Surface Design Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Position Announcement
Position Details
Proposed Start Date
09/16/2026
Working Title
New Adjunct - Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design - Faculty Pool 2026-27
Department
301001 - ART Office
Position Number
D97716
Representation
AP - AFT, Local 3571
Position Summary
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
Portland State University (PSU) is a nationally acclaimed leader in sustainability and community-based learning. Oregon's largest and most diverse university, PSU serves just under 30,000 students from 50 states and nearly 100 nations around the world. The Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design takes advantage of this diverse context, offering coursework that helps students explore the many ways artists and their works function within a larger social context. With 1,300 undergraduate majors, a vibrant dual-focus graduate program and a dedicated faculty of artists, designers and scholars, Schnitzer's School of Art + Art History + Design is a place where students from a variety of backgrounds interact, exchange ideas and cross conventional aesthetic boundaries.
In the Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design, students may pursue a BFA degree in Art Practice, a BFA in Graphic Design or a BA/BS in Art History, a BA/BS in Art & Design, a BA/BS on Cultural History of the Arts. Art Practice students begin with CORE which emphasizes community, visual literacy, the critical exploration of ideas, and the importance of craft. Our degree programs provide students with opportunities to forge connections between traditions of visual art and their own developing expression.
Position Summary
This posting represents a pool for new potential part time instructors to fill course openings in 2026-27 academic year. This posting should be used by new applicants applying to Art Practice, Art History, Graphic Design and the CORE program.
For the purpose of this posting new applicants are defined as those who have never taught for the Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design as well as those faculty who have been absent for more then four terms. Your application may be considered for short term course substitutes as well as full term class assignments.
If you are a continuing adjunct faculty member do not use this site.
ART PRACTICE
Art Practice encompassing the areas of Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, Time Arts, Sculpture, Photography, Textiles, and Social Practice, provides an inquiry-based, hands-on approach to art making. Through exposure to and experience with a wide-range of creative practices, students are encouraged to embrace contemporary visual culture and the tensions between thinking and making, content and craft, hybrid practice and technical mastery. We encourage learning through dialogue, critique and collaboration.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Graphic Design encompasses the areas of: Illustration, Page Design, Typography, Interactive Media and other areas of visual and multimedia communication. PSU GD equips students to conquer creative challenges with a breadth of technical and artistic skills. Our program prepares students to be exploratory, experimental, collaborative graphic designers who can thrive in today's world.
If you are an engaged educator interested in teaching with us, we potentially have openings in the areas of basic design, editorial design, design thinking, motion, interactive, illustration, branding and professional practices.
CORE
CORE is the common entry point for all students majoring in Art Practices and Art History. This innovative program fosters excitement for the diverse ways to engage in a creative life and provides learning situations that open up those possibilities.
CORE is designed to create community, foster learning, provide advising and extend the classroom into the city. We are searching for creative teachers who can support these ideas as well who bring an understanding of interdisciplinary practice and an excitement for collaboration to the program.
CORE consists of six courses. Three five-credit studios: Surface, Space, and Time. And three two-credit toolbox courses: Ideation, Digital Tools, and Visual Literacy.
As part of Surface, Space and TIme faculty and students all meet together on Wednesdays from 11:40-12:40 each week. Titled coLAB, faculty collaborate to create sessions that introduce the students to each other, the school, the city, and the artworld. Each term culminates in a final event that can include an exhibition, a pop-up shop, a parade or even an ice cream social.
As part of CORE, faculty will be asked to attend one or two compensated planning meetings each term that will support their teaching, class activities and assignments. Faculty are encouraged to teach to their strengths and while we use common syllabi, faculty create their own assignments. At the end of each term faculty are required to share their assignments and examples of student work created that term. This helps us understand, communicate and celebrate the CORE students and faculty.
ART HISTORY
Art history adjunct faculty in the Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design support the regular teaching of the 200-level survey which attracts enrollments of up to 90 art, art history, and graphic design students as well as non-majors and senior auditors; 300-level lecture courses in the individual's field of expertise (which may include such topics as American art, African art, Ancient art, or Women in the Visual Arts) with enrollments of 25 to 50 students; and occasionally special-topic seminars such as Art History Methods or Gender and Art with enrollments of 15 to 20 upper-division students. To view the most recent list of art history courses please visit: https://www.pdx.edu/academic-affairs/psu-bulletin
Art history faculty are supported by a full-time Visual Resources Curator who manages a database of 25,000 high-quality digital images, while providing classroom technical assistance. Faculty also have online access to Artstor through Portland State's Millar Library.
ART & DESIGN
The Art & Design bachelor's degree is a liberal arts program that includes courses from multiple disciplines. The degree provides a comprehensive overview of skills, applications, and theories of art and design practices.
Students begin with foundational courses in ideation, digital tools, and visual literacy while sampling a variety of studio courses. Elective offerings include coursework in printmaking, painting, drawing, sculpture, textiles, photography, video, graphic design, and social practice. Students in upper division coursework select a focus and further develop their knowledge of visual language, media skills, and the conceptual aspects of their work. Students leave with a critical understanding of their practice and the skills needed to pursue opportunities as creative professionals in a variety of contexts.
CULTURAL HISTORY OF THE ARTS
This innovative flexible degree allows students to study the criticism and history of art, music, film, and theater across the university (film history, for instance, is taught in many departments and this degree lets you delve into those rich offerings). We explore the important ways cultural history both reflects and shapes society, and by incorporating different histories of the arts these connections can be made even deeper and more nuanced ways.
Aspiring cultural historians not only acquire a comprehensive understanding of cultural expression but also develop analytical and critical thinking skills. They learn to interpret primary sources, examine cultural artifacts, and engage with diverse perspectives to construct nuanced narratives that capture the complexity of human societies. The program fosters an appreciation for cultural diversity and equips graduates with the ability to navigate the globalized world with sensitivity and understanding.
This is a degree that can be completed online, in person, or any combination of the two.
ALL ADJUNCT FACULTY
The adjunct teaching faculty member is primarily responsible for creating a learning and teaching environment for students in accordance with the educational objectives of the department and university.
Responsibilities include:
1) Instruct students, using approved course outcome guides developed by college-wide subject area faculty as follows:
a.) Meet classes as assigned.
b.) Present instruction based on the competencies and performance levels of the course.
c.) Maintain accurate attendance and scholastic records of students.
d.) Respond to student questions in a timely manner.
e.) Provide appropriate means of instructor-student communication.
f.) Participate in the university's assessment process for faculty, courses, etc.
g.) Validate that learning has taken place.
2) Plan learning activities and use teaching methods designed for a variety of learning styles to help students achieve course outcomes.
3) Maintain a safe classroom conducive to learning.
4) Submit course text(s), or participate in planning of learning materials, such as outlines, syllabi, and other curriculum materials in accordance with college and department guidelines, when applicable.
5) Read email communications from School Director and Area Coordinator and meet response deadlines as required.
6) Participate in professional development and in-service activities, as applicable.
7) Perform additional duties and responsibilities as specified at time of hire.
TO APPLY
Applicants applying to teach in Art Practice, Art & Design, CORE and Graphic Design area should submit:

