"Assistant Professor, Fashion Design and Merchandising (Tenure track)"

Job Description

Position Title:

Assistant Professor, Fashion Design and Merchandising (Tenure track)

Department:

Fashion Design and Merchandising

Reports To:

Department Chair

Location:

On-campus (River Forest, IL)

Position Available:

August 2025

Position Summary:

The successful candidate will champion the program's liberal arts foundation by integrating community-based experiences, interdisciplinary relationships, and diverse perspectives into core courses essential for design and merchandising majors. This role will also align with Dominican University's mission of fostering equity, inclusion, and community engagement, with the expectation to evolve into the Department Chair position, shaping the department's strategic direction and ensuring alignment with university goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Teaching (7 Courses per academic year):

• Subjects include the history of global dress in fashion, contemporary clothing, human behavior in dress and fashion, trend forecasting and fashion communications, an introduction to fashion, human behavior in dress and fashion, textile science, surface design, fiber arts, jewelry design, and digital textile design.
• Incorporates diverse perspectives, ethical considerations, and interdisciplinary approaches.
• Expertise in fashion design, fashion show production, and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is required.

Scholarship and Professional Development:

• Engage in research and industry partnerships to maintain academic and professional relevance.

Student Advising and Mentorship:

• Advise undergraduate students, supporting their academic and professional aspirations.
• Advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in mentorship practices.

Curriculum Development and Program Review:

• Lead program reviews to align curricula with industry standards and university priorities.
• Oversee curriculum updates to reflect evolving global fashion trends and ethical considerations.

Industry and Community Engagement:

• Must attend fashion industry events throughout the Chicagoland area and actively develop and strengthen community partnerships and industry connections.

Departmental Leadership:

• Collaborate with faculty to develop and update program reviews, ensuring that the curriculum and program quality meet the evolving standards of the university, industry demands, and the diverse needs of students.
• Oversee curriculum development, manage the textile and clothing collection, and participate in departmental special projects and events.

University and Committee Engagement:

• Actively participate in university-wide committees and contribute to the institution's social justice and inclusivity mission.

Required Qualifications:

• A terminal degree in Textiles and Fashion or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in undergraduate teaching, with expertise in fashion design, CAD, and fashion show production.
• Proven ability to integrate equity and inclusion principles into curriculum and mentorship.
• Established relationships within the fashion industry and community partnerships.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience and/or interest in developing community-based collaborations

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Extended periods of standing and engaging while teaching or conducting classes.
• Occasionally required to lift and carry items weighing up to 15 pounds.

Salary and FLSA Status

• FLSA Status: Exempt, full-time
• SALARY: $60,000 - $65,000 annually

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer matching contributions
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependents
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Generous paid time off (PTO)

Employment at Dominican University is contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation.

To apply please submit 1) Resume/CV, 2) Cover Letter, 3) Statement of Teaching Philosophy, 4) Description of Proposed Research