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In addition to its regular, full-time faculty, Columbia College Chicago hires scholars, creative professionals, and other industry-experienced Adjunct Faculty to teach courses on a part-time basis. These positions are not available every semester and are contingent upon student enrollment and the availability of funding. 

Qualifications 

To be qualified to teach at the college, candidates must possess a degree at least one level above the level at which they teach, with a terminal degree in the relevant discipline as the preferred credential. In terminal degree programs, faculty members will possess the same level of degree. In occasional cases, demonstrated currency in a specialized discipline and a sustained history of distinguished professional work, compelling creative achievements, or other significant experience in the relevant field may be considered as an alternative to the required degree.

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree in Illustration or related field, or a significant record of accomplishment in the field.
• Robust portfolio showcasing a range of illustration skills and projects, as well as possibly client testimonials or awards. This could include work in design firms, freelance projects, or significant involvement in the industry. 
• Knowledge of current design software, technologies, standards, industry best practices, and sustainable practices. Proficiency in illustration software relevant to the field, such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), and familiarity with other tools pertinent to illustration.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to engage students and effectively convey concepts and critique student work, as well as the ability to guide students in developing their portfolios 
• Ability to translate complex illustration concepts into clear, accessible lessons
• Passion for illustration education and a commitment to student learning and development 

PREFERRED: 

• Master's degree in Illustration, or related discipline
• Demonstrated success in teaching, lecturing, or mentoring students, either in an academic or professional setting, preferably in higher education in an illustration, studio art or design program
• A passion for teaching and a commitment to fostering a learning environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and professional growth among students
• Experience working in various illustration contexts.
• A deep understanding of current trends in illustration, technology, and visual communication, enabling the instructor to provide insights into the evolving nature of the field

The ideal candidate would be able to bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice, inspiring students to hone their visual communication abilities. Practical experience, pedagogical skills, and a passion for the field are key qualifications

In addition to Illustration, the School of Visual Arts offers courses in disciplines including Fine Arts, Photography and Art History. 

Please include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and three references. Further materials, such as official transcripts sent from the degree-granting institution, may be requested at a later date.

Entry level compensation rate for teaching one 3-credit course as of Fall 2026 is $5,635.00. Compensation for courses that carry fewer, or more than three credits will be prorated down or up accordingly. 

At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life, and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits. Click here for more information.

Columbia College Chicago actively promotes, access to an expansive array of social and cultural theories, practices and perspectives that are vitally important to the successful delivery of a contemporary creative curriculum and the college's mission to educate students who will author the culture of their times. These principles are essential to the educational experiences of our students, staff, and faculty.

We seek individuals with a demonstrated ability to work with students from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds, and whose creative, scholarly and/or professional work contributes to a rich educational experience consistent with our mission. For more information, please visit: colum.edu/academic-access-and-excellence.

 Additional Information:

• Position subject to a background screening.
• This is a union position.
• This is position is overtime ineligible. 

Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.