400

* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *

About the University of Colorado - Denver
Millions of moments start at CU Denver, a place where innovation, research, and learning meet in the heart of a global city. We're the state's premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top-ranked bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learners-at any stage of their life and career-for transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work. As part of the state's largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment, visit ucdenver.edu.
At the College of Arts & Media (CAM), we empower a diverse community of makers, scholars, and innovators to thrive in the rapidly evolving creative industries. Through a dynamic blend of critical inquiry, creative exploration, and real-world engagement, CAM prepares students for lives filled with opportunity, meaning, and purpose. Rooted in community and driven by a spirit of intellectual and artistic freedom, CAM embraces risk-takers, visionaries, and cultural disruptors by providing access to cutting-edge technology, global perspectives, and a nurturing environment where bold ideas flourish. CAM offers top-ranked degrees and programs in Film & Television, Media Forensics, Music & Entertainment, and Visual Arts.
Visual Arts has an opening for a full-time Assistant Teaching Professor specializing in Illustration. The position will have a start date of August 2026 and will require 80% teaching, 10% research/creative activity, and 10% service. The teaching load will be three courses per semester (six per academic year).
Illustration at CU Denver has been recognized by Animation Career Review as a top national program. Traditional, conceptual, and technology-based education combine for dynamic course work that includes "Concept Art," "Digital Painting," and "Graphic Novel Workshop," preparing students for successful careers in a multitude of fields, including illustration, marketing, healthcare, engineering, and entertainment.

Assistant Teaching Professor - Illustration
What you will do:
80% Teaching, 10% Creative/Research, 10% Service

Teaching 80%

Teach 3 courses in the fall and 3 courses in the spring semester (18 credit hours total per academic year).

Classes will be taught in-person.

Courses may include Illustration 1-5, Drawing for Story, Graphic Novel, Digital Painting, Life Drawing, and Life Painting.

Faculty are responsible for the preparation of course syllabi, lectures, presentations, and student assignments; evaluation of student work; tracking and progress of student attendance and engagement; management of courses in online platform Canvas; etc.

Maintain office hours.

Meet with illustration colleagues about refinement of illustration curricula to address current trends.

Attend Visual Arts Faculty and CAM Meetings.

Creative/Research 10%

Maintain an active scholarly and/or creative work practice in sound and video production.

Service 10%

Engage in service activities to support the department, college, and university.

Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Illustration, Design, Visual Art, Animation, or a closely related field; OR a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in a related field with at least seven years of professional illustration experience demonstrating equivalent expertise to an MFA

Minimum of five years of professional experience in illustration or a related field such as animation or games

A recent record of creative work in illustration, animation, games, children's books, comics, or related areas

An online portfolio showing professional-quality work, including client projects

Two or more years of college level teaching experience in illustration, animation, visual storytelling, drawing, painting, or related disciplines

Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator

Strong professional drawing, painting, and storytelling skills

Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)

Six or more years of professional art-related experience in illustration, animation, games, children's books, comics, or related fields

Exceptional drawing, painting, and visual storytelling skills demonstrated through client or personal portfolio work

Evidence of advanced technical mastery, including perspective, concept design, anatomy, and stylization

Illustration work that reflects an ability to engage multiple audiences and cultural viewpoints

Evidence of effective, high-impact teaching practices

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Comprehensive knowledge of illustration, concept art, 2D and 3D animation, visual development, character, background and prop design, video games, and the publishing pipeline for children's books and graphic novels

Ability to teach and mentor students from a broad range of life experiences and educational paths

Demonstrated commitment to serving and respecting all students, staff, and faculty, including but not limited to those of different races, genders, sexual orientations, and backgrounds

Broad knowledge of the history of art, contemporary art, illustration, and design

Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and related tools

Strong interpersonal and communication skills across multiple teaching modalities

Demonstrated history of building and maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues, students, and community partners representing a wide range of perspectives

Ability to work autonomously, taking initiative on tasks, and meeting deadlines

Outwardly contribute to a respectful, positive, and professional workspace

Interest in emerging trends and technologies in illustration education and practice

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
The University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at workplaceengagement@ucdenver.edu .

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $ 60,000-65,000.
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.
The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Benefits statement to include in all benefits-eligible positions. See Eligibility Matrix.
Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits
Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, and interviews begin. Preference will be given to complete applications received by January 15, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Required Application Materials:
To apply, please visit: http://www.cu.edu/cu-careers and attach:
1.Letter of application specifically addressing the position requirements and outlining qualifications
2.Current CV or resume
3.Website portfolio
4.List of three to five professional references (the department will notify you prior to contacting both on- and off-list references)
5.Detailed answers to all pre-screening questions within the application

Recommended Additional Application Materials

Documentation of student engagement or impact, including anonymous student surveys, comments, or other feedback materials

Questions should be directed to Karen Ludington, karen.ludington@ucdenver.edu

Background Check Policy
The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational, clinical, research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must, therefore, consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.

Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Additional Attachments - Refer to Application Materials Instructions Below

Job Category: Faculty

Primary Location: Denver

Department: U0001 -- Anschutz Med Campus or Denver - 30120 - CAM-Visual Arts

Schedule: Full-time

Posting Date: Dec 3, 2025

Unposting Date: Ongoing

Posting Contact Name: Karen Ludington

Posting Contact Email: karen.ludington@ucdenver.edu

Position Number: 00350070

To apply, please visit: https://cu.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=38400&lang=en