Job Description

Position Title:

Assistant/Associate Professor of Fashion Studies (Tenure-track)

Location:

Grand Rapids (Kendall)

Department:

92250 - KCAD Digital Art and Design

Advertised Salary:

$58,000 (for Assistant rank) plus an excellent, comprehensive benefit package (health care, retirement, etc.)

FLSA:

Exempt

Temporary/Continuing: 

Continuing

Part-Time/Full-Time:

Full-Time

Union Group:

Kendall Faculty Association (MEA-NEA)

Term of Position:

9 Month

At Will/Just Cause:

Just Cause

Summary of Position:

Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University (KCAD) in Grand Rapids, MI prepares artists and designers to have impact through practice. Full time faculty members at KCAD teach 18 semester credit hours per academic year, typically 3 courses each fall and spring semester. As a KCAD faculty member, you will engage in three kinds of professional development: continuous improvement in teaching effectiveness, creative and/or scholarly contribution within your discipline, and a college service commitment that includes committee work and community engagement for the advancement of KCAD’s mission. You will actively advise students regarding their academic plan and progress as well as their co-curricular and post-graduation opportunities.

The program prepares students for careers in the fashion industry through key studio classes integrating concept development, design, materials, garment construction, pattern-making, draping, drawing, digital technologies and research/development. Program includes fashion shows, community collaborations, a fashion lab, and support courses in General Education and Art History add broader context to the program; with an optional senior year experience at the Fashion Institute of Technology, NYC.

Teaching assignments will include but are not limited to: design process for fashion and function, construction, patternmaking, draping, and textiles, as framed by the program outline. The faculty member should form a bridge between the students' academic/studio learning and the profession; thus, applicants should demonstrate significant experience in apparel design/development and a continuing, active connection to the fashion design industry. Future instruction may include courses with a study away component. Courses are to be taught in person on KCAD’s campus in Grand Rapids, MI. The candidate(s) selected for the position must reside in Michigan after acceptance of employment.

Position Type:

Faculty - Temporary & Continuing

Required Education:

Master’s degree in Fashion, Fashion Design, Fashion Studies, or related field.

Required Work Experience:

Minimum of three years’ industry experience in fashion or garment design and development.
Minimum of three years of full-time, part-time, or adjunct college level teaching experience in fashion beyond teaching assistantships.

Required Licenses and Certifications:

Physical Demands:

• Office Environment
• Bending
• Carrying
• Sitting
• Standing

Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:

MFA in Fashion with emphasis in garment design.
Ability to manage and maintain the fashion construction lab with student employees.
Ability to lead a course with a study away component.
Ability to plan and oversee a student fashion show.
Accessories design experience and/or knowledge of leather construction techniques.
Merchandising and/or retail buying knowledge.
Prior experience in product development.
3D printing experience.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Participate in program and curriculum development and assessment.
Prepare and distribute syllabi according to college standards.
Teach an appropriate course load as assigned.
Assess and evaluate student learning and provide formative feedback throughout the course.
Keep regular posted office hours.
Advise students for academic and professional development.
Participate in service to the college and in shared governance.
Maintain and manage fashion construction lab with student employees.
Participate in academic functions including commencement, fashion shows/exhibits, reviews and events.
Contribute to the college’s continuous improvement.
Maintain effective communication with students and colleagues.
Work collaboratively with faculty, students and staff throughout the college.
Contribute to your discipline’s discourse(s).
Engage in scholarly, creative and professional development.
Engage in reflective self-assessment for improvement, renewal and promotion.
Demonstrate an understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff and community members.
Support, promote, and develop University student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Perform any other duties assigned within the position classification area.

Marginal Duties/Responsibilities:

Skills and Abilities:

Teaching proficiency in patternmaking, draping and apparel construction methods with knit and woven materials, functional clothing design and fit analysis.
Knowledge of textiles and emerging technologies in fashion/textiles.
Proficiency in CAD for patternmaking and technical design.
Demonstrated leadership qualities
Evidence of teaching effectiveness
Ability to utilize professional knowledge and experience for collaboration and teamwork within the classroom and throughout the college.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrated commitment, experience and understanding for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Required Documents:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Unofficial Transcript 1
• Teaching Philosophy
• Portfolio 1

Optional Documents:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Unofficial Transcript 1(Required): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcripts of degree as described in the Required Education section. Transcripts must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, and degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript.

Teaching Philosophy (Required): Statement of teaching philosophy in 300 words or less to include rationale for connecting and bridging studio Fashion Studies and the Fashion Industry.

Portfolio 1 (Required): Fashion design portfolio including illustrations and constructed garments-attach 10-20 (maximum) images of professional work or link to professional website and 10-20 (maximum) images of student work: or link to professional website with images clearly labeled as professional or student work. Images must include a description that clearly states what part of the image is original work i.e. patterns, draping, construction, photography, styling, CAD.

Initial Application Review Date:

January 13, 2025

Open Until Position is Filled?:

Yes

Posting Close Date:

EEO Statement:

Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence.  Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at  ferris.edu . The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit:  Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement .

Click here to learn more about working at FSU and KCAD.

About Ferris State University

Ferris State University prepares students for successful careers, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning. Through its many partnerships and its career-oriented, broad-based education, Ferris serves our rapidly changing global economy and society.

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Job Tags

Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Work experience placement,

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