• Cover Letter
• CV/Resume
• Teaching Philosophy
• Sample course syllabi and assignments (Upload to "Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness")
• PDF of 10 Images of Student work with course and assignment information. (Upload to "Other 2")
• PDF of 15-20 Images of Professional work (Upload to "Other 4")

Applicants applying to teach in the Art History or Cultural History of the Arts area should submit:

• Cover letter
• CV/Resume
• Sample syllabi and assignments (Upload to "Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness")

Art History applicants may be asked to upload other materials needed by the other program areas. If this happens please upload a page that states "Not Applicable".
Minimum Qualifications
ART PRACTICE and ART in ART & DESIGN

• MFA required or substantial teaching and professional experience in relevant field.
• Knowledge of current technologies relative to instructional tasks and an interest in their creative use.

GRAPHIC DESIGN and DESIGN in ART & DESIGN

• BA or BS or comparable experience in Graphic Design or closely related field.

CORE

• MFA required or substantial teaching and professional experience in relevant fields.
• Knowledge of current technologies relative to instructional tasks and an interest in their creative use.
• Experience with collaboration, and an energetic desire to create innovative curriculum, assignments, events, and programs for first year students.

ART HISTORY & CULTURAL HISTORY OF THE ARTS

• For 100-, 200- and 300-level art history courses: MA in Art History, Museum Studies or related field.
• For 400-level courses: Ph.D in Art History or related field.
• Knowledge of current technologies relative to instructional tasks and an interest in their creative use.

All adjunct candidates are required to be living in either Oregon or Washington for the academic year 2026-2027.
Preferred Qualifications
ART PRACTICE and ART in ART & DESIGN

• Prior college level teaching experience.

GRAPHIC DESIGN and DESIGN in ART & DESIGN

• MFA in Graphic Design or closely related field.
• Prior college level teaching experience.

CORE

• Prior college-level teaching experience.
• Active creative practice, including all types of studio work, performance, and contextual and social practice.

ART HISTORY & CULTURAL HISTORY OF THE ARTS

• University-level teaching experience.
• Ph.D in Art History or related field for 300-level courses.

Key Cultural Competencies

• Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
• Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
• Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement
• Adheres to all PSU's policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Environmental Stewardship
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Required Professional Standards of Conduct
At Portland State University, all employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner which maintains a safe, respectful, and productive environment for faculty, students, administrators, and staff. It is the responsibility of every member of the Portland State University community to conduct themselves in accordance with our PSU Professional Standards of Conduct which are available at https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/professional-standards-conduct-policy.
Compensation
Adjunct faculty are paid per credit hour, pe