Teaching Specialist/Lecturer

Position Overview
As one of the most comprehensive design colleges in the country, the College of Design’s vision is to be the recognized leader in advancing transformative thinking and practice, and reinventing our disciplines and professions for a new century.
In order to prepare our students to confront the real challenges of our time, every College of Design graduate from the University of Minnesota will:

• Be able to apply design thinking as a way to address issues big and small confronting the local and
• world community
• Understand and be prepared for the social, environmental, and economic ramifications of each problem they address and every decision they make in their work
• Not only be able to conceive unique ideas, but be capable of implementing those ideas through actionable plans, projects, or strategies.

The Department of Design Innovation (DESI) in the College of Design welcomes applications for Part-Time Instructors to teach designated courses based on the following areas according to the needs of the department:

• Graphic Design
• Retail Merchandising
• Apparel Design
• Interior Design
• UX Design
• College of Design Common Core

Applications are reviewed as openings occur, and individual applicants are invited to interview when their skills or areas of expertise match an opening. This posting is designed to establish a pool of instructors. Applications will be reviewed when openings occur throughout the academic year/summer. 

Appointment Details

This is a temporary, non-tenured, Academic Professional and Administrative (P&A) position, paid on a per course basis. These appointments are typically arranged semester by semester or for the summer and employment is contingent upon the course meeting its enrollment target.

This appointment is specifically for Fall 2025, Spring 2026 and Summer 2026.

Responsibilities

• Provide instructional delivery based on the course objectives and student learning outcomes defined by the program faculty and within the time scheduled for the course(s).
• Teach class each week as scheduled and deliver course content. 
• Hold office hours each week to allow students access outside of the classroom.
• Participate in department committees and in portfolio review (if applicable).

This position is contributing to and supporting the mission of our land-grant institution.

Required Qualifications

• A Master's or Bachelor's degree plus substantial professional recognition in the subject field or a closely related discipline.
• Evidence of competence to teach in content area is required.
• Proven excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Evidence of attention to cultural diversity in teaching.

Preferred Qualifications

• A terminal degree in your subject field, Ph.D. or MFA is required in the subject field or a closely related discipline.
• Technologically innovative approach to teaching.
• Experience working collaboratively with academic departments and in the community.

The Department of Design Innovation (DESI) is one of two academic departments in the College of Design. Our department has over 700 undergraduate majors and over 70 graduate students.  It serves as the administrative support to four undergraduate programs leading to a B.S. in Apparel Design, Interior Design, and Retail Merchandising; and a BFA in Graphic Design.  We offer four degree options in either Design or Human Factors and Ergonomics at the graduate level--Master of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Fine Arts (emphasis in interactive design) and Ph.D.  We offer minor degrees in design, fashion studies, housing studies, human factors and ergonomics, museum studies, retail merchandising and product design.

The College of Design is committed to attracting candidates from historically underrepresented groups knowing that diversity enriches the academic experience and provides a knowledge base for innovation.

Pay Range: $2,427 - $14,381;  depending on a number of factors including: credits taught, academic discipline, education, qualifications, and experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. 

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647). For Questions about the Search Process please contact Austin Voigt, HR Generalist, at voigt271@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research.  Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.