Professor of the Practice in Graphic Arts

The School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University (SMFA) invites applications for a full-time Professor of the Practice position in Graphic Arts to begin September 1, 2027.

We are seeking an educator who has a strong grounding in the practical, theoretical, and historical aspects of design. Candidates should be able to teach a wide range of theme-based courses for beginning- and advanced-level students. A background in client-based work in graphic design is useful but not essential.

The School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA) is a school within Tufts University's School of Arts and Sciences. SMFA grants the BFA, MFA and MA degrees; students do not major in a single studio practice or area. SMFA faculty are practicing artists and researchers, and sustaining an active creative and research practice-alongside teaching-is an ongoing expectation of the role. Candidates should understand this structure and be prepared to envision their teaching, research, and creative practice within it.

We seek an artist and designer whose practice is narrative-based and who works fluently in print or screen-based media. Some exhibition record that employs these ideas, as well as artists' books and/or book publications, would also be welcome. The ideal candidate will bring diverse experiences that contribute to contemporary art practice and critical discourse, as well as to teaching and mentoring. Given SMFA's hybrid, multi-media orientation, the ideal candidate will also integrate design practice across forms.

While this search seeks a colleague with specific disciplinary expertise, SMFA's programs and degrees are grounded in a broader institutional commitment to interdisciplinarity. We are looking for someone who will bring depth in their own practice while actively supporting students whose work moves across media and disciplines-and who can envision how their own teaching, research, and practice fit within SMFA's cross-disciplinary structure.

We are also looking for a colleague with experience and interest in academic leadership. Relevant experience might include service as a department chair, director of graduate studies, or leadership of curricular or governance work.

* An MFA (or equivalent terminal degree) is required, along with a minimum of three years of university-level teaching experience that includes both beginning-level and graduate instruction. This is an open-rank search.

* An active art and design practice with extensive exhibition or public showings of work.

* Experience in curriculum development in the graphic arts and interdisciplinary learning.

Please submit the following materials viaInterfolio at apply.interfolio.com/195242:

* Current CV/Resume

* Cover letter. In it, candidates should describe their experience with, and interest in, academic leadership roles such as department chair or director of graduate studies, and should address how SMFA's structure and philosophy align with their own work, training, and expertise.

* Artist's Statement

* Statement on Research

* Statement of Teaching Philosophy

* A link to your professional website and 20 examples of your work with explanatory information

* 20 images of student works with brief explanations

* Names and contact information for three references

Please contact Elizabeth Finnen with questions. Review of applications will begin Nov 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a background check.

Tufts University is committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation that reflects each candidate's experience, expertise, responsibilities, and performance. The pay offered will be determined based on a variety of factors such as (but not limited to) the individual's education and experience, discipline, rank, internal equity, and budgetary considerations.