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Design Professor Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Oakland University

Assistant Professor

Rochester, MI · On-site

Posting Details Position Information Job Title Assistant Professor Department 2102 - Mechanical ... design, materials, autonomy, AI, and control systems. Successful candidates will be expected to ...

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Design Professor information

What is a Design Professor job?

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 typical week look like for a Design Professor?

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.

What are popular job titles related to Design Professor jobs in Michigan? For Design Professor jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Professor jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Design Professor jobs in Michigan are:
Design Professor jobs near you
Visiting Professor (Lighting Design)

Visiting Professor (Lighting Design)

Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, MI • On-site

Other

Re-posted 22 days ago

Eastern Michigan University rating

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Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

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482nd of 553 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Visiting Professor (Lighting Design)

Apply now Job no: 495538
Work type: Visiting Faculty
Location: Ypsilanti
Categories: Academic & Student Affairs, College of Arts & Sciences

Title: Visiting Professor (Lighting Design)

Employee Classification: VF - Visiting Fac/Post Doc Fellow

Pay Grade: VF 00

Division: Academic and Student Affairs

Subdivision: School of Comm, Media, Theater Arts

Department: College of Arts and Sciences

Campus Location: Main Campus

General Summary

The School of Communication, Media, and Theatre Arts seeks a Visiting Professor of Lighting Design for a one-year appointment with potential for renewal. Classes begin August 31, 2026 and end May 1, 2027.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include:

  • Teaching 2) classes per semester (Potential classes from Entertainment Design & Production, Theatre, or Arts Management)
  • Designing for 1-2 shows per semester (Lighting design, with potential work in other areas of expertise such as sound or projection design)
  • Teaching/supervising student crew members, designers, and workers in backstage production work 
  • Operating within a typical 10-week production calendar and adhering to predetermined schedules and deadlines
  • Maintaining regular office hours
  • Assessing student work and performance, and assigning and submitting grades in accordance with established University schedules
  • Working with design/production faculty and staff to assess and grade students enrolled in Theatre Practice each semester
  • Attending regular School and Area meetings, as scheduled
  • Producing research/sketches/draftings/renderings/paperwork for design elements
  • Attending production meetings, collaborating with the director and production team
  • Coordinating hang and focus for any show where serving as the LD 
  • Coordinating with the Technical Director to train and supervise student crew members on delegated production area
  • Designing, sourcing, pulling, and renting elements within a pre-established budget
  • Attending company meetings, designer runs, dress rehearsals, and performances, as well as necessary crew calls to supervise student workers
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues on productions
  • Mentoring student designers and crew members, as opportunities arise

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: 

  • The successful applicant will have an MFA (or suitable terminal degree) in Lighting Design or a related design discipline with significant professional experience in Lighting Design.
  • In addition, the candidate should have experience teaching at the university level and mentoring student designers. This role requires a working knowledge of modern lighting systems (i.e. networked lighting, show control, and multi-console environments), design software / platforms (i.e. Vectorworks, ETC EOS, LightWright, etc.) and ability to teach them.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in one or more additional design / tech areas (particularly sound and/or projection design)
  • Professional experience in design / technology / production work in the wider entertainment industry (opera, dance, experience design, theme parks, museum / installation, etc)
  • Membership in Union (USA829 / IATSE) and/or professional organizations such as USITT / SETC / ACTF, etc.

Special Instructions:

Please attach a cover letter, CV, 3 references, and a link to your design portfolio (or portfolio file of representative works). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until filled.

Appointment Percentage:

100%

Advertised: 22 Apr 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 30 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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