California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) is a preeminent center of intellectual and cultural activity in the Inland Empire region of Southern California. Opened in 1965 and set at the foothills of the beautiful San Bernardino mountains, the university serves approximately 19,000 students. CSUSB is a federally recognized minority-serving and Hispanic-serving institution that reflects the dynamic diversity of the region and has the most diverse student population of any university in the Inland Empire: 74 percent of its students are members of underrepresented groups, 80 percent are first-generation, and 56 percent are Pell eligible. For more information on the campus, please visit the CSUSB website.
CSUSB employs 467 full-time faculty and offers 48 undergraduate, 35 graduate, and one doctoral degree programs and 14 academic programs with national accreditation. At CSUSB, diversity, equity and inclusion are values central to our mission. We recognize that diversity and inclusion in all its forms are necessary for our institutional success. By fully leveraging our diverse experiences, backgrounds and insights, we inspire innovation, challenge the status quo and create better outcomes for our students and community. As part of CSUSB’s commitment to hire, develop and retain a diverse faculty, we offer a variety of networking, mentoring and development programs for our junior faculty. We are committed to building and sustaining a CSUSB community that is supportive and inclusive of all individuals. Qualified applicants with experience in ethnically diverse settings and/or who demonstrate a commitment to serving diverse student populations are strongly encouraged to apply.
JOB SUMMARY
The Department of Art & Design at California State University, San Bernardino invites applications from qualified candidates for a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Art with a focus in Illustration position to begin in August, 2027. Qualified candidates will hold an MFA in Illustration or in a closely related field. The successful candidate will have at least 2 years of college/university teaching experience, will contribute to active scholarship in the field of illustration, and will be well-versed in contemporary and historic contexts, issues, and practices related to illustration. The candidate will have a broad range of experience in interdisciplinary teaching, curriculum development, and established professional networks.
TYPICAL ACTIVITIES
Successful candidates will teach all levels of ‘Imaging and Illustration’ courses (beginning, intermediate and advanced) that are core options in the BA in Art (with Art Education and Studio Art concentrations), the BFA in Art (Studio Art) and in the BA in Visual Art Studies, and in the Minor in Animation and Illustration. As needed or on occasion, the candidate may teach other courses in their area of expertise in the Art or Design curriculum (such as all levels of drawing/ life drawing, special topics, senior capstones). Additionally, candidates will perform committee duties at department, college, and university levels; continue their professional and/or research work in their area of specialization; and broaden links to local, regional, and national communities within their area of expertise to promote and further student success.
Qualified candidates must demonstrate a commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring a diverse student
population and to working effectively with faculty, staff and students across a wide range of disciplines.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- A terminal graduate degree from an accredited university in Illustration
- or an associated field.
- 2 years of university teaching experience as instructor of record in illustration and related fields (e.g., drawing, painting, printmaking).
- Demonstrated record of excellence in teaching students from diverse backgrounds and the ability to teach illustration for both fine art and commercial applications.
- Deep knowledge of illustration history, theory, current trends, and contemporary practices including engagement with contemporary critical discourse in media, culture, and storytelling.
- Demonstrated professional experience in illustration or a closely related field. Candidate will have a portfolio of professional work demonstrating accomplishments and expertise with contemporary illustration practices, as well as instances of collaboration with local creative networks.
- Candidate will have a proven record in coaching students towards professional goals and into career pathways. The successful candidate will have several years of experience advising students in portfolio preparation, professional best practices and identifying career opportunities within illustration and related creative fields.
- The candidate must have technical fluency with industry-standard software and digital workflows, including but not limited to Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Procreate, Clip Studio Paint, 3D software, and After Effects along with analog processes.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Degree in hand by time of appointment. (specify degree or degrees)
- A graduate degree from an accredited university in Illustration or an associated field.
- 2 years of university teaching experience as instructor of record in illustration and related fields (e.g., drawing, painting, printmaking).
- Demonstrated record of excellence in teaching students from diverse backgrounds and the ability to teach
- illustration for both fine art and commercial applications.
- Deep knowledge of illustration history, theory, current trends, and contemporary practices including engagement with contemporary critical discourse in media, culture, and storytelling.
- Demonstrated professional experience in illustration or a closely related field. Candidate will have a portfolio of professional work demonstrating accomplishments and expertise with contemporary illustration practices, as well as instances of collaboration with local creative networks.
- Candidate will have a proven record in coaching students towards professional goals and into career pathways. The successful candidate will have several years of experience advising students in portfolio preparation, professional best practices and identifying career opportunities within illustration and related creative fields.
- The candidate must have technical fluency with industry-standard software and digital workflows, including but not limited to Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Procreate, Clip Studio Paint, 3D software, and After Effects along with analog processes.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Turship, portfolio development, and self-promotion. Candidate will have a deep understanding of trends in illustration, technology, and visual communication, enabling the instructor to provide contemporary surveys of the field.
