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Design Professor Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Professor

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

The Assistant Professor Preclinical Faculty must have earned a DDS/DMD degree or equivalent. A ... The candidate should have strong clinical expertise in the use of CAD/CAM technologies. It is ...

The Assistant Professor assists in the development of the Nurse Practitioner (NP) curriculum, identification, and monitoring of clinical sites for student practice and design of standardized patient ...

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Showing results 1-20

Design Professor information

See Illinois salary details

$16.7K

$66.3K

$142.2K

How much do design professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for design professor in Illinois is $66,297.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,680.00 and $80,728.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design professor?

A Design Professor is an educator who teaches design principles, techniques, and industry practices at a college or university. They may specialize in areas like graphic design, industrial design, fashion design, or digital media. Their responsibilities include developing curriculum, mentoring students, conducting research, and staying updated on design trends. Many Design Professors have professional experience in the design industry, which they incorporate into their teaching.

What does a design professor do?

A typical week for a Design Professor involves a mix of classroom teaching, curriculum development, student consultations, and administrative duties. Professors prepare and deliver lectures or studio classes, critique student work, and provide mentorship during office hours. Collaborative projects with colleagues or industry professionals, attending faculty meetings, and participating in design research or exhibitions may also be part of the role. This dynamic schedule offers variety and opportunities to make a tangible impact on students' creative growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the design professor position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Professor, you need a strong background in design theory and practice, typically supported by an advanced degree in design or a related field, along with substantial professional or academic experience. Familiarity with industry-standard design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, CAD tools, and learning management systems is commonly expected. Outstanding candidates also possess excellent communication, mentorship, and organizational skills to effectively guide and inspire students. These skills and qualifications are essential for educating the next generation of designers while maintaining relevance in a rapidly evolving field.

Infographic showing various Design Professor job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,297 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

Associate Professor/Associate Teaching Professor Design

Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, IL • On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Associate Professor/Associate Teaching Professor � Design
Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech)
Tenure/Non-Tenure-Track Faculty
Academic Unit: Design Futures
School: School of Design and Society
Work Location: 3137 South Federal Street, Chicago, IL 60616
Start Date: Immediate
Salary: $120,000�$150,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications
Design Futures
Design Futures unites Illinois Tech's strengths in architecture and design. Through human-centered design, systems thinking, and architectural innovation, students are prepared to shape resilient, equitable, and future-ready environments, organizations, and communities.
Learn more about the School of Design and Society at https://www.iit.edu/school-design .
Position Summary
Illinois Institute of Technology's School of Design and Society invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track or non-tenure-track teaching faculty appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Associate Teaching Professor of Design. Rank and appointment will be based on the selected candidate's education, teaching experience, professional experience, and accomplishments.
The successful candidate will teach a broad range of undergraduate design courses, studios, and project-based learning experiences; contribute to curriculum development; and support interdisciplinary design education across Illinois Tech.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and teach undergraduate design courses, studios, and project-based learning experiences.
- Teach courses that support the current Design curriculum as well as broader university core and interdisciplinary curricular needs.
- Contribute to the continued development and implementation of the undergraduate design curriculum, including Design+ programs and courses.
- Support interdisciplinary project-based education through human-centered design, systems thinking, and related design methodologies.
- Contribute expertise relevant to the design context of the Interprofessional Projects Program (IPRO), including the development and standardization of methodologies supporting the continued evolution of the IPRO curriculum.
- Develop instructional materials, online modules, and courses as appropriate.
- Mentor and advise students in academic, project-based, and professional development activities.
- Collaborate with faculty and academic leaders on curriculum development, program initiatives, and interdisciplinary educational opportunities.
- Contribute to the continued development of externally engaged design initiatives, including Action Labs and related programs.
- Participate in appropriate school and university service activities.
Required Education
- Master's degree in design or a related field, or an equivalent combination of advanced education and significant professional design experience.
Required Qualifications
- Demonstrated expertise in design education, professional design practice, or a closely related field.-
- Ability to teach a broad range of undergraduate design courses and project-based learning experiences.
- Experience or demonstrated ability to teach in interdisciplinary and collaborative educational environments.
- Knowledge of human-centered design, systems thinking, project-based learning, or related design methodologies.
- Demonstrated ability to contribute to curriculum and instructional development.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous college or university teaching experience.
- Significant professional experience in design or a related field.
- Experience developing undergraduate curricula, courses, studios, or instructional programs.
- Experience with interdisciplinary or project-based education.
- Expertise in human-centered design, systems thinking, design research, innovation, emerging technologies, or related contemporary design practices.
- Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching, mentoring, and student learning.
Application Materials Required
- Cover letter describing interest in the position and relevant qualifications.
- Current curriculum vitae or r�sum�.
- Contact information for at least three professional references.
Additional materials demonstrating teaching, design, scholarly, or professional work may be requested during the selection process.
Work Location and On-Campus Expectations
This position is based at the School of Design and Society, 3137 South Federal Street, Chicago, Illinois 60616. This is an on-campus faculty position, and the selected candidate will be expected to perform their primary teaching, service, and other assigned responsibilities on campus.
Visa Sponsorship
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employment-based visa sponsorship from Illinois Institute of Technology.
Benefits
Illinois Institute of Technology provides a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, which may include medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement benefits; paid time off and holidays; tuition benefits; life and disability insurance; and other university-sponsored benefit programs. Eligibility and specific benefits are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and university policies.
Additional information regarding Illinois Tech employee benefits is available at https://www.iit.edu/hr/benefits.
Equal Opportunity
Illinois Institute of Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.