Freelance Visual Communication Design Jobs in Ohio

Visiting Assistant Professor - Communication Design, Myron E. Ullman, Jr. School of Design
Posting Start Date: 3/11/26
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors
Faculty rank and compensation will be based on experience and academic credentials.
Next Lives at the University of Cincinnati
Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation's best urban public research universities. Home to more than 53,600 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, and over 360,000 living alumni, UC, a Carnegie 1 institution, combines research prowess with a physical setting The New York Times has called "the most ambitious campus design program in the country." UC's momentum has never been stronger as the anchor of the Cincinnati Innovation District, the oldest cooperative education (co-op) program in the country with students earning $94 million annually through paid experiences, an academic health system, and as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The university contributes $10.6 billion in economic impact to the city and $22.7 billion to the state of Ohio. At UC, next is all of us. Learn more at uc.edu.
UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service. We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC's success.
Job Overview
The College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) at the University of Cincinnati invites applications for a one-year Visiting Assistant Professor position in the Ullman School of Design's Communication Design Program for the 2026-2027 academic year. This is a full-time, non-tenure-track appointment with primary responsibility for undergraduate instruction in motion design and related areas of visual communication design. The successful candidate will bring professional experience and demonstrated expertise in motion design and visual communication. Primary teaching responsibilities include courses in motion graphics, digital animation (2D and 3D), and time-based media, with the possibility of teaching additional visual communication design courses beyond motion-specific content.
The Visiting Assistant Professor's teaching, professional expertise, and experience will contribute to the school's initiatives in support of the University of Cincinnati's mission and commitment to excellence among our students, faculty, and staff, and across all institutional activities. Applicants should visit the DAAP website to learn more about CODE, DAAP, and UC. To be considered for this position, please complete the online application.
Essential Functions

• Teach undergraduate courses in the Communication Design Program's motion design and related areas within the design curriculum
• Develop and deliver engaging, student-centered instruction
• Prepare syllabi, assignments, and assessments aligned with program outcomes
• Maintain accurate academic records and grading
• Provide timely feedback and support students' career readiness and professional growth
• Develop and update curriculum aligned with industry standards
• Participate in departmental meetings and appropriate service activities
• Other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• BFA or BS degree in Graphic Design, Motion Design, Digital Media, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated professional experience in motion design and visual communication
• Demonstrated proficiency in relevant software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite-especially After Effects, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Illustrator; Cinema 4D; Blender, etc.)
• Strong portfolio of creative and professional work
• Evidence of effective teaching, training, or mentoring
• Two years of work experience in the motion design industry, or equivalent professional experience

Additional Qualifications Considered

• Terminal degree in Graphic Design, Motion Design, Digital Media, or a closely related field
• Prior college-level teaching experience in time-based media within the visual communication field
• Experience with online or hybrid instruction

Application Process
Applicants should submit the following materials through the University of Cincinnati's online application system:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter that includes a statement of teaching philosophy
• Digital portfolio (link/web address) that includes both the candidate's work and student work, if prior college-level teaching exists
• Three references

Review of applications will begin April 1st and will continue until the position is filled.
Compensation and Benefits
UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. (UC Benefits) Eligibility may vary by position and FTE status. Highlights include:
Salary Information:
Comprehensive Tuition Remission
UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.
Robust Retirement Plans
As a UC employee, you won't contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you'll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14-18% of your salary based on position.
Real Work-Life Balance
UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:
Vacation and sick time
11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)
6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents
Additional Benefits Include:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
• Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
• Professional development & mentorship opportunities

To learn more about why UC is a great place to work, please visit our Careers Page.
UC is an E-Verify employer. If hired into this position, you will be required to provide satisfactory proof of employment eligibility by providing acceptable, original forms of identification for employment verification via the Federal I-9 employment verification process. Click here for a list of acceptable documents.
Important: To apply you must create a profile and submit a complete job application through the UC applicant portal. We are unable to consider "easy apply" applications submitted via other websites. For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact UC HR at jobs@uc.edu.
**FOR ALL FACULTY HIRES OFFICIAL ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS WILL BE REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF HIRE
Equal Opportunity Employer. Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans.
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