- Established professional networks and demonstrated ability to collaborate with employers, studios, publishers, agencies, professional organizations, alumni, and other partners that can create opportunities for students.
- Experience facilitating professional opportunities for students such as coordinating internships, working with clients, attending conferences, and leading other experiential and service-learning projects.
- Achievements in the forms of publications, commercial projects, editorial work, commissions, exhibitions or other recognized accomplishments in the field.
- Candidate will hold expertise in cutting-edge illustration programs and analog practices for application in a variety of media such as: print media, film, gaming, advertising, bookmaking, among others.
- Fluency in industry-wide professional analog practices and digital software is expected, as well as a familiarity and willingness to incorporate emerging technologies as needed.
Evidence of scholarly activity, publication, and innovation is valued. Evidence of exemplary graduate-level teaching and leadership experience at program level is preferred and should be noted in application.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with CSUSB. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: CSUSB cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.
Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that CSUSB has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to CSUSB or individuals in the university community.
For health and well-being, CSUSB is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Department of Art & Design, as part of the College of Arts & Letters at CSUSB, offers several bachelor's degrees in art history, design, studio art, and visual studies, plus MA and MFA programs in Studio Art. Imaging and illustration courses are among the core options of courses in the BA in Art (with Art Education and Studio Art concentrations), the BFA in Art (Studio Art) and in the BA in Visual Art Studies. We also offer a popular minor in Illustration and Animation. The department serves approximately 500-600 students in its majors per year, plus other students from across the campus. The department's core teaching approach across all areas focuses on
visual and material literacy, as well as critical and discursive analysis of art, design, and other cultural productions. Students we serve gain a broad base of skills in art and design making, as well as research, critical thinking, problem-solving, and writing. Through our programs, we strongly encourage an open approach to understanding how all aspects of art, design, and cultural production contribute to imperatives of diversity and community engagement.
For more information regarding the position, please contact:
Recruitment Chair
Katherine Gray
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit:
1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter that includes:
a. A statement of your teaching interest/philosophy (can be included in CL or separate)
b. A statement of your research experience/plans (can be included in CL or separate)
c. A statement how you will serve the CSUSB community, including students and the campus at large
3. If available, evidence of teaching effectiveness such as teaching portfolios, reports on teaching observations, and/or student evaluations of teaching.
4. Link to online portfolio of related work in the field.
5. Unofficial copies of all postsecondary degree transcripts (official transcripts may be required prior to appointment).
6. Reference List - names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three (3) referees whom we may
contact to obtain letters of recommendation.
7. Confidential letters of recommendation will be solicited from those listed as references on the application if the applicant is moved forward in the recruitment process. Non-confidential letters of recommendation can be uploaded by the applicant during the application
process.
Formal review of applications will begin November 16, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
If you are interested in this opportunity, we invite you to apply by using this CSU Recruit Hyperlink at:
https://secure.dc4.pageuppeople.com/apply/873/gateway/Default.aspx?c=apply&sJobIDs=562427&SourceTypeID=803&sLanguage=en-us&lApplicationSubSourceID=11248
H-1B Employment: CSUSB is currently not sponsoring applicants for H-1B employment that are subject to the $100,000 fee established by the “Presidential Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers” issued on September 19, 2025. Applicants are responsible for determining the applicability of the fee.
CA Resident Requirement: The California State University (CSU) system is a network of twenty-three public universities providing access to a quality education through the support of California taxpayers. Part of CSU’s mission is to prepare educated, responsible individuals to contribute to California’s schools, economy, culture and future. As an agency of the State of California, the CSU’s business operations almost exclusively reside within California. As of the effective date of this policy, hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California is prohibited. Exceptions to this prohibition are limited to approved purposes for conducting CSU business in a region outside of California. Out-of-state employment creates various legal and tax liabilities that the CSU must seriously consider when extending employment to individuals residing outside the state. For more information and the full policy, go to https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/10899725/latest/
Salary is commensurate with experience.
Assistant Professor (Range 3) - $6,221 – $13,224
Associate Professor (Range 4) - $6,825 – $14,523
Professor (Range 5) - $8,593 – $15,211
CSU Salary Schedule: https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/compensation/Pages/salary-schedule.aspx
Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.
The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
In our commitment to the furthering of knowledge and fulfilling our educational mission, California State University, San Bernardino seeks a campus climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the entire variety of human experience. We welcome people from all backgrounds, and we seek to include knowledge and values from many cultures in the curriculum and extra-curricular life of the campus community. We will create, promote, and maintain activities and programs that further our understanding of individual and group diversity. We will also develop and communicate policies and promote values that discourage intolerance and discrimination.
This position may be “Designated” under California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This would require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within 6 months of assuming office and every 2 years thereafter. Visit the Human Resources Conflict of Interest webpage link for additional information:
https://www.csusb.edu/human-resources/current-employees/employee-relations/conflict-interest